NASCAR finally ends speculation on Kyle Larson's playoff waiver

After a week of wild speculation, NASCAR has finally decided on Kyle Larson's playoff waiver. 

The sanctioning body announced Tuesday that the driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports will be eligible for the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. 

Larson needed the waiver to be playoff eligible after missing the start of the Coca-Cola 600 on May 26 when inclement weather delayed the start of the Indianapolis 500 earlier in the day. 

Making his IndyCar debut, Larson finished 18th in the Indianapolis 500. He had planned to race in the Coca-Cola 600 at the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway later that Sunday. Only one driver, Tony Stewart in 2001, completed all 1,100 miles of both races on the same day.

NASCAR deemed that Larson's attempt to get to Charlotte as soon as the Indy 500 was over was enough to warrant a waiver.

With NASCAR previously giving out waivers for injuries, suspensions and even legal issues, it seems like a no-brainer to give Larson a waiver, especially given the spotlight he put on NASCAR by attempting the Indy 500-Coca-Cola 600 "double."

Larson was unable to turn any laps in the Coca-Cola 600 because it was delayed due to rain shortly after he arrived at the track. The race was called without Larson ever climbing inside his race car. 

Not only did NASCAR make the right call in allowing arguably its best driver to remain eligible for the championship, but it also ensured future attempts at one of the greatest feats in motorsports can be done without a driver having to worry about jeopardizing his season.