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NASCAR’s Controversial ‘Kyle Larson Rule’ Sparks Debate: Kevin Harvick Calls Out Sanctioning Body Over Waiver Changes

David Castro by David Castro
January 31, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Kyle Larson: Racing Addict, Global Star, and Sprint Car Icon

Nov 22, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) at Charlotte Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

NASCAR’s latest rule tweak has sent shockwaves through the racing world—and Kevin Harvick isn’t holding back. The new waiver rule, which many have dubbed the ‘Kyle Larson Rule,’ is designed to prevent drivers from skipping NASCAR races for outside commitments, following last year’s Indy 500-Coke 600 controversy involving Larson.

While NASCAR insists the change is about maintaining fairness, Harvick sees it as a direct punishment for Larson—and a power move to keep drivers from exploring other racing opportunities.

Harvick Slams NASCAR: ‘Hey, Kyle Larson, Don’t Miss My Race Anymore’

On the latest episode of his Happy Hour podcast, the 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion didn’t mince words about the new waiver rule tightening eligibility requirements.

“Yeah, so they left the part in there that the waiver was meant for and they basically said, ‘Hey, Kyle Larson, don’t miss my race anymore. If you miss my race now, you’re going to be punished because now I have a rule in the rulebook that will deter you from staying in Indy.’”

This is Harvick’s way of saying what many fans already suspect—NASCAR is protecting its turf. The sanctioning body doesn’t want its biggest stars prioritizing other racing series over its own crown jewel events, and the new waiver restrictions make sure of it.

The Bigger Problem: Should a Win Guarantee Playoff Eligibility?

Harvick then turned his attention to a bigger issue with the playoff system itself. He believes a race win should automatically secure a driver’s spot in the playoffs—regardless of waivers or attendance.

“It is a big change. And I think, look, I’m of the (opinion the) win is the waiver. I’m still in that category. I just don’t like rules just to have rules. I think that NASCAR has to protect its turf. They did last year with Larson.”

Harvick sees this as yet another example of NASCAR making reactionary rule changes, essentially creating regulations for the sake of it rather than focusing on the true competitive aspect of the sport.

Did NASCAR Need a Rule Change? Harvick Thinks Larson Paid the Price Without It

Beyond the waiver controversy, Harvick pointed out something that’s hard to argue with—Kyle Larson already suffered for missing the Coca-Cola 600, even without an official rule in place.

“I mean the guy still went on, it was detrimental to him all the way to the end. It penalized him himself. He didn’t win the regular season championship. It kept him out of the end of the year and it penalized Larson all the way through without having a rule.”

Harvick’s argument is simple: Larson missing the Coke 600 already cost him a shot at the regular-season title and crucial playoff points. NASCAR didn’t need to enforce a new rule to punish him—the system took care of it naturally.

How Will the ‘Kyle Larson Rule’ Impact 2025?

This new rule will undoubtedly change the way NASCAR drivers plan their seasons. If a driver wants to attempt double-duty between NASCAR and other motorsports—be it IndyCar, IMSA, or the World of Outlaws—they’ll have to think twice.

The question now is: Will this waiver crackdown actually improve NASCAR’s competitive balance, or is it just a power move to keep drivers locked into Cup Series races?

With the 2025 season fast approaching, fans and drivers alike will be watching closely to see just how much this rule change affects the championship race.

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