Kyle Larson has been dubbed one of the best active race drivers in the world. He does it all—dirt, pavement, and now open-wheel opportunities with the 2024 Indy 500—and he does it quite well. Larson’s Indy 500 opportunity has brought him to the front page of not only NASCAR publications but also IndyCar, motorsport, and sports publications worldwide, as he will be the first driver to attempt “The Double” since Kurt Busch in 2014.

The trouble is, though, that NASCAR released its All-Star schedule at North Wilkesboro this week, with Indy 500 qualifying landing on the All-Star weekend. Hendrick Motorsports Vice Chairman Jeff Gordon told NBC Sports’ Nate Ryan, “We’ve been waiting for these schedules to come out. “Now that the All-Star schedule came out, it didn’t do us any favors, I can tell you that.”

So this leaves the question, IF—and we use “if” firmly—Larson was to have to miss the All-Star race. Whoever replaced him in the 5 would have to go through the Open to make the main event.

But Who?

Well, Xfinity drivers such as Justin Allgaier come to mind. Allgaier has run the Gen 7 car and filled in for HMS in the past (2020). Sam Mayer could be an option, as could Alfredo or Klingerman. Maybe. Maybe Dale Jr.???? (That’s a joke, guys, calm down). Either way, the optimal choice is that the 2021 Series champ himself doesn’t even have to miss the race, but it could potentially come down to a last-minute option.

Image: Patrick Vallely