The exclusive list of NASCAR Cup champions with Indy 500 starts

Only five NASCAR Cup Series drivers have ventured into the world of American open-wheel racing. Among that group, only five were or went on to be Cup champions. Kyle Larson will be the sixth when he takes the green flag in the 2024 Indianapolis 500.

So, let’s take a look back at the complete list of NASCAR Cup champions who have also run ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ over the years. This exclusive list of Indy 500 starters goes all the way back to 1966…

Cale Yarborough 

3x NASCAR Cup champion (1976, 1977, 1978)

4x Indy 500 starter (1966, 1967, 1971, and 1972)

The NASCAR Hall of Famer passed away at the end of last year, and will be remembered as one of the toughest drivers in the history of stock car racing. 

While still making a name for himself in NASCAR, he attempted both 1966 and 1967 Indianapolis 500, driving a Vollstedt-Ford. Unfortunately, he crashed out in both races. When Ford pulled its factory support for its NASCAR teams, he suddenly found himself without a ride. He turned his eyes to open-wheel racing, running ten USAC races. This would include his third attempt at the Indy 500, finishing 16th for Gene White. His best finish was fifth, coming at Trenton Speedway and later repeated at Michigan.

In 1972, he completed his fourth and final Indy 500. He finished a career-best tenth after starting 32nd. He fully committed to stock car racing after this, winning three consecutive Cup titles between 1976 and 1978.

Bobby Allison

1983 NASCAR Cup champion

2x Indy 500 starter (1973 and 1975)

A member of one of the most famous families in NASCAR, many aren’t aware about the Alabama-born driver’s two Indy 500 attempts. Driving for the legendary Roger Penske he qualified 12th as a rookie in 1973. His brother Donnie had already made two starts in the Indy 500, finishing fourth in 1970 and sixth in 1971 for Foyt-Greer Racing. Sadly, the elder Allison brother did not fair as well, failing to make it past the opening lap after suffering a blown engine. He finished 32nd.

Allison joined Penske’s NASCAR team later in 1974 and returned to Indy with team the following year. He managed to lead a single lap during a pit cycle but failed to finish the race, retiring with a gearbox issue after 112 of 200 laps. He finished 25th. He ran a handful of open-wheel races that year, earning a career-best finish of sixth at Ontario Motor Speedway.

Bobby Allison, Penske Racing, McLaren M16C Offenhauser at Indy 500 in 1973