NASCAR has been pretty “LAISSEZ-FAIRE” with its rules lately, and we see examples time and again. It happened last year with Chase Elliott and this time it’s Kyle Larson, both from Hendrick Motorsports! 

Rules are the bedrock of fair competition, and without them, the entire integrity of the sport is compromised. However, in NASCAR, one rule is under deep scrutiny today, which is the playoff waiver. According to this rule, drivers who miss races because of injury or exceptional circumstances are allowed to qualify for the playoffs. However, Larson was granted one even when he didn’t fulfill those criteria.

His ‘double’ attempt landed him in trouble as his playoff chances came under direct question for missing out on the Coca-Cola 600. Yet, things just ruled out in his favor. However, veteran NASCAR driver and Hall of Famer, Jeff Burton, gave his opinion on NASCAR handing out such waivers. 

Kyle Larson’s waiver questioned by Hall of Famer Jeff Burton

When is a mistake, not a mistake? This question comes to mind when considering Kyle Larson’s recent fiasco. Larson entered into the situation, fully aware of the potential consequences. He understood the risks involved, yet chose to proceed regardless. Hence, NASCAR giving him a free pass has raised eyebrows. Jeff Burton was in conversation with Dustin Long for NBC and he mentioned his concern about the waiver. He wants NASCAR to make improvements on the playoff waiver policies.

According to him, the organization needs clarity on waivers, so situations like Larson’s don’t crop up again. He said, “I’m not opposed to this decision because I think it would be bad for our fanbase for Kyle Larson to not be in it. But I want some more clarity moving forward, and I think the clarity was better for the fans, the teams, everybody. If they would have said, ‘Look man, I know it’s a bad situation with the rain, but you have to run this cup race.”

“We have fans that have come here to watch you race. We need to give them that. If you don’t run we’re not going to grant you a waiver,’ then they could have made that decision 100 percent knowing what it was that was involved, and the fans would have known it as well,” he added. 

Without a standardized and transparent process, he argued that the waiver system may seem arbitrary, leading to a potential bias and diminishing trust in the governing body. But Burton understood NASCAR’s decision. He comprehended that, currently, Larson is a crowd puller, he is the best they have got right now. And keeping fans away from the fun of watching his races is not something NASCAR can do. In Burton’s own words, “I think the fans lose if he’s not in the playoffs.” 

Burton’s sole expectation from NASCAR is for them to prioritize clarity and simplicity! And he is not alone in his comprehension. Recently, Kevin Harvick echoed a similar opinion.

Kevin Harvick wants NASCAR to make things less complicated too!

Kevin Harvick recently called for NASCAR to clear out the playoff waiver rules amidst the debate. In the recent episode of the Happy Hour podcast, he said, “There’s got to be some guidelines though. It can’t be everything and it can’t be just at the decision of a couple of people. I guess it can be but I like strong leadership.”

He talked about the time when NASCAR ruled with an iron fist. He commended Mike Helton, the former NASCAR president, for leadership. Harvick went on to say that he prefers simplicity and stated that regardless of whether they have started every race, drivers should be allowed to advance in playoffs in terms of their points. 

Right now Kyle Larson sits P2, and he has dropped position because he didn’t race at Charlotte. While he didn’t get a penalty for his stint, losing the top position, some might say, is punishment enough. Denny Hamlin is now the new leader!

What do you think about the waiver that’s been granted to Kyle Larson? Let us know!