NASCAR insider points out unintended consequence of new suspension policy

Earlier this month, NASCAR sent a stern message the way of drivers: If you egregiously dump another driver during a race, be prepared for it to potentially end your chances of winning a Cup Series championship.

As part of sweeping rules changes for the 2025 season, “NASCAR announced that any waiver to remain playoff eligible while missing a race was issued for a driver absence for non-medical (or family emergency) reasons would result in a driver forfeiting all playoff points earned during the regular season,” Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports reported. Essentially, any driver who qualifies for the playoffs would have any playoff points accumulated through the course of the regular season revoked.

But when it comes to rule changes, unintended consequences tend to come with it. Speaking on Kevin Harvick‘s “Happy Hour” podcast, Pockrass wondered if the new rule could actually result in drivers roughing up others on the racetrack knowing the payback won’t be as harsh with a significant consequence for doing so in place.

“You had the manipulation issues at Martinsville, and I think NASCAR’s ready to suspend people if those happen again and this brings a little more weight. The onus will be on NASCAR now to will they look at any of these situations differently knowing that the penalty is worse if you’re in the playoffs,” Pockrass said. “Or, when I spoke to some drivers they were like, can they take advantage of this rule? Because usually it’s the person who retaliates who gets suspended. So, can you be rougher with someone initially knowing that they may not pay you back as harshly?”

New NASCAR rule could have drastic effects

The updated waiver rule could have an effect in other situations as well, especially when it comes to Kyle Larson and his 2025 Indy-Charlotte Double bid. Larson attempted The Double last year, but a rain delay ahead of the Indy 500 severely impacted his day.

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. Larson is doing The Double again this May, and the new rule in place could make Larson think twice about staying in Indianapolis should weather impact the race in any capacity.

Jeff Gordon reacts to new NASCAR waiver rule as response to Kyle Larson controversy

Jeff Gordon went on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio last week and talked about the new rule. Of course, the Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman doesn’t think it is necessary to have a rule change. He offers a different argument.

“The one comment I’ll make about that is, there is a lot of debate over this, right?” Gordon said. “Last year. Being right there in it the whole time, I flew on the plane with Kyle from Indy to Charlotte. And I personally don’t think they needed to take any further steps and here’s my reason why; I saw the hurt on Kyle Larson’s face and I could feel him letting his team down. I had the conversations with Rick and the conversations he’s having with NASCAR as well as Chad Knaus and Jeff Andrews. I heard from fans and sponsors, and – if you’ve never owned a team or driven a race car, then I understand why you feel like you need to take extra action.

“But if you ever have, then you know there’s nothing harder than to make that decision and deal with consequences of not being in that car, and Kyle not getting those points, and having the opportunity to win that race. The car was great. Justin Allgaier did an amazing job. But to let down the team, and to me, like that’s what drives the decision of whether you do it or don’t do it in the future, not necessarily whether you get a waiver or not. But, hey, I understand. NASCAR’s, that’s their decision and we’ll go by that.”