Kyle Larson Regains NASCAR Playoff Eligibility

NASCAR has granted a waiver to Kyle Larson, restoring his eligibility for the Cup Series playoffs. Hendrick Motorsports requested this exception after Larson was unable to participate in the Coca-Cola 600 on May 26. The delay was due to rain at the Indianapolis 500, where Larson finished 18th in his IndyCar debut. Despite his absence, Larson, with two wins this season, has qualified for the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs.

NASCAR's rulebook, in Section 12.3.2.1.A, states that drivers and team owners must participate in all championship events to be eligible for the playoffs unless authorized otherwise. According to Elton Sawyer, Senior Vice President of Competition, the decision to grant Larson the waiver was made after internal discussions, considering that he did everything possible to get to Charlotte and participate in the race.

Larson secured the tenth position in the Cup Series qualifying session in Charlotte on May 25. He then flew to Indianapolis to attempt to be the fifth driver to compete in both races on the same day. However, storms delayed the Indianapolis event, forcing Larson to stay and start the 500-mile race, while Justin Allgaier, a regular Xfinity Series driver, filled in for Larson in Charlotte.

Allgaier started the Coca-Cola 600 from the back and moved up in the running order before rain and lightning halted the action in Charlotte with 249 of the 400 laps completed. Larson arrived at the Charlotte circuit on time, but the race did not resume due to weather conditions. Allgaier was credited with 13th place, while Larson did not earn any championship points and dropped from first to second in the Cup Series standings.

Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, expressed his gratitude to NASCAR for the constant communication and for granting the waiver. Despite the weather complications, he highlighted the effort and preparation of Larson and the team to compete in these two important events.