CONCORD, N.C. — Today NASCAR granted Kyle Larson a playoff waiver that will allow him to chase a NASCAR Cup Series driver championship in 2024.
Hendrick Motorsports applied for the waiver after Larson missed the May 26 Coca-Cola 600 after it was shortened by inclement weather. Earlier in the day, he competed in the Indianapolis 500, which experienced a four-hour delay due to storms.
Larson arrived at the track just as the event was stopped at lap 249 of a scheduled 400. Had it continued, he would have finished out the race in the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet. Backup driver Justin Allgaier made the start at Charlotte Motor Speedway and finished 13th.
“Under normal circumstances, completing ‘the double’ is one of the toughest tests in sports,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “Despite our best efforts, this year’s combination of weather conditions in Indianapolis and Charlotte made it impossible.
“We hoped race day would play out differently, but the program was still incredibly positive for everyone involved. Kyle’s performance throughout May was a great reflection on the level of talent competing each week in the NASCAR Cup Series.”
Larson went into the weekend leading the Cup standings. He received no championship points for the Coca-Cola 600 and dropped to third overall.
“Although losing ground in the standings was hard to swallow, we were especially disappointed for the fans at the Coca-Cola 600 who were not able to see Kyle race,” Hendrick said. “I’m extremely proud of everything he did to prepare and the months of planning by our team and our partners at Arrow McLaren to run these two crown jewel events.
“We appreciate NASCAR communicating with us throughout the effort and granting our request for a playoff waiver.”