It seems like a foregone conclusion to many, but NASCAR has yet to decide whether Kyle Larson, who missed the Coca-Cola 600, will receive a playoff exemption. In fact, some within NASCAR are reportedly interested in denying Larson a waiver.
Kyle Larson is second in points this season, has two wins and is arguably the favorite to win the championship in 2024. He is considered the most talented driver in the Cup Series, and arguably in North America.
But NASCAR is considering denying him a place in the championship. On their podcast, “The Teardown,” The Athletic’s Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi discussed the possibility of NASCAR denying Larson a waiver. “This is a very real issue,” Gluck said of the decision to waive Larson. “I’ve seen so many people speculating over the last week. … Sorry, no, it hasn’t been announced yet, because not only do they not know, and they don’t know, they are seriously considering not granting Kyle Larson a waiver.
Let me say it again: there is serious consideration being given to not granting Kyle Larson a waiver. “That doesn’t mean they won’t do it.
In my opinion, cooler heads will prevail. But there are certainly people in NASCAR’s racing department who are actually against Kyle Larson being exempt, and the discussions are still ongoing, so we’re just saying they’re delaying it and trying to see if they’re going to actually do it.”
Jordan Bianchi added:
“And there’s no need to rush into a decision. I think it will happen sooner or later, but there is no deadline and they have to make a decision within a week or two. To be honest, they could run this all summer if they wanted. ”
Ultimately, NASCAR will make the decision. They can take one of two paths. First, ignore the part about following the rules and doing what you want.
Then give Larson the green light and get it done. We saw what happened last season when Chase Elliott wasn’t in the NASCAR playoffs. Ratings went down. It felt like the sport was missing a star. He made the final eight in the Owners Championship, but that’s not what fans care about.
Taking out Kyle Larson would be the worst thing in a lot of ways. He’s still second in the points standings after being penalized nearly 60 points for missing the Coca-Cola 600.
Now imagine Larson becoming the regular season champion and possibly the winner. Then he’s not allowed to participate in the playoffs.
That would be a disaster for NASCAR.
