“I’ve Plenty of Gray Hair”: Dale Jr’s Humble JRM Veteran Reveals the Challenge of Replacing Kyle Larson

The feeling of stepping in for another driver can be quite overwhelming. Especially, when you are talking about the #5 Chevy, which is synonymous with HMS. The rain delay in Indianapolis forced Kyle Larson to stay in the Indy 500, asking Justin Allgaier, a seasoned Xfinity driver for JR Motorsports, to fill this position for the iconic Coca-Cola 600 race.

Allgaier has a proven track record of 24 career victories in the Xfinity Series and is currently ranked #4 this season. He is a veteran driver in his own right. Not to mention the fact that he was mentored by none other than Dale Earnhardt Jr, that being said, it’s still a huge challenge for the #7 Chevy driver to fill in the #5 Chevy of Kyle Larson. Especially when you are talking about grueling 600 laps. It was indeed a learning experience for the Xfinity prodigy. But the question remains, how did he handle the heat of filling in for the prodigal favorite of Rick Hendrick?

In a recent interview, Dale Jr’s protege said, “ I thought I was going to throw up at one point before I got in the car,” Allgaier shared, emphasizing that he was not ready for such a big responsibility. In his case, the job was huge, as he had to do his best to keep the vehicle in working condition, as it was to be handed over to Larson when the latter came back. He said that his directions were simple enough: “My only job was to keep the fenders on it. It was pretty spectacular to get a top of an opportunity after the whole Kyle thing.”  But Allgaier didn’t succumb to pressure and even managed to unlap himself.

Allgaier’s experience was not just about filling in. It was a big learning curve. The #7 driver spoke highly of the support he got from Cliff Daniels and the entire HMS team. Daniels, who is a known perfectionist, showed an encouraging kind of coaching style. Allgaier was coached live—something priceless for a driver who knew nothing about the idiosyncrasies of the #5 car. “The only way I’m going to get better is with direction from you and understanding what everybody else is doing,” Allgaier noted.

Hendrick Motorsports has always had a good data collection system for its cars. This helped Allgaier refine his approach. “We’d gain a couple of spots here, and then a few more on the next restart,” he recalled, showing exactly how things were getting better gradually as he learned about the car and the track conditions.

Allgaier’s gratitude for the winningest team

Beyond the technical aspects, Dale Jr’s pupil, Allgaier, gained a unique perspective on what makes Hendrick Motorsports a powerhouse in NASCAR. He admired the synergy between Larson and his team, noting how each member’s expertise elevated the group’s overall performance. “Kyle Larson is an incredible race car driver, and they all elevate each other for a reason. They’re all top-notch. It was cool to experience that,” he said, reflecting on the collaborative environment that fosters success at Hendrick’s.

Despite the initial challenges, Allgaier’s stint in the No. 5 car was a valuable experience that highlighted the importance of adaptability, teamwork, and continuous learning in motorsports. There were aspects of the race that didn’t suit his style. However, the experience provided him with insights that he could take back to his regular team. “Tonight was just a lot of fun for me. I was able to look inside the fishbowl of an ultra-successful organization, driver, and car team, and make the most of it,” Allgaier concluded.

As Allgaier heads back to JR Motorsports, he will have some solid memories to take back with him. This will give him an edge that will bolster his performance this season in the Xfinity series. He has over five top-fives and one win. Thus, Allgaier struck gold with the opportunity to race in the Coca-Cola 600. Even though this experience was short-lived, the connections he made with HMS will remain long-lasting. And there are changes Justin Allgaier can even get recruited by HMS; don’t be surprised. Dale Jr would be so proud!