The speech of NASCAR The current question is whether or not Kyle Larson deserves a waiver for missing the Coca-Cola 600. Bubba Wallace isn’t sure. The 23XI Racing driver is no stranger to needing a waiver, however.
In the 2022 season during Las Vegas’ playoff run, Bubba Wallace intentionally destroyed Kyle Larson, hooking him at right guard. Wallace was then suspended for the next race but received a waiver.
Now, Larson needs permission from NASCAR be eligible for the championship after missing the Coca-Cola 600 for the Indy 500 because bad weather ruined his Double attempt.
Before the Enjoy Illinois 300, Kenny Wallace asked Wallace about NASCAR’s hottest debate topic. has Live Airside. He gave an interesting answer.
“We gave waivers for everything, didn’t we? But what I see is that I don’t know the thought process of the person making the decision, right? Wallace asked the crowd. “He made a choice. He made the choice to race the Indy 500. He knew the weather was bad, he knew all that, he tried hard to get there, but he made a choice. That’s all I have to say.
When Bubba Wallace says, “He made a choice,” I tend to agree. Plus, I think this might be a callback to his own suspension. A few people, maybe even Denny Hamlin, said the same thing about Wallace’s decision to destroy Larson in Vegas two years ago.
Personally, giving Kyle Larson a waiver it is obvious. Last season’s ratings were down for the playoffs after Chase Elliott failed to make the playoffs. Larson’s attempt at the Doubles brought attention to the sport and for that, he deserves a waiver.
Choosing to remove your most talented driver from the championship race in early June would be detrimental to the sport of NASCAR. Bubba Wallace has his own feelings about the situation, I understand that.
However, there is no doubt that without Larson in the playoffs, NASCAR would be hurt. Does this open the door for drivers to miss races in the future? I doubt. The Indy 500 is a very specific event. The Double is a very special case in particular.
When people talk about the bad precedent this sets, I ask: Who else would need this waiver? There are few drivers in NASCAR capable and willing to attempt the double. Kyle Larson’s situation is unique and deserves a waiver. Let’s get this approved already and stop talking about it.
