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Justin Allgaier reveals his only demand if he starts Coca-Cola 600, Kyle Larson wins it

Originally posted on 5 GOATs | By Nick Geddes | Last updated 5/26/24

It appears that Justin Allgaier will start Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway behind the wheel of the No. 5 Chevrolet in place of Kyle Larson.

Larson, who was attempting to become just the fifth driver to attempt the Indy-Charlotte Double, is staying in Indianapolis to race in the 108th Running of the Indy 500 after its 12:45 p.m. ET start time was delayed to 4:45 p.m. due to storms in the area.

And so, it’ll be Allgaier’s show, that is, until Larson arrives from Indianapolis. At that point, whether it’s within the first five laps of the race or the final five, Larson will take back his seat from Allgaier. If by some chance Larson gets back in the car and wins the race, Allgaier will be credited with the victory.

Speaking with Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports ahead of the Coca-Cola 600, Allgaier said that if such a scenario takes place, he wants a specific winner perk to come with it.

Justin Allgaier said he already had sat in the car at the shop but they wanted to check a few things here. He obviously will start at the rear assuming the 600 starts on time and Larson isn't here. He also joked about the one winner perk he'd want if he starts and Larson wins. pic.twitter.com/woohJIYOAx
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) May 26, 2024

“I’m gonna make my bid now to [Speedway Motorsports CEO] Marcus [Smith] that if Kyle does win the 600 and I do start the race, that I get a motorhome spot in the champions lot over there because it’s a great spot,” Allgaier joked. “But honestly, today is not at all about me or anything that I’m doing here. I just want to do the best job that I can to keep these guys in the position to where Kyle can get here and make as many laps as possible, as efficient as possible.”

Justin Allgaier set for 1st Cup Series start since 2022

The Coca-Cola 600 will be Allgaier’s 82nd Cup Series start and first since the 2022 YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Allgaier, who drives the No. 7 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series, sits fifth in the points standings.

As for Larson, he will start fifth in the Indy 500 when it gets underway. Not racing in the Coca-Cola 600 complicates matters for Larson as per NASCAR‘s guidelines, “Unless otherwise authorized by NASCAR, driver(s) and Team Owner(s) must start all Championship Events of the current season to be eligible for The Playoffs.”

Larson will apply for a waiver from NASCAR to remain eligible for the Cup Series playoffs. With two wins through 13 races this season, Larson sits atop the points standings.

This article first appeared on 5 GOATs and was syndicated with permission.

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