Justin Allgaier will take over driving duties for the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet during practice and qualifying at this week’s All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, replacing Kyle Larson. The move comes as Larson focuses on his commitments at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where he is preparing for the prestigious Indianapolis 500. The team chose Allgaier due to his familiarity with Hendrick Motorsports and success in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
This temporary substitution is not new territory for Justin Allgaier, who drives the No. 7 Chevy for JR Motorsports. Allgaier stepped up in a similar role last year when Larson’s #H1100 effort—attempting to compete in both the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day—was interrupted by weather, necessitating a reserve driver for the start of the Coca-Cola 600.
“We’re fortunate to have Justin and we appreciate him stepping in to help,”
said Cliff Daniels, crew chief for the No. 5 team. The seamless fit is further supported by the physical similarities between Larson and Allgaier, making cockpit adjustments minimal.
Beyond being a regular competitor in the Xfinity Series, Justin Allgaier brings added value as a Chevrolet wheel-force test driver, collecting essential data during test sessions. Cliff Daniels highlighted this experience, noting,
“He’s had some time in the simulator driving the track and he did the wheel-force test there a year ago, so he’s got some experience in the Cup car at North Wilkesboro. We’re looking to put in a solid practice and make sure the car drives good.”
Practice for Sunday’s main event is scheduled for Friday evening at 5:05 p.m., followed by qualifying for the All-Star Heat races at 7:05 p.m. Justin Allgaier is also on standby as reserve driver for both the All-Star Race and the upcoming Coca-Cola 600, providing stability for the team during this transitional period.
This decision demonstrates Hendrick Motorsports’ commitment to adaptability and preparation while Larson pursues goals in both NASCAR and IndyCar. Allgaier’s experience with the team, combined with his technical expertise, ensures that the No. 5 car will remain competitive throughout the All-Star Race weekend. Fans and teams alike will watch with anticipation to see if Justin Allgaier’s involvement pays off, potentially shaping the team’s approach in future high-stakes events.
