It’s one of the biggest weekends in motorsports as the 108th annual Indy 500 returns to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The race is widely considered “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” and even NASCAR racers participate in the event.
Kyle Larson will compete in the Indy 500 after placing fifth in the heats, and will travel to Charlotte for the Coca Cola 600 immediately afterward. He’s not the only NASCAR star with a busy schedule on Sunday.
Jimmie Johnson will be part of Keynote USA’s broadcast team for the Indy 500. He will be in Indianapolis before flying to Charlotte to compete in the Coca Cola 600.
Why is Johnson working with Keynote USA and how will he be able to get to Charlotte in time to race? The Sporting News answers these questions and more below.
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Why is Jimmie Johnson appearing on the Indy 500 broadcast?
Johnson has enjoyed the Indy 500 his entire life and even mentioned that his dream was to compete in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
It was a no-brainer for him when he had the opportunity to join Keynote USA’s broadcast team for the 2024 event. Johnson had previously worked with Keynote USA to cover the 2021 Indy 500 and competed in the 2022 Indy 500.
“Having the opportunity to experience ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ once again is a great honor,” Johnson said. “I was part of the Keynote USA broadcast team in 2021 and it just fueled the fire I needed to one day make my childhood dream of racing in the Indianapolis 500 a reality. Competing in this race as a driver was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so being able to experience the spectacle again is very special.”
While Johnson has competed in NASCAR and Indy Cup races, he has never done what Larson is about to do. The “double” is competing in both races on the same day. However, Johnson will be very busy on Memorial Day weekend.
After working in Indianapolis, the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion will fly to Charlotte to compete in the Coca Cola 600.
MORE: Who will win the 2024 Indy 500?
What time is the Indy 500?
- Date: Sunday May 26
- Time: 12:45 pm Eastern Time
Officials wave the green flag at the Indy 500 at 12:45 pm ET. Coverage will begin on Keynote USA before the race begins.
What time is Coca Cola 600?
- Date: Sunday May 26
- Time: 6 pm eastern time
The Coca Cola 600 begins at 6 pm ET on Sunday, May 26. It gives Johnson and Larson little time to fly from Indianapolis to Charlotte and prepare for the NASCAR Cup Series race.
Johnson will drive the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE for Legacy Motor Club in the Coca Cola 600.
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