ddINDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 21: NTT IndyCar series driver Jimmie Johnson stands near the Borg Warner ... [+]
Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson will have some more company at this year’s Indianapolis 500.
Larson, who plans to compete in his first Indianapolis 500 on May 26, will have seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson in the NBC broadcast booth for the race. Johnson will then join Larson traveling to Charlotte Motor Speedway later that day where both will race in NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600.
Johnson himself competed in the 2022 Indy 500 during his full season in the IndyCar series after he retired from fulltime NASCAR competition. For his own efforts he was named the 2022 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year.
For this year, he will be part of NBC Sports’ motorsports coverage for not only the Indianapolis 500, but for four NASCAR races later this season. Previously, Johnson was a part of the studio coverage at the 2021 Indy 500.
After the 500, Johnson will serve as an analyst on NBC Sports’ NASCAR coverage of the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona Superspeedway on Aug. 24 and the YellaWood 500 from Talladega Superspeedway on Oct. 6, one of three playoff races in the Round of 12. In addition, Johnson will contribute to NBC Sports’ coverage for select NASCAR races in which he is competing this year, including the NASCAR Cup Series Championship from Phoenix Raceway on Nov. 10.
“To have the opportunity to experience ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ once again is such an honor,” said Johnson. “I was part of the NBC broadcast team in 2021 and it just fueled the fire I needed to make my childhood dream of racing in the Indianapolis 500 one day a reality. Competing in this race as a driver was a chance of a lifetime, so to be able to experience the pageantry again is just so special. Even though I’ve never been able to do the ‘double’ as a driver, May 26th is going to be a very busy day. After the broadcast, I’ll fly to Charlotte Motor Speedway and drive in the Coca-Cola 600. I’m so thankful to NBC for the opportunity and continued partnership.”
As for Larson his Indianapolis 500 journey began only recently. The announcement was made just under a year ago. Since then, he has turned laps in an open-wheel Indy car at Phoenix Raceway and completed his rookie test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He will become the fifth NASCAR driver to attempt the same day double hoping to complete a total of 1100 miles on track. Should he accomplish starting in both events he will join John Andretti, Tony Stewart, Robby Gordon, and Kurt Busch.
Larson will now be joined by the NASCAR Hall of Famer who will be completing his own version of the Double.
“Any time you can add one of the greatest drivers of all time and an icon of the sport, you jump at the opportunity,” said Sam Flood, lead producer for NBC Sports’ motorsports coverage. “We are thrilled to be working with Jimmie and adding his unique perspective on every race he covers, as well as having him become the first person ever to do the ‘double’ – history awaits.”
