NASCAR Xfinity Series contender and Cup Series veteran Justin Allgaier is on standby for Kyle Larson should a substitute driver be necessary for the Coca-Cola 600 but he really doesn’t want to get that phone call.
“I know it sounds odd because it would be a great opportunity to drive the 5 car if it comes to fruition but at the same time, as a fan of this scenario, I want to see it work out and for (Kyle) to do both and make it in plenty of time for both,” Allgaier said on Friday at Charlotte Motor Speedway. “I’m watching the forecast every day only because I want it to be beautiful in both places so he can make it all happen.”
The forecast is indeed sketchy, especially on Sunday at Indianapolis, which could force Hendrick Motorsports into a scenario where they have to either force Larson out of the Indy Car or keep him there and have Allgaier start the Coca-Cola 600.
Allgaier, who has 24 Xfinity Series wins and 84 Cup Series starts, has long been a reserve driver for Hendrick Motorsports. He even filled in for Jimmie Johnson in the 2020 Brickyard 400, when the seven-time champion tested positive for COVID, a race that immediately turned sour due to a multi-car crash at pit entry.
The crew chief on that entry was none other than Cliff Daniels, who now calls the shots for Larson and the No. 5 team.
Would Allgaier want any sort of redemption for what happened in his most recent Cup Series substitute appearance?
“Cliff and I were actually discussing that the other night about 2020 and that whole scenario,” Allgaier said. “Listen, when you’re in a substitute role, it’s not always like this. It’s usually because someone is hurt — like Chase (Elliott) last year — and those aren’t ideal roles.
“In one aspect, it’s cool to drive a car that all of us dream about driving … but I don’t want that scenario to play out.”
Allgaier concedes that some drivers in his scenario would root for a chance to have the opportunity to show off at the highest level but he says he is a fan of the sport first and foremost and he isn’t putting himself above what Larson is trying to accomplish in racing both the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day.
Allgaier is sitting in on all the team meetings and he has spent a lot of time at Hendrick Motorsports making sure he fits in the car. He and Larson share a similar body type but there is one problem.
“I actually fit really well in his seat but the seat belts are not as comfortable because (and he paused) I’m a little fluffier than he is.”
He also won’t be able to practice the No. 5 because Larson will be here for that as well. With that said, he is more than confident and comfortable with the car due to his testing experience with it too.
“With the ability to do the Wheel Force (Car) tests and the work I did for Chevrolet and what I’ve done before with Hendrick and knowing what their car drives like, it should be a plug and play situation,” Allgaier said.
“For years, Hendrick has built the Wheel Force Car. Now it’s being built at (General Motors) but a lot of Hendrick’s thoughts and ideas are in that car still so everything I’ve experienced would be really relevant if I need to jump in Kyle’s car.”
Matt Weaver is a Motorsports Insider for Sportsnaut. Follow him on Twitter.
