Kurt Busch to attempt Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day weekend

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It’s been more than a decade since it’s been attempted, and only three other drivers have tried it. Kurt Busch announced plans today to compete in both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day.

On Sunday, May 25, Busch will drive for Michael Andretti’s IndyCar team, though sponsorship has yet to be finalized. Busch will join John Andretti, Robby Gordon and Tony Stewart, his team owner at Stewart-Haas Racing, in his attempt to pull off “The Double.”

The travel schedule alone is enough to make most drivers steer clear of the attempt. Busch will begin the two-week Indy 500 prep on Mother’s Day, May 11, following the Kansas race. He’ll spend that week testing in Indianapolis and will then travel to Charlotte for the non-points All-Star event on May 17. He’ll then return to Indianapolis for Indy 500 qualifying. On race day, Busch will compete in Indianapolis first with a noon start time before he makes a quick getaway to Charlotte for the 600 green flag at 6 p.m.

Busch has Stewart’s full support. “I have to thank Stewart-Haas Racing for giving me the chance to fulfill this dream, to challenge myself in motorsports and to do something special in this day and age,” Busch said.

According to Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway, Stewart is the only driver on record to not merely compete in “The Double,” but to have finished all 1,100 laps of both races.

The Outlaw is especially aware of the significance of the Memorial Day weekend events and says, “I really want to dedicate this to all the men and women who defend our freedom.”

Busch has already begun training for the events and has made his training public. You can track his race preparation and progress at kurtbuschdouble.com.