Hendrick Motorsports Finds Their Reserve Driver for Kyle Larson

What’s Happening?

As part of Kyle Larson’s second attempt at the challenging Charlotte Indianapolis “Double,” Hendrick Motorsports has had to find a practice and qualifying/reserve driver for the No. 5 car. Once again, they will turn to Justin Allgaier to take on this role in 2025.

Double Duty

Wednesday morning, Hendrick Motorsports confirmed that the 39-year-old Xfinity Series Veteran will practice and qualify the No. 5 for this weekend’s All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Allgaier will also be in the pits as a reserve driver should Larson miss Sunday’s All-Star Race and May 25’s Coca-Cola 600.

Most expected the driver to be Allgaier. Hendrick Motorsports’ Jeff Gordon told the media on Apr. 2, the driver would be a “JRM driver and somebody that fits in his seat.”

This is an expansion of Allgaier’s role with the No. 5 team in 2024, as he only served as the team’s reserve driver during Larson’s 2024 Double. NASCAR legend and FOX Sports analyst Kevin Harvick handled pre-race duties with the No. 5 for the All-Star Race.

Larson’s Schedule

Larson has a tight window to get all his racing action in for this weekend and on May 25:

• On Friday, Larson has Indianapolis 500 practice at noon, and NASCAR All-Star Race Practice and Qualifying starts at 5:00 p.m. EST.
• On Saturday, Larson has Indianapolis 500 qualifying at 11:00 a.m., and NASCAR All-Star Race Heat races start at 5:10 p.m.
• On Sunday, Indianapolis 500 Fast Six Qualifying, the final session of the day, which starts with Top 12 Qualifiers Practice at 1:00 p.m., is scheduled for 6:25 p.m., and the NASCAR All-Star Race is scheduled to start at 8:00 p.m.
• Larson will likely not have an issue attending May 24’s Coca-Cola 600 Practice and Qualifying; however, on Sunday, the green flag for the 109th Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for 12:45 p.m., and the 66th Coca-Cola 600 starts at 6:00 p.m.
• We have covered Larson’s upcoming schedule via the story linked below.

Suppose Larson is to miss any of these sessions for any reason. In that case, Allgaier, who had to do so for last season’s Coca-Cola 600, will step behind the wheel of the No. 5. On the IndyCar side of things, IndyCar veteran and Arrow McLaren Team Principal Tony Kanaan will serve as the No. 17 team’s reserve driver.

Larson’s 2024 Double

After a lengthy rain delay in Indianapolis, Larson, who finished 18th, found himself behind schedule to make it to the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte. Allgaier, who started the race for Larson, ran towards the front of the field prior to a stoppage due to poor weather conditions.

Despite all the drama and over-the-top coverage of Larson’s arrival at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the racing gods had a different plan for the weekend. Larson would not get to finish his double, as NASCAR called the race at just 249 of the scheduled 400 laps.

Allgaier brought home the No. 5 in 13th, while Larson was unable to get behind the wheel of the car.

What do you think about this? Let us know your opinion on Discord or X. Don’t forget that you can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.