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Kyle Larson double duty day gets assist from Justin Allgaier at Coca-Cola 600
By Jon Hoefling, USA TODAY,
2024-05-27
NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) gets out of his car during qualifying at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Jim Dedmon, Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
2024 Cup Series points leader Kyle Larson wanted to make history today as he planned to participate in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. The only problem, the Indy 500 took place in Indianapolis, Indiana, while the Coca-Cola 600 takes place in Concord, North Carolina. That's nearly 600 miles between the tracks.
Still, Larson was intent on accomplishing this feat and becoming just the fifth person in history to do so (Kurt Busch, Robby Gordon, Tony Stewart, and John Andretti). Unfortunately, nature had other plans. Severe rainstorms forced several delays to the Indy 500, and when all was said and done, Larson finished the race in 18th place with the race in Concord having already started at 6 p.m. ET.
NASCAR obviously wanted this double duty to be pulled off though. This would be a huge accomplishment for the sport, so they were ready to do anything to ensure Larson would be able to compete in the Coca-Cola 600. So, who would be Larson's hero? Justin Allgaier.
Although Allgaier had said previously that he did not want to replace Kyle Larson in the Coca-Cola 600, it seems NASCAR found a happy medium, allowing Allgaier to start the race, but enabling Larson to sub-in for Allgaier whenever he arrives, likely during a stage break.
This was massive news for Larson, who needs to compete in the Coca-Cola 600 in order to be eligible for the NASCAR playoffs. Of course, there was always potential that NASCAR would give Larson a waiver, exempting him from the race, but that had not happened.
Due to rains, thunderstorms, and high winds picking up in Concord, the red flag came out just as Larson arrived on the track. The race was forced to come to an immediate halt, and Larson was able to transition seamlessly into his car.
Unfortunately, there is still a chance that NASCAR calls the race entirely if rain does not let up on the track. With that in mind, Larson may have arrived in Concord just to not be able to race at all. That would be a travesty. Should that be the case, here are the standings.
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