One of NASCAR’s favorite drivers, Kyle Larson, might actually miss the playoffs, which sounds pretty wild considering he’s already won two races this season. But, if NASCAR sticks rigidly to its rules, #5 could be sidelined from playoff contention. Why? Well, when faced with a scheduling clash due to bad weather during his double-duty attempt, Larson chose to stick around at Indianapolis for the Indy 500 instead of heading to Charlotte for the NASCAR Cup series race, the Coca-Cola 600.

NASCAR’s rules are clear: drivers must participate in all 26 races to qualify for the playoffs. With the decision still up in the air, NASCAR fans are clearly split. But an insider from 23XI Racing has tossed in his assertive opinion on the matter.

A NASCAR insider claims that someone within the organization is potentially undermining #5’s chance at a waiver

In the past, waivers have been granted quite freely, even to drivers like Chase Elliott for injuries not related to racing, or those suspended for their actions on the track. However, Larson’s situation is dragging on because it’s uncharted territory—he opted to stay in Indianapolis, fully aware of the implications. Based on his stellar performance alone, Larson should have already secured his spot in the playoffs. Yet, he finds himself in a precarious position in the standings, hovering in limbo.

Amidst this uncertainty about Larson’s chance to compete in the postseason, Bubba Wallace‘s spotter, Freddie Kraft, has weighed in, echoing the widespread opinion that Larson deserves the waiver. The consensus is clear: Larson’s exceptional track performance merits his inclusion in the playoffs.

Kraft mentioned on his Door Bumper Clear podcast, “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. […] If it was up to me based on the brass tax of it I would say he doesn’t deserve a waiver but what you’ve done in the past can’t just dictate what you do in the future; you got to give him one I think.”

Despite knowing that Larson’s exclusion could potentially benefit his own driver, Bubba Wallace, Kraft still supports granting Larson the waiver. “I don’t want him to get one by no means so I want him to get one because that eliminates a spot now we’re right now we’re three to the good three you know there’s two drivers behind us that would eliminate one if he gets it. But listen you this is the precedent you’ve set the guy got suspended he wasn’t injured he wasn’t this and you gave him a waiver. So, now all of a sudden because your feelings are hurt that he chose this race over your race like now you don’t want to give them one? I think somebody’s feelings are hurt.”

And it’s not just the insider from 23XI speaking out—Bubba Wallace himself has weighed in on the debate as well.

Bubba Wallace has weighed in on the debate over granting Kyle Larson a waiver

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His boss, Denny Hamlin, didn’t mince words, saying, “It’s ridiculous. I said this weekend in the media center that I thought the five teams made good-faith efforts to try to get him to Charlotte to run the double. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had its other plans and so, who knows? Who knows how this is gonna turn out. I think the longer it goes, the worse the news is going to be.”

However, his driver, Bubba Wallace, took a more measured approach to Kenny Wallace’s show. He acknowledged that NASCAR has historically been quite liberal with waivers, but he pointed out, “He made the choice to run the Indy 500. He knew the weather was bad and knew all the stuff. Made a great attempt to get there. He made a choice.“

Given the possibility that denying Larson a waiver could discourage him and several others from attempting double duty in the future, or even lead Larson to leave the Cup series entirely, it does need to be a thoughtful decision on NASCAR’s part. What do you think about the situation with Larson’s waiver?