Kyle Larson waiver controversy, explained: Why NASCAR star is still waiting on playoff approval after Indy 500

David Suggs

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Kyle Larson waiver controversy, explained: Why NASCAR star is still waiting on playoff approval after Indy 500 image

One of NASCAR's biggest names could be missing the playoffs in 2024.

That's not an entirely unusual proposition: just last year, stock car racing's biggest star, Chase Elliott, fell short of postseason qualification after a campaign from hell. Kyle Larson's potential absence in this season's upcoming playoffs could prove more contentious, however.

After all, the Hendrick Motorsports supernova has already captured two checkered flags this season and sits second on points. Based purely on his on-track performance, Larson has already punched a ticket into the Big Dance.

And yet, Larson remains on the outside looking in. He sits somewhere between limbo and abyss in the Cup Series standings this year. And after helping further prop the sport into national consciousness during an impressive run at the Indy 500, the prospect of Larson — an indisputable championship threat — falling short of playoff qualification is a confounding sight, even for the biggest NASCAR enthusiasts.

With that, here's what you need to know about Larson's playoff waiver application.

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Kyle Larson waiver controversy, explained

When Larson's team, Hendrick Motorsports, issued a postseason waiver for Larson, it appeared to be a foregone conclusion that it would be accepted. NASCAR has been fairly laissez-faire when it comes to giving out playoff vouchers in the past, offering not only to drivers who suffered injuries while in their chariots (Kyle Busch, Alex Bowman) but also to those who have been suspended.

Just last year, Elliott was granted not one, but two waivers: one for injury (he broke his leg while snowboarding), the other after he was handed a one-race ban for intentionally wrecking Denny Hamlin.

NASCAR's official stance on making it to the postseason is as follows: 

"Unless otherwise authorized by NASCAR, driver(s) and team owner(s) must start all championship events of the current season to be eligible for the Playoffs."

It hasn't applied that rule all that consistently over the years, however. And it has some of Larson's competitors wondering what's the hold up for Larson's approval.

NASCAR confirmed that it received Hendrick Motorsports' waiver request on May 30. The organization hasn't revealed any updates in the days since.

As The Athletic's Jeff Gluck points out, the waiver approval process is typically a speedy one.

With uncertainty swirling regarding Larson's postseason status, his fellow Cup Series counterparts offered their own takes on the situation. The overriding sentiment spilling from the garages? Larson should have a waiver.

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Larson, to his credit, appeared to be taking the drawn-out saga in stride.

"It’s not up to me,” Larson said. “I’ll be here every weekend.”

When asked if his driving approach would change if he wasn't granted a waiver, Larson was firm.

“I would not do anything different," Larson said. "I would try to win a championship.”

Why does Kyle Larson need a playoff waiver?

Despite being one of NASCAR's greatest-ever drivers, by participating in the Indy 500 and missing out on the start of the Coca-Cola 600, Larson did not participate in each of the Cup Series' 26 regular-season races. As such, he is technically ineligible for postseason play.

There is nuance to Larson's absence, admittedly. His plans of accomplished the Memorial Day Double were dashed when the Indy 500 — initially scheduled for a 12:45 p.m. ET start — was delayed four hours due to inclement weather. In the end, he opted to stay at the Brickyard and compete. By doing so, though, he missed out on the opening two stages from Charlotte, which had a 6:20 p.m. ET start time, by comparison.

Larson departed for the Queen City as soon as the Indy 500 ended and made it back partway through the Coca-Cola 600's third stage. However, almost as soon as he arrived, the red flag was waved for weather. Eventually, the race was halted entirely, with Joe Gibbs Racing star Christopher Bell — the race leader at the time — capturing the checkered flag. Larson didn't even get to sit in his cockpit.

David Suggs

David Suggs Photo

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.