Kevin Harvick to replace Kyle Larson in HMS' No. 5 car during NASCAR All-Star practice

NASCAR veteran Kevin Harvick is set to come out of retirement to stand in as a replacement for Kyle Larson during the NASCAR All-Star practice race.

A nearly two-decade long career came to an end for the 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion Harvick last season. The 48-year-old driver (now commentator) hung up his helmet after running his final season driving the No. 4 Ford for Stewart-Haas Racing. The racing legend sang his swan song after a seventh-place finish in the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season finale at Phoenix Raceway.

However, in a shocking announcement, it has been confirmed that Kevin Harvick will be coming out of retirement for a one-off practice race during the NASCAR All-Star weekend in North Wilkesboro in May. Harvick will pilot the No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, stepping in as a replacement for Kyle Larson.

This comes on the heels of the fact that Larson, 31, is all set to attempt an ambitious "Double," later this season. The 2021 NASCAR Cup champion will be making his IndyCar debut at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, taking part in the iconic Indy 500 race. That same weekend, Larson will return to his NASCAR schedule to compete in the Coca-Cola 600 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Kyle Larson will become only the fifth driver in NASCAR history to achieve this feat. However, his participation in the Indy 500 race put his NASCAR All-Star weekend obligations in jeopardy, opening the door for Kevin Harvick's return.

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Kevin Harvick couldn't say no to Rick Hendrick's request, explains the veteran

Expressing his thoughts on the complexities his aspirations, Larson acknowledged the challenges posed by his dual racing commitments. The Hendrick Motorsports driver explained (via Fox Sports):

"It's going to be logistically challenging as everybody is aware. Mostly though just the All-Star weekend is going to be the most challenging."

"We've been trying to find drivers and stuff to replace me in the seat for practice. We looked at lots of resumes, and unfortunately Clint [Bowyer]'s didn't make the cut, so we decided to go with Kevin Harvick."

In response to Rick Hendrick's request, Kevin Harvick humorously recounted the conversation that led to his unexpected return to racing. He said:

"I'm going to drive. I'm going to practice. There's not very many phone calls that are going to say, 'Hey, you know, Delana, I'm going to go and get back in a car,' but Rick [Hendrick] called a couple of days ago and said, 'Hey, I need a favor,' and I know when a conversation starts like that, usually you have to say yes. I appreciate you guys calling. It's going to be fun."

Kyle Larson was the dominant victor of the last NASCAR Cup Series All-Star race at North Wilkesboro Speedway which took place last season.