Jeff Gordon sparks speculation over Kyle Larson replacement for Indy 500, Coca-Cola double attempt

Kyle Larson will compete in this year’s Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, and Jeff Gordon fueled some speculation on who could take Larson’s place in some practice sessions. The vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports hinted at who could be driving the No. 5 car if Larson is still at Indianapolis preparing for the Indy 500.

“As far as who will be in Kyle Larson’s Cup car for any practice sessions at North Wilkesboro or Charlotte that Larson might miss while at Indy, Jeff Gordon said it will be a ‘JRM driver and somebody that fits in his seat,'” Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports said. “That sounds like [Justin] Allgaier to me.”

Justin Allgaier, who finished ninth in this year’s Daytona 500 for JR Motorsports, is no stranger to the No. 5 car. While Larson was finishing things up at the Indy 500 last year, Allgaier competed in the Coca-Cola 600 in his place and finished 13th. Allgaier currently competes in the Xfinity Series full-time and has earned two victories this year.

Kyle Larson is ready to compete in the 2025 Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600

Kyle Larson missed out on completing the Indy 500-Coca-Cola 600 double last year because of weather. He is trying again this year with Prime Video as the presenting sponsor. The Indy 500 is scheduled to start at 10 am ET on May 25, and the Coca-Cola 600 will start at 6 p.m. ET.

“Last year gave us a great foundation, and now we get to build on it,” Larson said in a statement this week. “I’m excited to come back stronger in 2025 and give it everything we’ve got to finish all 1,100 miles. Having Prime Video on board – especially with them streaming the 600 and documenting my whole experience – is pretty special. May is going to be a crazy month, and I’m ready to get after it.” 

With Prime Video being the presenting sponsor, it will also produce a documentary about Larson pulling off the feat. “Kyle’s double attempt is one of the most exciting storylines in all of sports, and we’re thrilled to be part of it,” Stacey Rosenson, Head of U.S. Sports Marketing, Prime Video, said in a statement. “As we prepare to broadcast our first NASCAR Cup Series race with the Coca-Cola 600, having this kind of historic moment unfold live on Prime Video – and capturing it in a documentary film – is a truly unique opportunity. We’re looking forward to sponsoring Kyle’s effort and taking fans inside the intensity and emotion that go with it.”