The 2025 season of the NASCAR Cup Series is already shaping up to be a thrilling chapter in motorsport history, with a new rule change that has sparked debates and divided opinions among fans, drivers, and team executives. Dubbed the “Kyle Larson Rule” by insiders, this adjustment to NASCAR’s playoff waiver policy has stirred curiosity and controversy, particularly because it directly impacts one of the sport’s biggest stars, Kyle Larson. The rule, introduced to address Larson’s unique situation in 2024, has helped secure his seeding in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, but not without raising eyebrows and prompting heated discussions. So, what exactly is this rule, and how does it change the game for Larson and the sport as a whole?

In 2024, Kyle Larson made headlines with his ambitious attempt to complete “The Double”—racing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. This grueling challenge, previously accomplished by legends like Tony Stewart and Kurt Busch, requires a driver to compete in two of motorsport’s most prestigious events, spanning over 1,100 miles of high-speed racing. Larson, driving for Hendrick Motorsports in NASCAR and Arrow McLaren in IndyCar, was poised to make history. However, Mother Nature had other plans. Inclement weather delayed the Indy 500 by four hours, forcing Larson to make a tough call: stay in Indianapolis to complete the 500 or rush to Charlotte for the Coca-Cola 600. He chose the former, finishing 18th in his IndyCar debut but missing the start of the Coca-Cola 600, which was later halted due to rain.

This decision sparked a firestorm. NASCAR’s rulebook, specifically Section 12.3.2.1.A, states that drivers must start all championship events to be eligible for the playoffs unless granted a waiver, typically reserved for medical or family emergencies. Larson’s absence from the Coca-Cola 600 put his playoff eligibility in jeopardy, despite his two wins earlier in the season and leading the regular-season points standings. After days of deliberation, NASCAR granted Larson a waiver, restoring his playoff eligibility. Elton Sawyer, NASCAR’s Senior Vice President of Competition, explained the decision: “The effort that [Larson and Hendrick Motorsports] made—without the weather, they were going to be there. We feel confident that was going to happen. To not have Kyle Larson in our playoff and give our fans the opportunity to see him race for a championship didn’t feel like the right decision.”

The waiver, however, came with consequences. Larson missed out on potential points, including 40 for a race win, 10 per stage win, and eight playoff points from the Coca-Cola 600. This loss could have cost him up to 23 playoff points, a significant blow in the tightly contested playoff format. Yet, the experience highlighted a gray area in NASCAR’s rules, prompting the sanctioning body to introduce a stricter policy for 2025. The new rule stipulates that drivers who miss a race for non-medical or non-family-related reasons and receive a waiver will lose all playoff points earned during the regular season, starting the playoffs with a base of 2,000 points. This change, widely referred to as the “Kyle Larson Rule,” ensures that drivers prioritize NASCAR events, protecting the sport’s brand and fan expectations.

The rule has ignited a polarized response. Jeff Gordon, Hendrick Motorsports Vice Chairman and a four-time Cup Series champion, expressed skepticism about its necessity. Reflecting on Larson’s 2024 ordeal, Gordon shared a personal perspective: “I saw the hurt on Kyle Larson’s face, and I could feel him letting his team down. If you’ve never owned a team or driven a race car, then I understand why you feel like you need to take extra action. But there’s nothing harder than to make that decision and deal with the consequences of not being in that car.” Gordon, who traveled with Larson from Indianapolis to Charlotte, believes the emotional and professional toll of missing a race is punishment enough. He argues that the new rule may not deter drivers from pursuing ambitious challenges like The Double but could unfairly penalize them in the championship hunt.

On the other side, NASCAR legend and team owner Jimmie Johnson supports the rule, viewing it as a necessary step to maintain the sport’s integrity. Johnson, who now races part-time and co-owns Legacy Motor Club, emphasized the importance of prioritizing NASCAR events: “I think they’re just better defining the rules. A driver trying the double is going to have to commit to NASCAR.” He acknowledged the unique circumstances of Larson’s 2024 attempt, noting that weather disruptions created an unprecedented challenge, but believes the rule clarifies expectations for drivers attempting cross-series feats in the future.

Chase Elliott, the 2020 Cup Series champion and Larson’s teammate at Hendrick Motorsports, offered a pragmatic take. He sees the rule as a deterrent that adds clarity to tough decisions: “It’s a good way to make you think twice because that could ruin your year if you were having a good year prior to that.” Elliott’s perspective underscores the rule’s intent to discourage drivers from skipping NASCAR races for non-emergency reasons, ensuring fans see their favorite stars on the track.

For Larson, the rule has both helped and complicated his 2025 season. The waiver granted in 2024 secured his playoff eligibility, allowing him to maintain his position as a top seed in the 2025 playoffs. With two wins already under his belt and a strong regular-season performance, Larson remains a championship favorite. However, the new rule raises the stakes for his planned second attempt at The Double in 2025. Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, has committed to supporting Larson’s Indy 500 return but emphasized that NASCAR is the priority: “My commitment is to NASCAR; that’s where we run for the championship.” If weather disrupts the Indy 500 again, Larson will be expected to prioritize the Coca-Cola 600, potentially sacrificing his IndyCar ambitions.

The rule also has broader implications for NASCAR. By tightening the waiver policy, the sanctioning body aims to ensure that its star drivers remain focused on the Cup Series, reinforcing the importance of events like the Coca-Cola 600. Critics, however, argue that it could discourage drivers from pursuing high-profile challenges like The Double, which bring significant attention to the sport. Larson’s 2024 attempt, for instance, drew crossover fans from IndyCar and NASCAR, boosting the sport’s visibility. A single race points deficit, as seen in 2024, did little to deter Larson, who nearly won the regular-season championship despite missing the Coca-Cola 600. The new rule’s harsher penalty—losing all playoff points—aims to keep drivers in check but risks stifling the kind of daring ambition that makes motorsport so compelling.

As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Kyle Larson. Will he attempt The Double again, knowing the high stakes? Can he navigate the new rule to maintain his championship contender status? The answers lie in the unpredictable world of racing, where weather, strategy, and split-second decisions can change everything. One thing is certain: the “Kyle Larson Rule” has added a new layer of intrigue to an already unpredictable sport, ensuring that fans will be glued to their screens when the green flag drops in May.