Allgaier, who usually races full-time in the Xfinity Series for JR Motorsports, filled in for Kyle Larson in his attempt to compete in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day.
Allgaier’s job was to start Larson’s No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in the Coca-Cola 600 if Larson couldn’t make it to Charlotte on time.
He didn’t think he would actually race, but due to bad weather over Memorial Day weekend, Allgaier ended up being the only driver available for the No. 5 car on Sunday night.
Severe storms delayed the Indy 500, which kept Larson in Indianapolis. When it was clear he wouldn’t make it to the 600 on time, the No. 5 team prepared Allgaier to step in until Larson arrived.
Allgaier said, “Kyle Larson is the reason that we’re all here. The double is so important. My only job was to keep the car in good shape and give Kyle a good opportunity when he got back in it.”
When Larson finally made it to Charlotte, bad weather followed him.
Allgaier struggled initially to adjust to Larson’s car but managed to get back on the lead lap. When the race was stopped after lap 249 for lightning, Allgaier was in 13th place.
Since the race was stopped, if Larson took over, he’d keep Allgaier’s position, but Allgaier would still get credit for the finish.
After waiting for two hours, NASCAR decided to end the race due to the late hour.
Christopher Bell won the race, with Allgaier as the sole driver of the No. 5 that night.
Allgaier said, “Starting the race, I was disappointed in myself for not adjusting quickly to Kyle’s car. But Cliff Daniels (Larson’s crew chief) helped me a lot. I was happy to pass a teammate and another respected racer on the track.”
Allgaier was disappointed that Larson’s attempt at the double didn’t work out but believed Larson could have won if the race had continued.
He said, “For me, it was just a lot of fun. I got to see how a successful team operates, and I made the most of it.”
