Refresher Test Completed: Kanaan on Standby for Larson

Tony Kanaan has completed his Indy 500 refresher test without any issues. The now 50-year-old driver ran a total of 43 laps, gradually building up speed throughout the session. Kanaan was required to complete the test in order to be eligible to replace Kyle Larson, should the Indy 500 be postponed and clash with the NASCAR race in which Larson is also scheduled to compete.

Kanaan recorded his fastest average speed—218.413 mph—on his final full lap, although outright speed was not the focus of the test.

Larson is attempting the “Double” for the second year in a row: first the Indy 500, followed by the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Due to contractual obligations, the NASCAR race takes priority over the Indy 500. If the latter is delayed, Kanaan is now cleared to step in for Larson.

For Kanaan—now a team principal at McLaren—it was his first time back in an IndyCar in two years. His last appearance was the 2023 Indy 500, where he finished 16th.