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NASCAR Legend Jeff Gordon Sparks Major Speculation

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Apr 2, 2025 4:07 PM ET

Jeff Gordon discussed JR Motorsports' plans to handle Kyle Larson's next attempt at completing The Double.

For the second straight year, Larson will try to run the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Last year, a lengthy rain delay at Indy derailed his quest to compete in both races.

On Wednesday, Larson and Gordon spoke to Amazon Prime Video about the upcoming bid. Gordon hinted at who would serve as Larson's backup driver if he missed NASCAR practice and qualifying sessions at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

"The last I heard, we'll probably have a JRM driver and someone who fits in his seat," Gordon said, via Steven Taranto of CBS Sports.

Gordon wouldn't name the alternative, but FOX Sports' Bob Pockrass, NBC's Dustin Long, and ESPN's Kelly Crandall all assumed the Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman was referring to Justin Allgaier.

"I don't know that that announcement's been made yet, but you can do the math and put it together," Gordon said.

Gordon noted that Larson will "probably" miss the same sessions he missed last year. The retired Kevin Harvick served as Larson's standby driver at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

Meanwhile, Gordon called Tony Kanaan the "obvious choice" for Larson's Indy 500 backup. Gordon said the 2004 IndyCar Series champion must also complete rookie orientation to replace Larson.

Larson said completing both races on May 25 is his primary objective.

"Completing 1,100 miles is the ultimate goal, or at least the first goal in mind," Larson said. "Obviously, I want to run well in both of them. I think there's a legitimate shot to win the Cup race that weekend."

Larson felt the Indy 500 was "pretty straightforward" compared to a NASCAR race. He hopes to improve on last year's 18th-place result.

"I felt like last year I could have finished fourth to seventh or eighth if I didn't speed on pit row, so I think somewhere in that window," Larson said of his goal for May's race. "Obviously, I would love to win the Indy 500, but I know how difficult that is."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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