“We Praise Kyle Busch & Kyle Larson” – Kyle Petty Calls Out NASCAR Fans’ Double Standards in Chase Elliott Injury Drama 

Since the news of Chase Elliott being involved in a snowboarding accident made the headlines, NASCAR fans grew concerned over the most popular driver’s return to the track. And now, with Hendrick Motorsports’ official statement, it is clear that Elliott will be missing the races for an unspecified number of weeks. But the looming question on everybody’s mind is – will NASCAR grant him a waiver to be eligible for the playoffs?

Over the years, NASCAR has granted waivers to drivers for several medical and non-medical reasons. However, as per the rules, the governing body is only allowed to grant waivers for race-related incidents and injuries. Elliott’s fractured tibia (one of two bones that comprise the leg) is a result of a snowboarding accident – hence, not a race-related injury.

However, former NASCAR racer Kyle Petty feels that NASCAR should consider granting Elliott a waiver.

In his recent appearance on the NASCAR on NBC podcast, Petty argued, “We [fans] praise Kyle Busch and Kyle Larson and all these guys that go out and race six nights a week in wings break cars and Go Karts and midgets and whatever they wanna race. But God forbid, you can’t go snowboarding, you’d get hurt. You just can’t do that people.”

“I don’t know where ya’ll been but you just can’t do that. So, I look at it as yes, he should get a waiver.”

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According to Petty’s contention, an injury is an injury. However, since the incident is not NASCAR-related, it is not clear if the governing body will grant a waiver or not.

Does Kyle Petty’s contention for Chase Elliott hold any merit?

Over the years, drivers like Kyle Busch, Tony Stewart, and Matt Kenseth have received multi-race waivers from NASCAR. In 2015, Kyle Busch received an unprecedented waiver after his injury at the Daytona International Speedway during the Xfinity Series. Although the injury was NASCAR-related, a waiver for more than ten races was unique.

Furthermore, during the 2016 season, Tony Stewart was granted an eight-race waiver owing to his back injury that he suffered due to an all-terrain incident before the start of the season.

Moreover, Matt Kenseth missed the first four races in 2020 and was still approved to be eligible for the playoffs. And the most interesting part about it is that he did not provide any specific reason for his absence during the races.

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Hence, it can be said that Kyle Petty’s contention does hold some merit. Because looking at the past verdicts, there is a high chance that Chase Elliott might receive a waiver for missing his races for the next few weeks. And still be eligible to qualify for the playoffs.