The NASCAR world is waiting to see if Kyle Larson will get his waiver to remain championship-eligible. Larson missed the Coca-Cola 600 to race in the rain-delayed Indy 500 last Sunday.
Over the years, injured drivers, suspended drivers, and others have received waivers. So, why not a waiver for NASCAR’s most talented driver and one who was trying to act as an ambassador for the entire sport?
This waiver deal is all people can talk about. Ahead of today’s Enjoy Illinois 300, Kyle Larson talked to the FOX crew about the situation.
“The waiver thing doesn’t make any sense as it stands right now. … I’m sure it’s confusing,” Larson said, via Steven Taranto of CBS Sports. “I think NASCAR’s probably trying to figure out what to do. If I get a waiver, do they have to rewrite the rules?”
Kyle Larson was put into a difficult situation. There was so much effort and time and money poured into the Indy 500. With all due respect, he has raced in the Coca-Cola 600 before. He wanted to attempt the race he had never done in his life.
Argue that the 600 is a crown jewel, fair point. Then NASCAR should make it feel like it is a crown jewel. The pomp and circumstance of the Indy 500 cannot be matched, but it doesn’t feel like the TV partners or NASCAR itself wants to put the effort in to make the 600 feel like it has gravity to it.
So, how can you blame Kyle Larson? Not only was he acting as a representative of NASCAR, but he tried his best to participate in the 600 at least. The race was called early due to a humid track that refused to dry completely.
Right now, everyone is just waiting to hear one way or another.
Kyle Larson plans to race with or without a waiver
Even if Kyle Larson doesn’t receive his waiver, he has no plans to skip out on races. After all, he can still win the Owners Championship and that is the one that pays the big money at the end of the season. The Drivers Championship is important, but mostly for records.
“I would not do anything different. I would try and win a championship,” Larson told FOX’s Bob Pockrass.
There are contracts and sponsorship agreements to adhere to, so of course Larson will continue to race. However, I would argue that not granting a waiver would hurt NASCAR more than Larson missing the Coke 600.
Think to last season when Chase Elliott missed the playoffs. It was not a good thing for NASCAR viewership and fan participation. Larson is just as, if not more popular than Elliott. You need your best drivers competing for titles, plain and simple.
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