Nature doubled down on Kyle Larson’s attempt to do the “double”. Larson was expected to make history by racing both at Indianapolis and Charlotte Motor Speedway on the same day. But nature’s fury didn’t stop, and all the efforts that Larson put into this attempt just thwarted. He made a mistake in Indy that cost him his track position and in Charlotte, he didn’t even get to sit in his car because of the insistent rain, let alone drive! This uneventful day caused him and his fans to miss out on what could have been truly remarkable.

Not only his efforts have all washed away with the rain, but now the question of whether he qualifies to go to the playoffs also looms large.

A day gone wrong for the HMS ace Kyle Larson

What could go wrong went wrong–these are not our words but Kyle Larson’s himself. After the entire shebang went down, him missing a drive that could create history was just sad, extremely sad. The 2021 Cup Series champion had prepared for this moment for months, managing both Indy and NASCAR races. His travel plans were in flux, but he managed it all and did so happily, never once complaining. But the weather just did a 360. Following this, Fox Sports reporter Bob Pockrass caught Larson walking to a golf cart in a frustrated and mostly disappointed stance. The 31-year-old couldn’t help but express his sorrow over the entire incident.

He said, “I am very thankful for the experience obviously. Everything about the two weeks was great, until today. Just sad and you know everything that could go wrong today went wrong.” But Larson isn’t someone who will sulk over it. Before he walked away from the quick check-in with Bob, he gave us his hopeful stance, telling us how he might attempt it again in the future. He said, “Hopefully will get to do it again in the future.”

In fact, after the race at the Indy 500, he did confirm that he would be back for it in 2025. Why not? His performance as a first-timer was great and yes, there was a mistake that ended up poorly for him, but everyone learns from their mistakes. He told ESPN, “Feel like I learned a lot. Made a couple of mistakes early there with the restart — not sure what I did there. Feel like I did a really good job after that and was able to learn a lot.”

Larson left Indianapolis wanting to be back later and do better, but he left Charlotte frustrated and extremely sad. But the question of the hour is – will the fact that he didn’t get to run at Charlotte affect his playoffs? 

Will NASCAR grant Kyle Larson a playoff waiver, or will red tape crush his dreams?

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NASCAR abides by a set of rules, and certain rules state playoff eligibility. Here is one, “Unless otherwise authorized by NASCAR, driver(s) and Team Owner(s) must start all Championship Events of the current season to be eligible for The Playoffs.” Now after the race shortened the event and Larson not getting the chance to start, where does this leave him? And is he even eligible to go to the playoffs now? 

Firstly, NASCAR has known about Larson’s attempt to do the double for a year now. Also, the HMS team must have plan of action in place in case things go otherwise to their plans. Moreover, the team decided to let Kyle Larson compete in the Indy 500 despite the race getting delayed because of rain. Bob Pockrass discussed Larson’s waiver and situation.

According to him, while NASCAR has not officially announced anything, HMS wouldn’t put Allgaier in Larson’s car without having the confidence of a waiver. He said, “NASCAR hasn’t obviously told us that he would get the waiver but Hendrick wouldn’t put Justin Allgaier in the car if they thought there was any chance they weren’t getting a waiver. It’s the right call.” 

Moreover, Larson’s participation in doing a double was beneficial for NASCAR. Afterall it gave a lot of exposure to the sport! Also a waiver is not so out of reach considering NASCAR has handed waivers to drivers before. Despite missing 11 races, Kyle Busch was granted a waiver in 2015 and ultimately became the champion that year. Two waivers were granted to Chase Elliott, one for injury and one for suspension. Hence Larson probably will still be on the run for the championship this season. 

What did you think about the race? Do you think Larson will be granted a waiver? Let us know!