Which Drivers Have Attempted 'The Double'?

In 2014, Kurt Busch made an impressive attempt at “the double,” competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. At Indy, he finished a commendable 6th in his first-ever 500, showcasing his adaptability and talent. Mechanical issues in the Coca-Cola 600 forced him to retire early, preventing him from completing all 1,100 miles. Despite the setback, his effort highlighted the exceptional skill and determination required to take on this demanding challenge in motorsport.

In 2004, Robby Gordon took on “the double” for the final time, attempting both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Rain delays hindered the Indy 500, forcing Gordon to leave mid-race to fulfill his Coca-Cola 600 commitment, where he finished a challenging 20th. This attempt emphasized the immense difficulties and sacrifices involved in tackling this grueling motorsport feat.

In 2003, Robby Gordon made another attempt at “the double,” competing in the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Due to a rain delay at Indy, Gordon handed over driving duties to a substitute and shifted focus to the Coca-Cola 600, where he finished 17th. His effort demonstrated the dedication and adaptability required to tackle this demanding motorsport challenge.

In 2002, Robby Gordon once again took on “the double,” competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Weather disrupted his Indianapolis 500 run, forcing him to postpone part of the race to the following day, where he ultimately finished 8th. Despite the logistical hurdles, he raced in the Coca-Cola 600 later that day, finishing 16th. Gordon’s persistence underscored the intense stamina and commitment required to undertake this grueling motorsport challenge.

In 2001, Tony Stewart made a remarkable attempt at “the double,” racing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. At Indy, Stewart delivered a strong performance, finishing 6th after enduring 500 miles. He then flew to Charlotte and completed the Coca-Cola 600 with an impressive 3rd-place finish, achieving the extraordinary feat of completing all 1,100 miles of racing in a single day. This performance cemented his reputation as one of motorsport’s most determined and versatile competitors.

In 2000, Robby Gordon made another attempt at “the double,” racing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Bad luck struck at Indy, where his car ran out of fuel close to the finish, resulting in a 6th-place finish. He then traveled to Charlotte for the Coca-Cola 600 but was forced to retire early due to engine failure, finishing 35th. While the results weren’t ideal, his determination to tackle this demanding challenge highlighted his resilience and the extraordinary effort required to compete at the highest level in motorsport.

In 1997, Robby Gordon took on the challenging “double,” attempting to race in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. The Indy 500 was cut short for Gordon due to rain delays that postponed the race, preventing him from completing both events as planned. Despite the setback, his effort spotlighted the extreme demands of competing at this level and reinforced the allure of the double as a test of endurance and versatility in motorsport.

In 1994, John Andretti  attempted “the double,” competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. At Indy, he finished a respectable 10th, showcasing his skill among elite competition. Afterward, he flew to Charlotte for the Coca-Cola 600, where he placed 36th due to mechanical issues. Andretti’s groundbreaking effort drew significant attention to the physical and logistical demands of this feat, inspiring future drivers to take on the formidable challenge.

In 1971, Donnie Allison once again attempted “the double,” racing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the World 600 on the same day. Despite his Indy 500 ending early due to a mechanical failure after 103 laps, Allison didn’t relent. He traveled to Charlotte for the World 600, where another mechanical issue forced him out, resulting in a 30th-place finish. Though the results didn’t favor him, his determination to take on this physically and logistically demanding challenge underscored his competitive spirit and passion for racing.

In 1970, Donnie Allison made an ambitious attempt at “the double,” racing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the World 600 on the same day. At Indy, Allison impressed with a strong performance, finishing fourth in his first-ever 500. He then flew to Charlotte for the World 600, where he placed 29th due to mechanical issues. His effort showcased remarkable endurance and adaptability, leaving an enduring impact as a pioneer in tackling this grueling motorsport challenge.