When Kyle Larson straps into a race car, it’s not just about speed; it’s about legacy. A generational talent with dirt-track roots and NASCAR stardom, Larson has built a career on defying limits. In 2021, he returned from suspension to dominate the Cup Series, seizing the championship in one of the most potent redemption arcs in modern racing. Naturally, when news broke that he’d attempt the legendary Indy 500–Coca-Cola 600 double in 2024, the motorsports world buzzed with excitement.

NASCAR even joined in, rolling out flashy promos and social media celebrations. But fast-forward to today, and that same organization seems to be backpedaling. What changed? Or better yet, why the sudden cold shoulder when Larson needs their support the most?

NASCAR’s inconsistent stance on Kyle Larson

In 2025, Amazon Prime Video will be covering Kyle Larson’s journey as he attempts with Hendrick 1100 once again. While they initially meant to cover this last year, rain played spoilsport, but Rick Hendrick was not about to let Larson’s double dreams fade away so easily. HMS saddled up for 2025, and with Prime Video on board, their reach knows no bounds. However, NASCAR has been oddly silent about Larson’s endeavors.

In 2024, NASCAR actively promoted Kyle Larson’s ambitious attempt at “The Double.” Completing all 1100 laps of the grueling tracks is a feat only Tony Stewart has achieved in 2001, and NASCAR has celebrated the tradition of doing the double since it was first attempted by John Andretti back in 1994. Thirty years later, when Larson did it, NASCAR was thrilled and showcased his efforts with extensive coverage and celebratory graphics. “Last year was they were tweeting about how cool it was that he was doing the double,” Quigs pointed out on the Rubbin is Racing Podcast. However, when unforeseen weather delays forced Larson to miss the Coca-Cola 600, NASCAR’s supportive narrative shifted.

The Indy 500 was marred by rain, and Kyle Larson chose to stay in Indianapolis and finish 18th before traveling to Charlotte. This is what ticked off NASCAR. Larson made it to the Coca-Cola 600, but rain was pouring down there, too, and Larson was forced to miss the race and request a playoff waiver. Critics noted a change in tone, with NASCAR emphasizing the importance of prioritizing their events over Indy. “Once things went wrong, they were like, ‘How dare he [do] this? He should be focused on NASCAR, blah blah blah,” Quigs said.

NASCAR felt Larson should not have waited at the Indy 500 if there was even the slightest risk of missing a Cup Series race. They even changed the parameters of the playoff waiver for 2025, ensuring that competing in outside series while missing a Cup race would not receive any waiver and, in fact, a deduction of all accumulated playoff points. However, the start of 2025 brought more controversy.

NASCAR’s disdain for their drivers competing outside the sport contrasted with their treatment of Indy Car drivers. For instance, Helio Castroneves, a four-time Indy 500 winner, was granted a provisional entry into the 2025 Daytona 500 under the Open Exemption Provisional, a new rule designed for “world-class drivers.” Moon explained, “It is s—– that NASCAR promoted the hell out of it last year then played the whole waiver thing making it look like they weren’t gonna give him the waiver… everyone piled on to him [Larson] and said he should have chosen NASCAR over Indy Car, and then they turn around and give an IndyCar guy a Daytona 500 provisional for doing nothing.” The Castroneves decision sparked outrage, as NASCAR was ignoring their legendary drivers such as Jimmie Johnson and Martin Truex Jr. while granting permission to someone who has never raced in the sport.

Meanwhile, NASCAR deciding to stay silent during Larson’s attempt highlights the hypocrisy in them covering an IndyCar legend’s journey to NASCAR but not their own driver’s historic attempt. Looking at the viewership from 2024, it’s surprising that NASCAR isn’t capitalizing on the sheer number of people who love to watch Kyle Larson race. In 2024, Kyle Larson’s Double attempt drew massive crossover interest. NBC’s coverage of the Indy 500 saw over 5.3 million viewers. On the other hand, the Coca-Cola 600, despite delays, brought in nearly 4 million viewers. Social media engagement for both events spiked, especially around Larson’s participation. Echoing this sentiment, Moon pointed out, “There’s no negative to exposing more people to the sport, especially something as cool as the double.”

On May 25, 2025, Kyle Larson is gearing up for another shot at the Indy-Charlotte double, determined to finish what weather halted last year. Backed strongly by Rick Hendrick, his return was quietly set in motion behind the scenes. Hendrick Motorsports has unveiled fresh paint schemes with blue, white, and orange-accent colors. Plus, they have partnered with Prime Video to document Larson’s journey and bring fans behind the scenes like never before.

With all eyes on May 25, Larson’s double isn’t just a race, it’s a statement. And this time, he’s all in!

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Potential stand-in for Kyle Larson during practice sessions

As Kyle Larson prepares for his second attempt at the grueling Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 doubleheader, scheduling conflicts may arise, particularly during practice sessions at North Wilkesboro Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway. Hendrick Motorsports Vice Chairman Jeff Gordon addressed this by indicating that a JR Motorsports (JRM) driver would step in for any sessions Larson might miss. Gordon specified that the substitute would be “somebody that fits in his seat,” leading to widespread speculation.

FOX Sports journalist Bob Pockrass interpreted Gordon’s remarks, suggesting, “That sounds like [Justin] Allgaier to me.” The reason Pockrass feels it has to be Allgaier as he’s the only one that would literally fit in Larson’s seat from JRM! Larson is 5 feet 6 inches tall, and so is Allgaier; meanwhile, fellow JRM drivers Carson Kvapil, Sammy Smith, and Connor Zilisch are all much taller, above 5 feet 9 inches. Allgaier is also a seasoned driver with JRM and has a history of stepping up in such scenarios. Notably, during last year’s Coca-Cola 600, Allgaier filled in for Larson, delivering a commendable 13th-place finish despite challenging weather conditions.

Allgaier’s familiarity with Hendrick Motorsports’ operations and his adaptability make him a logical choice, as Rick Hendrick also has an ownership stake in JRM, and both teams drive Chevies. His recent participation in the Daytona 500, driving for JRM, showcased his readiness for high-profile events. This experience, coupled with his consistent performance in the Xfinity Series, and being the defending series champion, underscores his capability to handle the demands of substituting for Larson during critical practice sessions.

As the race weekend approaches, the motorsports community will be keenly observing how these plans unfold. Larson’s ambitious doubleheader attempt is a testament to his dedication. Having a dependable substitute like Allgaier in the wings provides the team and fans with confidence. Only time will tell if this calculated gamble pays off, but one thing’s for sure: Larson’s legacy is still being written.