Denny Hamlin Supports Kyle Larson’s Request for NASCAR Playoff Weaver
Denny Hamlin, prominent NASCAR driver and team owner, has voiced his support for Kyle Larson receiving a waiver to maintain his playoff eligibility despite missing the Coca-Cola 600 to participate in the Indianapolis 500. Hamlin’s remarks come as Larson’s decision to race in the Indy 500 raises questions about NASCAR’s policy on waivers for drivers opting for prestigious non-NASCAR events.
Hamlin recounted a recent conversation with colleagues at Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), where he was asked if Larson should receive a waiver. His initial affirmative response was met with a follow-up question that made him reconsider the broader implications.
“They said, ‘Do you think he should get a waiver?’ And I said quickly, ‘Yeah, absolutely.’ They were like, ‘Really? So what if you want to go race Le Mans next year? Should you get a waiver?’ I said, ‘Hm, that’s a good point. I didn’t think about it like that.’ What defines a major event? There are lots of major events,” Hamlin recounted.
Despite the complexities, Hamlin remains steadfast in his belief that Larson deserves the waiver, emphasizing the unparalleled status of the Indianapolis 500 in motorsport. “Now, Kyle wasn’t missing this to go to a high-limit race. You know, he was missing this to do the Indy 500. I don’t know how NASCAR feels about him choosing Indy over the Coke 600, but I think you’d be hard-pressed to convince me that the Coke 600 is a bigger event than the Indy 500. Would anyone make that argument?” he argued.
Hamlin underscored that Larson’s decision likely involved discussions with NASCAR officials, indicating that the governing body might already be inclined to grant the waiver. “I think yes, he absolutely should (receive the waiver). I think absolutely, he will. I would think that they would have a tough time — I think it would be very hard — they made this decision, without already consulting with NASCAR, on what they would do,” Hamlin stated.
As the debate continues, the NASCAR community watches closely to see how the organization will handle Larson’s case. Granting the waiver would acknowledge the importance of the Indianapolis 500 while setting a precedent for future decisions involving drivers participating in major non-NASCAR events.
In the coming days, NASCAR’s decision on the waiver will not only affect Larson’s playoff hopes but also shape the broader policy on cross-series participation, highlighting the balance between honoring traditional NASCAR commitments and recognizing the significance of other iconic racing events.
