NASCAR overhauls playoff waiver policy in wake of Kyle Larson debacle

NASCAR announced Friday several rule changes for the 2025 Cup Series season and among them, a complete overhaul of the playoff waiver policy.

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.

The updated mandate could have drastic effects, 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.

New NASCAR mandate could affect Kyle Larson’s 2025 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. 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.

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.