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Kyle Larson's stand-by driver for the Coca-Cola 600 revealed in 2024

Austin Konenski
USA TODAY Sports
Roger Penske and Rick Hendrick stand alongside Kyle Larson for a Hendrick Motorsports announcement about Larson racing the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023, prior to the Verizon 200 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Kyle Larson is attempting "The Double" on May 26, featuring 1,100 miles in the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600. Larson must qualify for the Indianapolis 500 first; however, the No. 17 car has shown speed in its limited time on the race track. Yet, what would happen if Larson can't make it to Charlotte for some reason? Hendrick Motorsports has a stand-by driver.

According to FOX Sports' Bob Pockrass, Justin Allgaier would be the expected stand-by driver for Larson at any point during the NASCAR weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Allgaier previously replaced Jimmie Johnson at the 2020 Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis 500 after the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion tested positive for COVID-19.

Larson said his priority for "The Double" is making the Coca-Cola 600. Therefore, if there is a rain delay for the Indianapolis 500, Larson would go to Charlotte, and Tony Kanaan would take over the No. 17 car. It is more likely that Kanaan will replace Larson than Allgaier, but it is important to note who is also on standby for the Coca-Cola 600.

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