Kyle Larson's whirlwind day begins in Indy, ends in North Carolina

NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. — Kyle Larson is such a talented race-car driver, for a racing accomplishment to rank as special has to truly be something extraordinary.

The NASCAR Cup Series points leader did just that, turning the fastest qualifying lap ever by a rookie in Indianapolis 500 history Saturday with a speed of 233.453 mph and the second-fastest ever four-lap qualifying average by a rookie at 232.846 (Tony Stewart, as a rookie, posted a 233.100 in 1996) Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

After qualifying fifth for his first IndyCar race — and the biggest race in the world — he then flew to North Wilkesboro Speedway, where he finished fourth in the NASCAR All-Star Race.

Larson had never experienced Indianapolis 500 qualifying, which consists of two days if a driver is among the top-12 in the first day.

"To be lined up on the second row of the Indianapolis 500 is pretty crazy," Larson said. "I just can't believe it, really. I thought if we could make the Fast 12, that would be exceeding expectations.

"To qualify as well as we did yesterday [to make the top-12] and then get into the Fast Six today was unbelievable. Happy with how it's gone so far there, and now I look forward to hopefully get better in race trim."

At Indianapolis, the 31-year-old Larson is driving for Arrow McLaren as part of a partnership with Hendrick Motorsports. He will likely do something more special next Sunday in competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 in the same day.

"It's been comfortable every time I've hit the track, so that that helps you relieve pressure knowing that you're in a fast car," Larson said. "I've just really tried to enjoy the experience, enjoy the moment."

Assuming nothing crazy happens between now