On one hand, well-known NASCAR insiders like Jordan Bianchi and Jeff Gluck were breaking down Kyle Larson’s bold move to race double-duty, arguing why #5 truly deserved a waiver. On the flip side, plenty of fans argued that since Kyle Larson picked the Indy 500 over NASCAR, he shouldn’t get any special treatment. From all the chatter, it was apparent that there was quite a bit of discord in NASCAR, which might explain why the organization was hesitant.

While a potential verdict was already given a while back, in the lead-up to the much awaited decision, Denny Hamlin had some wise words to spill on the organization’s stance. And it’s not just routine red tape—Hamlin even suspected that there was some behind-the-scenes maneuvering aimed at Kyle Larson.

Was Kyle Larson be caught up in an internal conspiracy?

Recently, 23XI Racing’s insider Freddie Kraft hinted on his podcast that someone within NASCAR seemed to be blocking Larson’s waiver: “Somebody clearly does not want to give it to him. I don’t know who that is but there’s somebody somewhere that clearly does not want to see…“ 

Subsequently, in the latest episode of “Actions Detrimental”, Denny Hamlin floated a theory suggesting that NASCAR officials might have let their irritation get the best of them. He speculated, “You would think that maybe they got so mad that halfway through the track drying process at Charlotte they just said we’re done you’re not getting in that car,” potentially because Larson opted to stay in Indianapolis instead of heading to Charlotte.

However, Hamlin also acknowledged that there was a technical justification for denying the waiver earlier, given the rule that drivers must start all races unless prevented by extenuating circumstances like suspension or injury. In those cases, NASCAR has historically issued waivers because the drivers were unable to compete. “He had a choice, and by the letter of the law, that’s what they’re saying,” Hamlin explained, suggesting this was what was weakening Larson’s case for a waiver.

But, while he laid out the reasoning, Hamlin didn’t endorse it. In fact, he appeared to support Larson getting a waiver, despite the complications.

Denny Hamlin and the iconic Richard Petty were both backing #5 

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Given the massive fan attention Larson brought to NASCAR by participating in the Indy 500, his case for a waiver was gaining support. And that’s why siding with Jeff Gluck, Denny Hamlin had pointed out, saying, “Any rational person would say that the Indy 500 is bigger than the Coke 600. So, why are you, I just don’t understand why are you getting so upset about that.” “Because it is bigger. I don’t care how you twist it, it’s bigger. That’s the only bigger event that they have than 99% of our other races we crushed them, but it’s that’s. their race and it is bigger on that day it is bigger so why are you getting so offended. I don’t know why,” he added. 

Even racing legend Richard Petty stood in favor of granting the waiver. When asked about Larson’s situation, Petty had decisively remarked, “Oh, definitely they should. Way back, they give a waiver for, I think 12 races for Kyle Busch and he wound up winning the championship. So definitely. You know, last year they let the #9 car. Plus, he’s already won a race, so that would automatically put him in.”

While industry insiders’ opinions certainly helped Kyle Larson make his case, it seems #5 can finally get a good night’s rest now, as his shot at a title this year is back on! Are you excited?