The unique checklist of NASCAR Cup champions with Indy 500 begins

Solely 5 NASCAR Cup Collection drivers have ventured into the world of American open-wheel racing. Amongst that group, solely 5 have been or went on to be Cup champions. Kyle Larson would be the sixth when he takes the inexperienced flag within the 2024 Indianapolis 500.

So, let’s have a look again on the full checklist of NASCAR Cup champions who’ve additionally run ‘The Biggest Spectacle in Racing’ through the years. This unique checklist of Indy 500 starters goes all the way in which again to 1966…

Cale Yarborough 

3x NASCAR Cup champion (1976, 1977, 1978)

4x Indy 500 starter (1966, 1967, 1971, and 1972)

The NASCAR Corridor of Famer handed away on the finish of final yr, and will likely be remembered as one of many hardest drivers within the historical past of inventory automotive racing. 

Whereas nonetheless making a reputation for himself in NASCAR, he tried each 1966 and 1967 Indianapolis 500, driving a Vollstedt-Ford. Sadly, he crashed out in each races. When Ford pulled its manufacturing unit help for its NASCAR groups, he immediately discovered himself and not using a experience. He turned his eyes to open-wheel racing, operating ten USAC races. This would come with his third try on the Indy 500, ending sixteenth for Gene White. His greatest end was fifth, coming at Trenton Speedway and later repeated at Michigan.

In 1972, he accomplished his fourth and remaining Indy 500. He completed a career-best tenth after beginning thirty second. He absolutely dedicated to inventory automotive racing after this, profitable three consecutive Cup titles between 1976 and 1978.

Bobby Allison

1983 NASCAR Cup champion

2x Indy 500 starter (1973 and 1975)

A member of probably the most well-known households in NASCAR, many aren’t conscious in regards to the Alabama-born driver’s two Indy 500 makes an attempt. Driving for the legendary Roger Penske he certified twelfth as a rookie in 1973. His brother Donnie had already made two begins within the Indy 500, ending fourth in 1970 and sixth in 1971 for Foyt-Greer Racing. Sadly, the elder Allison brother didn’t honest as nicely, failing to make it previous the opening lap after struggling a blown engine. He completed thirty second.

Allison joined Penske’s NASCAR workforce later in 1974 and returned to Indy with workforce the next yr. He managed to guide a single lap throughout a pit cycle however failed to complete the race, retiring with a gearbox problem after 112 of 200 laps. He completed twenty fifth. He ran a handful of open-wheel races that yr, incomes a career-best end of sixth at Ontario Motor Speedway.

Tony Stewart

3x NASCAR Cup champion (2002, 2005 and 2011)

5x Indy 500 starter (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001)

Maybe probably the most well-known of this group, it is arduous to think about anybody who would not know of Stewart’s background. Earlier than turning into a NASCAR celebrity, he was an IndyCar champion. As a rookie, he earned pole place for the 1996 Indianapolis 500. He dominated the beginning of the race for Workforce Menard. He led 44 of the primary 82 laps, however an engine problem ended his race early. He completed twenty fourth.

In 1997, he was very sturdy as nicely, qualifying second and ending fifth after main 64 laps. He brushed the wall late however was capable of limp it residence, crossing the road because the final automotive on the lead lap. 1998 was a disappointing 500 for Stewart, ending useless final (thirty third) after dropping an engine early within the occasion. He was main the race when the engine expired.

He was a bit quieter in 1999, driving from twenty fourth on the grid to complete a good ninth. It was additionally the primary time he had tried the Indy 500/Coke 600 double, ending fourth within the 600 later that very same day.

2001 was the ultimate time ‘Smoke’ ran the Indy 500, once more aiming to finish all 1,100 miles between Indianapolis and Charlotte. Driving for Chip Ganassi at Indy, he completed sixth, after which went on to complete third at Charlotte. It stays the very best exhibiting by any driver who has tried to run each races on the identical day, and Stewart is the one one to finish all laps in each races.

Kurt Busch

2004 NASCAR Cup champion

2014 Indy 500 starter

The elder Busch brother is the primary driver on this checklist who was already a confirmed Cup champion earlier than trying to run the five hundred. Regardless of crashing in observe, he went on to qualify twelfth. Driving for Andretti Autosport, he impressed with a strong exhibiting of sixth regardless of zero earlier expertise as an IndyCar driver. 

He additionally ran each races in the identical day, however failed to complete the Coke 600 with a blown engine.

Jimmie Johnson

7x NASCAR Cup champion (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, and 2016)

2022 Indy 500 starter

After retiring from full-time NASCAR Cup Collection competitors, 7x Cup champion Jimmie Johnson selected to check out IndyCar. Driving for Ganassi, he ran solely the street and avenue programs in 2021. It was a wrestle for Johnson, however the veteran driver confirmed promise on the ovals in 2022. He completed sixth at Texas and ended up qualifying twelfth for his Indy 500 debut. He led two laps, however sadly, crashed out of the race after 193 of 200 laps. He completed twenty eighth.

Kyle Larson

2021 NASCAR Cup champion

2024 Indy 500 starter

Larson is about to grow to be the primary driver to try The Double (weather-permitting) in a decade, however regardless of when the race occurs, he’ll be part of this text’s checklist as soon as he takes the inexperienced flag at Indianapolis. Larson at present leads the common season standings in NASCAR and already received a Cup title in 2021.

He’s an completed dash automotive driver and has received numerous races on grime tracks throughout the nation. Regardless of by no means competing in IndyCar earlier than, he rapidly acclimated himself to the automotive. Driving for Arrow McLaren, which has partnered with Hendrick Motorsports for this race, he certified fifth for the five hundred.

He has the potential to match and even surpass Stewart’s 2011 effort, and he is proven no purpose why we must always assume in any other case.