Kyle Larson reacts to NASCAR playoff waiver rule change in wake of Coca-Cola 600 controversy

NASCAR announced this past Friday a complete overhaul of its playoff waiver policy, which appeared to be in response to Kyle Larson‘s 2024 Indy-Charlotte Double bid.

Larson stayed in Indianapolis to finish all 500 miles before jetting over to Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Coca-Cola 600. Justin Allgaier started the race in the No. 5 car in place of Larson, who would then take over once he arrived. But when Larson landed, so did the rain with 151 laps remaining in the race. NASCAR made the race official, and Larson never completed a single lap at Charlotte. NASCAR granted him a playoff waiver, allowing him to compete for a championship.

But under the new policy, Larson would have to think twice. According to Jeff Gluck of The Athletic, if a driver needs a waiver for a non-medical reason, they lose all of their playoff points for the entire season. That includes any playoff points a driver has accumulated up to that point and any they earn in the future. The rule applies to suspensions as well.

Larson, competing at the Chili Bowl Nationals this week in Tulsa, Oklahoma, reacted to the massive change for the 2025 Cup Series season.

Kyle Larson chimes in on ‘very aggressive’ playoff waiver policy overhaul

“It is what it is,” Larson told Matt Weaver of Sportsnaut. “It’s probably going to come into play more for people getting suspended for doing stupid stuff on the track rather than a weather delay at Indianapolis. Hopefully the weather is better in Indy this year and it’s other people getting in trouble. And I won’t have to worry about the waiver. Really, hopefully no one has to worry about that.

“It’s a very aggressive rule change. Yeah. Abide by the rules. Be a clean racer. Calm racer. Make NASCAR your priority and you’ll be fine.”

Larson is running back in 2025. The 2021 Cup champion will once again attempt The Double on Sunday, May 25 — Memorial Day weekend. Rick Hendrick has already said that Larson will race in the Coca-Cola 600 if there’s rain and the start of the Indy 500 is delayed. 2004 IndyCar Series champion Tony Kanaan will serve as the backup driver for the No. 17 Dallara DW12.

NASCAR has made it easy on Larson. If there’s any sort of delay, expect him to be on a jet to Charlotte.