The NASCAR world is absolutely shaking after Jeff Gordon unleashed a verbal smackdown on the sport’s latest masterpiece of a rule change—affectionately dubbed the “Kyle Larson Rule.” Yes, folks, NASCAR has once again proven that when faced with innovation and ambition, their response is to… punish it.
This all stems from Kyle Larson’s oh-so-reckless decision to challenge himself by attempting The Double—competing in both the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 in 2024. Naturally, NASCAR reacted in the most rational way possible: implementing a rule that penalizes drivers who dare to miss a race. Because why encourage drivers to push the limits of motorsport when you can slap them on the wrist instead?
And Jeff Gordon? Oh, he is not having it.
Gordon Goes Off
As Vice Chairman of Hendrick Motorsports, Gordon has seen it all—except, apparently, common sense in NASCAR’s decision-making. In a fiery interview, he tore into the absurdity of the rule, pointing out that it actively discourages drivers from pursuing historic challenges. He highlighted the absolute circus that was Larson’s 2024 ordeal—pit-road penalties, rain delays, and logistical nightmares—and questioned why NASCAR would go out of its way to penalize a driver for pushing boundaries.
But wait, there’s more! Gordon also took aim at NASCAR’s Open Exemption Provisional, which—get this—allows non-NASCAR drivers to waltz in with a free pass, while full-time Cup Series drivers get hit with restrictions. Because why reward dedication when you can roll out the red carpet for outsiders? Makes total sense.
The Fallout
NASCAR fans are now split between rage and laughter, as many are wondering if the sanctioning body is actively trying to discourage its own drivers from making history. Larson, who was already dealing with enough challenges in 2024, now has to watch as his bold move is used as the justification for yet another rule designed to limit driver flexibility.
So, what’s next? Will NASCAR start penalizing drivers for daring to breathe outside of the garage? Maybe issue penalties for thinking about racing in another series? If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that NASCAR never misses an opportunity to enforce peak consistency—just in the worst way possible.
For now, Gordon has made one thing clear: this battle isn’t over. And with someone like him leading the charge, NASCAR might just have to rethink its brilliant new policy.
Stay tuned—because if Gordon keeps swinging, things are about to get real interesting.
