Dale Earnhardt Jr. welcomes Kyle Larson and Tony Kanaan to the studio to learn more about Kyle’s return to the Indianapolis 500 as part of the historic Memorial Day double. After a rain delay disrupted the true double attempt in 2024, Kyle is anxious to get back behind the wheel at Indy for another attempt at the incredible feat. Dale asks Kyle and Tony about the process of getting Kyle behind the wheel of an IndyCar and what his first test sessions felt like. They also discuss the comparisons between an IndyCar Dallara and a NextGen Cup car.
Kyle and Tony talk about their history together, dating back to winning the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2015, and how that helped streamline their learning process and working relationship at Arrow McLaren. The guys chat about the magnitude of the 500 and the environment at Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the month of May, and how it doesn’t compare to anything else in motorsports. Tony explains how he takes information from engineers and streamlines it for Kyle to better understand behind the wheel. The interview also covers the process of timing a pass at IMS, Kyle’s 2024 pit penalty, plan B for 2025 and what’s next on Kyle’s racing bucket list.
Chapters:
06:03 The Experience of Testing and Learning
09:11 Tony Kanaan's Role as a Mentor
12:11 Understanding the IndyCar Culture
14:46 The Month of May: Commitment and Preparation
18:02 Navigating Challenges During Practice
21:12 Adjusting to New Tools and Techniques
24:04 Race Day Experience and Strategy
28:57 Timing the Runs: Strategies for Overtaking
31:35 The Dynamics of Racing: Inside vs. Outside Lines
33:21 Understanding Racing Etiquette Across Disciplines
36:17 Comfort and Adjustments in Different Cockpits
38:46 Chasing Track Temperature: The Impact on Performance
40:25 Risk Management: Balancing Safety and Aggression
42:12 Handling Traffic: The Importance of Race Craft
44:09 Moments of Near Miss: Observing Fellow Drivers
49:13 Navigating Pit Road: The Art of Pit Stops
53:52 Tire Management: Transitioning from Old to New
54:41 Weather Considerations: Planning for Race Day
56:12 Weather Forecast and Race Day Preparations
57:22 Qualifying Decisions and Race Strategy
58:28 Driver Changes and Race Regulations
59:20 Future Racing Plans and Commitments
01:00:50 Retirement Reflections and New Opportunities
01:02:30 Exploring New Racing Experiences
01:04:57 Innovations in Dirt Racing and Fan Engagement
01:06:45 The Impact of Sim Racing on Real Racing
01:12:10 Personality and Dynamics in Online Racing
01:14:30 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations
THE PODCASTS YOU LOVE. THE MERCH YOU NEED. Get it all here: https://shop.dirtymomedia.com/
Follow Dirty Mo Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DirtyMoMedia
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DirtyMoMedia
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dirtymomedia
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dirtymomedia_
All About Dirty Mo Media: https://www.dirtymomedia.com