Thursday marked nine months from the day Kyle Larson first announced he would join Arrow McLaren’s four-car lineup for the 2024 Indianapolis 500. Thursday was also the first time he could jump behind the wheel of an NTT INDYCAR SERIES car, conveniently taking place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway—a preview of the excitement that’s sure to build through race day. 

Before getting to next May’s race, Kyle’s first on-track task was to complete the ROP, or Rookie Orientation Program. The ROP, which has been standard practice ahead of each Indy 500 since 1936, consists of three phases: 10 laps between 205-210 mph, following with 15 laps at 210-215 and finishing with 15 laps faster than 215 mph. Complete that and you are cleared to participate in qualifying for the race. 

Unsurprisingly, Kyle had no issue passing his ROP. After completing his requirements, Kyle finished his session by getting in as many laps as possible to get used to the high speeds of the 2.5-mile track in his new car. 

After the session was complete, Kyle expressed his excitement in getting behind the wheel of the HendrickCars.com Arrow McLaren Chevy for the first time. 

“It was fun,” Kyle said. “Overall, it was a great day. It felt like everyone at Arrow McLaren did a really good job prepping me to make things easier to get up to speed. Thanks to everybody there. Yeah, glad to be through today and look forward to the Open Test in April.” 

Tony Kanaan, Arrow McLaren Sporting Director, has been helping Kyle closely through this process. After running the fourth car for Arrow McLaren in this past year’s Indy 500, Tony has first-hand knowledge on how to prepare for this one race, and he felt Kyle passed this first test with flying colors. 

“It makes my life easier when you have a superstar, so it makes me look good,” Tony said. “It was an awesome day...I think we did what we were supposed to do.” 

Kyle ultimately laid down 72 laps in the three-hour session, including a fastest lap time of 219.32 mph on Lap 55. Aside from running laps, Kyle was also able to try his hand at simulating pit stops, which is something he says will be on his mind.  

“I think more of the pit road side of things is where I’ll have to work on more,” Kyle said. “Just the steering is so slow, you have to turn so far getting in and out. If you’re coming in around someone, leaving out around someone. Getting used to steering at the slower speeds will be something to get used to.” 

While it was a successful day for all involved, there may have been no one more excited than Mr. Rick Hendrick, who said this program is starting to feel more real by the day. 

“It didn’t really hit me until I saw him,” Mr. Hendrick said. “We had the car here when we had the unveiling. But when you hear it and see it come by and he’s in it, it was goose bumps, it was pride...To hear it, see it, watch the speed when it came by, that brought it all to life.” 

The next time Kyle is on track at IMS will be in April for the Open Test. Tony said they have plans to continue getting Kyle prepared for the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, but Thursday’s ROP showed Kyle’s great skill behind the wheel. 

“I don’t think Kyle needs an evaluation as an NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver. He’s a complete driver. Out of his generation, it’s the best I’ve seen...He’s just one of the best race car drivers in the world right now. I’m very fortunate to actually get the chance to work with him.”