Chase Elliott got injured on March 3rd, but the debates on issues revolving around his accident have refused to die down. The 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion suffered a fractured tibia and is expected to be out for at least six weeks. While fans and drivers alike have wished him a speedy recovery, the topic of his medical waiver has become a cause of concern.

What exactly is a medical waiver in NASCAR? According to NASCAR’s Rule Book, a driver can be granted a waiver if they miss races due to a medical condition or personal matter. This waiver allows them to remain eligible for the Cup Series Playoffs if they win a race and finish in the top 30 in points. Without the waiver, a driver would need to be in the top 16 in points to make the playoffs.

Tyler Reddick is concerned about the waiver situation

In a recent episode of The Dale Jr. Download podcast, Mike Davis and Dale Jr asked Reddick about his opinion on the medical waiver debate, and if he is fine with NASCAR giving the waiver to Elliott. Reddick expressed his thoughts on the importance of Elliott’s medical waiver, saying, “If for whatever reason they don’t give him one, that puts all the drivers in a really weird spot,” he said. “They’re gonna feel like they’ll have to live like in a bubble.”

Further, Reddick added, “But, yeah I hope that they give him a medical waiver and allow him to come back on his own terms and go compete for a championship.”

So why is Elliott’s waiver so important? If he is not granted a waiver and misses the six races he is expected to miss, he would be outside the top 30 in points and therefore ineligible for the playoffs even if he wins a race.

DIVE DEEPER

What happens if Elliot does not get a medical waiver?

This could potentially impact not only Elliott but also other drivers who are fighting for a playoff spot. Reddick explained his concerns as a driver if Elliott is not given the waiver. He said, “I’m gonna be worried about running down the road, on the highway, exercising, gonna be worried about riding my mountain bike, running my road bike. Worried about training.

“Is it worth to go that extra 10 pounds on this deadlift, and blow your back out or not?” 

However, the chances of Elliott receiving the waiver are high, as NASCAR’s Senior Vice President of Competition, Elton Sawyer, believes it’s likely. Sawyer cited the example of Tony Stewart, who was granted a waiver for an off-track injury. Kyle Petty also supported Sawyer’s view, stating that Elliott’s injury is more intense than a twisted ankle and could significantly affect the team’s performance.

WATCH THIS STORY: Chase Elliott Agrees “Once You Have Kids, Then You Have to Have It” on America’s Favorite Morning Routine

In conclusion, the medical waiver is an essential issue that can affect drivers’ eligibility to participate in the playoffs. Though Sawyer’s opinion that Elliott will receive the waiver is reassuring for fans of the driver. As Reddick stated, without the waiver, drivers may have to limit their activities to avoid injuries, which could ultimately affect their racing performance.