IndyCar: 2018 Indianapolis 500 one-off driver possibilities

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 28: Alexander Rossi, driver of the #98 NAPA Auto Parts Honda (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 28: Alexander Rossi, driver of the #98 NAPA Auto Parts Honda (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, KS – OCTOBER 21: Kyle Larson, driver of the
KANSAS CITY, KS – OCTOBER 21: Kyle Larson, driver of the /

Kyle Larson

Kyle Larson is a true “throwback” racer. When he isn’t competing for Chip Ganassi Racing in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, he can often be found at a local dirt track driving for the World of Outlaws team that he owns.

Will the Indy 500 be part of his 2018 plans? There is currently lots of speculation. After all, his full-time gig is with Chip Ganassi Racing, who happen to have an open seat alongside Ed Jones and Scott Dixon. And he’s expressed repeatedly he wants to make it happen.

The biggest hurdle a Cup driver faces when it comes to running the Indy 500 is logistics. Not only just figuring out possible test days and how to split time between Indianapolis and Charlotte (for the All-Star race and Coca-Cola 600), but getting lots and lots of parties to sign off on the effort.

It’s fun to talk about the possibilities of a Cup driver running Indy, but getting the pieces in place is the challenge. Hopefully, though, this is one deal that gets done.

In years past, the Indy 500 was a global event where drivers of all disciplines came to compete. Sadly, specialization and scheduling have changed that. Still, having a driver come and test their mettle in an open wheel car at Indy is always an exciting possibility.