Larson on his incredible Indy/NASCAR double attempt: ‘My brain wasn’t ready!’

“There’s some alarm that popped up on the engine, cut a bunch of power,” he said. “I don’t know what happened. We didn’t make it off Turn 2. I haven’t talked to anybody, so I don’t know what happened. But that sucks. I don’t really know how our run was looking, but the car felt pretty balanced.”

It turned out just to be an electrical issue though, and just after the four-hour mark, Larson would clock a 232.562mph average speed – guaranteeing him a place both in the race and the ‘Fast 12’ qualifying shootout.

Did Kanaan or Gordon ever doubt it? “Calling me a ‘coach’ is an overstatement, Kyle is making me look good!” laughed Kanaan.

“My heart-rate was going a little there – we didn’t intend the drama!” added Gordon to NBC. “I am living vicariously through Kyle – what race driver wouldn’t want to compete at the Indy 500!”

Come the Fast 12 knockout round, Larson would do even better, putting himself into the final ‘Fast Six’ session, eventually qualifying an incredible fifth, in the middle of the second row.

He’ll be flanked on the starting grid by 2016 winner and McLaren team-mate Alexander Rossi on his left and speedway firebrand Santino Ferrucci, a driver who has never finished outside the top 10 at The Brickyard in five attempts, on his right. The front-row has been swept by Penske: Scott McLaughlin set a scorching record pole time of 234.220mph, just ahead of former 500 champ Will Power and last year’s winner Josef Newgarden.

“Unbelievable – it’s just a lot better than I ever anticipated,” said Larson to Flo Racing. “I’m happy not having to run another qualifying lap! Just the nerves, going out, get more and more every time.”

The Hendrick driver then completed an unofficial first Indy/NASCAR ‘Double’ after qualifying last weekend. Immediately after setting his top five 500 time, he flew to North Wilkesboro for the Cup series ‘All-Star’ race – and finished fourth!

The stage is now set for an incredible spectacle for the 2024 Indianapolis, with Larson the centre of attention.

Regardless of how it goes, would he be open to coming back and giving another whirl in the future?

“I just kind of want to see how this experience goes first,” he told Motorsport.com. “If I enjoy it, and if it doesn’t scare the shit out of me, then maybe I would like to do it again.”