Kyle Larson offers NASCAR Hall of Famer Carl Edwards spot as substitute driver during All-Star practice

Last year, Kyle Larson and Hendrick Motorsports had NASCAR legend Kevin Harvick pilot the No. 5 Chevrolet during All-Star Race practice at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

Harvick filled in for Larson, who was at Indianapolis Motor Speedway preparing for his Indy 500 run. Larson is once again competing in the Indy 500 this coming May, meaning he’ll need another substitute driver for practice at North Wilkesboro. While it’s early in the process, Larson told Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports this week he would love for Carl Edwards to do it.

A week from today, Carl Edwards will be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame with Ricky Rudd and Ralph Moody. … and Kyle Larson told me last week he has an offer for Edwards that he hopes Edwards won't refuse — as his substitute driver for all-star practice. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/opZl2qFFJ0

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 31, 2025

“I’ve not talked to him and Bob, you can blow this out there. He’s probably not going to see it anyways, but I would love to have Carl Edwards do it,” Larson said. “I think it would be great. That’s my pick this year. I’ve mentioned it to Jeff Gordon and Cliff [Daniels], but nobody outside of that. So, it’s not anything serious right now, but that’s who I would pick. I think that would make a huge splash in the sport and be great.

“Carl, if you happen to see this, please jump in the 5 car. We want you.”

Carl Edwards going into NASCAR Hall of Fame

Edwards, 45, will be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame next Friday in Charlotte, North Carolina. A 28-time winner in the Cup Series, Edwards retired from competition in 2016 during the prime of his career and has stayed true to his retirement since. In that time, several fellow legends such as Jimmie Johnson have returned on a part-time basis, but that hasn’t been the path for Edwards.

We have seen more from Edwards since being elected to the Hall of Fame last year. Edwards drove the pace car ahead of the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway this past September.

Should Edwards take up Larson on his offer, perhaps he’ll get the itch to give one final drive in a Cup race. If that happens, Denny Hamlin is ready to welcome him with open arms to 23XI Racing.

“I just told him whenever he’s ready just let me know,” Hamlin said in October. “Whenever you get that itch. I think he’s publicly stated many times until they put horsepower back in these cars, I’m not doing it.”