Has NASCAR lost its competitive edge? Do skill and passion not suffice? is it the beginning of a new era to redefine NASCAR’s champions? The new waiver policy significantly impacts playoff eligibility by altering the traditional methodology. It exemplifies a tactical move by NASCAR to uphold sportsmanship and competitive integrity, also sending out a clear message to drivers who prioritize non-NASCAR over marquee races. Yes, you guessed it right, the new waiver policy is being touted as the Kyle Larson rule.

Now NASCAR needed to find a safe spot where they wouldn’t have to police the situation. Larson being bared to compete in playoffs would send shockwaves across the community. But they also wanted to have a structure in place that would safeguard their interest. This is where they seem to have found the right balance with the new waiver policy. While this change has been received well by the racing community, Denny Hamlin highlighted a major drawback with this new policy.

Denny Hamlin appreciates NASCAR’s efforts

“The waiver is all, fine. Certainly, NASCAR wants their NASCAR drivers to stay in NASCAR and not do anything else, and I think that certainly, on the racetrack, you’re gonna think about, whether you choose to, rear-hook someone with the risk of losing all your playoff points.” Denny Hamlin said this in an interview with Bob Pockrass. Well, he refrained from name-dropping his bitter rival, he was glad that NASCAR was finally taking a hard stance.

Larson found himself in a sticky situation last year when he made his Indy 500 debut. Weather conditions forced him to prolong his stay at Indy and ditch the start of the Coca-Cola 600. But, now that this new waiver policy is in place, he will have to think twice before making such a call. In case a driver misses the race, they will lose all their playoff points and start the postseason with 2000 points. Also, drivers will now have to be wary of right-hooking their rivals, as they won’t hand out waivers to suspended drivers. Only medical and family emergencies will warrant an exception of a waiver.

However, Hamlin wasn’t convinced that this rule would fend off the drivers from going extra aggressive on the racetrack. He was on the receiving end of things at Richmond last year when Austin Dillon wrecked him on the final lap to take the win. Although, NASCAR disqualified Dillon from advancing into the playoff, will this continue in 2025? After all, they will have to be careful in handling suspension in the absence of the waiver.

“But for really half the field, they don’t have any playoff points, so maybe it won’t change anything… If they’re on the outside of you, then they’re kind of handcuffed at that point,” he added. Let’s just say, the veteran driver has a fair idea of what it is to be on the receiving end of right hooks or blatant wrecking tactics. Something similar happened with him back in 2023 at Coca-Cola 600 when Chase Elliott decided to put the No. 11 car into the wall after a fierce battle. 

On the other hand, Kyle Larson is the one who will have to tread carefully with the new waiver rule. After a disappointing Indy 500 debut, the HMS star is scheduled to have a second go at the Double attempt this year. While he got away with the waiver last time around, he will lose all his playoff points if he decides to stay at Indy.

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Kyle Larson doubles down on 1100 miles redemption despite the new waiver

“How ’bout we come back next May and try to kiss these bricks on an IndyCar.” This was Kyle Larson during his post-race interview after snagging the Brickyard 400. It was clear that he wanted to fulfil his dream to have a second shot at Greatest Spectacle in Racing, but his boss, Rick Hendrick wasn’t convinced. After all, he wanted to avoid a scenario where he had to go up against NASCAR officials to keep his driver eligible for playoffs.

Well, a few ardent HMS fans would argue, that losing out on points isn’t a big deal. Well, Larson lost the regular season title by 1 point, and he couldn’t bag that extra playoff bonus points. Tyler Reddick certainly made the most of it and made it to the final 4, whereas Larson failed to race for the championship in Phoenix. So, Rick Hendrick needed a plan in place to avoid a repeat of last year and they found it by pledging allegiance to NASCAR.

“We’re going to run the 600. We’re going to be here for the 600, even if that means having to cut the race short at Indy, we will. With my commitment to NASCAR, we’re in NASCAR, and that’s where we run for the championship.” Rick Hendrick confirmed. For the time being it looks as if Larson is going to commit to race at Charlotte no matter what. But, it will be interesting to see where this deal stands if he is racing for the win at Indy.