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Denny Hamlin to Use NASCAR’s Playoff Loophole as Baby No. 3 Arrives—Is It Fair?

Publisher by Publisher
February 4, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
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Denny Hamlin to Use NASCAR’s Playoff Loophole as Baby No. 3 Arrives—Is It Fair?

Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Denny Hamlin looks on before the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The so-called “Kyle Larson Rule” has already sent NASCAR fans into a frenzy, but now, Denny Hamlin is about to put the sport’s revised waiver policy to the ultimate test. While Larson’s attempt at the Indy 500/Coca-Cola 600 doubleheader cost him playoff security, Hamlin is set to miss a race with no consequences—all thanks to one major life event: the birth of his third child.


The Birth Waiver Loophole—How Hamlin’s Playing It to Perfection

During the latest episode of his Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin casually let slip that he and fiancée Jordan Fish are expecting baby No. 3—and the timing couldn’t be more convenient.

“Well, yeah, I got another one coming,” Hamlin chuckled. “I’m three for three. Another baby. We’re really, really excited. Due June 1st-ish, so right around Charlotte weekend.”

That’s Coca-Cola 600 weekend, one of NASCAR’s crown jewel events, and potentially a clash with Hamlin’s title aspirations. But this time, he doesn’t have to sweat it.

NASCAR’s new rule allows drivers to miss a race for the birth of a child without needing a waiver. In other words, while Kyle Larson’s playoff points were thrown into chaos for missing a race to pursue racing immortality at Indy, Hamlin gets a free pass.

“There’s a new rule, though, right? You can miss a race for a birth and not lose your playoff points or have to get a waiver, correct?”

That’s right, Denny. And the timing couldn’t be better.


The Kyle Larson Controversy: A Tale of Two Absences

Hamlin’s situation is drawing inevitable comparisons to the fallout from Kyle Larson’s Indy 500 attempt. Larson, aiming to pull off the grueling double-header, was put in an impossible position when NASCAR refused to guarantee him a waiver if bad weather delayed his Indianapolis start and caused him to miss Charlotte.

Faced with that uncertainty, Larson was forced to choose between legacy and championship security, and ultimately, NASCAR made its stance clear—no show, no points.

Now, with Hamlin skipping a race for personal reasons but facing no consequences, some fans are crying foul. Should NASCAR’s waiver rules be applied with more consistency?


Hamlin’s “Golf Dilemma”—A NASCAR Dad’s Priorities

While Hamlin is committed to being present for the birth, he couldn’t help but joke about his past priorities as a new father—including one hilariously timed golf outing.

“I had a golf guys event the day after,” Hamlin laughed. “What could I do? Once the baby’s here, it’s like, you know, I can be your comfort companion, feed ya applesauce or something.”

His co-host Jared Allen was quick to roast him, asking if either of his daughters had been born on a race weekend. Hamlin admitted he wasn’t sure, but he was sure about one thing—he got in a round of golf shortly after.

And Hamlin isn’t alone.

“Listen, I’m not the only one,” he said. “There’s been others in the NASCAR community, in my golf league, who had a child and then took a break for four hours, played in the event, and came back to the hospital.”

For Hamlin, it’s all in good fun. But for NASCAR fans, the conversation is far from over.


Is the Waiver Rule Fair? Debate Rages On

With Hamlin able to miss a race without penalty, while Larson was forced into a brutal decision between history and championship hopes, the waiver debate is gaining traction again.

Some argue that family should always come first, and NASCAR is right to offer exemptions for major life events. Others feel that the rulebook shouldn’t play favorites, and if Larson lost out for missing a race, Hamlin should face similar scrutiny.

Regardless, one thing’s for sure—Hamlin’s not losing any sleep over it (at least until the baby arrives).

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