“Just go back to Winston Cup at this point”: NASCAR fans express disappointment over newly announced rules

NASCAR has formally implemented an updated set of rules, including a more stringent ruling on playoff waivers. In turn, some fans expressed disappointment over the imminent change, with some arguing that the league is targeting Kyle Larson.

According to an X (formerly Twitter) post by veteran NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass, the updated playoff waiver rule states that drivers who get a waiver for non-medical reasons will forfeit playoff points and start the postseason with a maximum of 2,000 points.

The rule doesn't apply to waivers granted for age restrictions and medical reasons such as the birth of a child.

Kyle Larson's The Double attempt in May could affect his playoff run given he qualifies for the postseason. NASCAR states drivers must start in all 26 races in the regular season to qualify for the postseason.

Fans took to X to voice their criticism against the new rules.

One user argued that NASCAR should just revert to the more straightforward Winston Cup playoff system.

"Just go back to Winston Cup at this point," they wrote.

"Is this labeled as the 'Kyle Larson Indy 500' rule? Should be," another fan said.

An X user felt that the new rules show why the league is accused of antitrust behavior.

"And people wonder why NASCAR is being sued for antitrust behavior," the user wrote.

"That is ridiculous," another fan stated.

However, some fans approved of the updated playoff waiver rule. One of them argued that penalties should be implemented for drivers missing a race due to a non-medical issue.

"I actually agree with this. Hell, I didn't agree with Chase Elliott's waiver in 2023 either. There needs to be more of a penalty for choosing to miss a NASCAR race, or missing a NASCAR race that isn't due to an injury at a NASCAR event. Even then I still don't like waivers," the fan wrote.

"AWESOME! Now, when Mr. Popular (not in my book) intentionally wrecks someone and gets suspended, he will truly have ramifications," another fan said.

NASCAR will return to action next month, with the Cup Series kicking off with the Daytona 500 on February 16.

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Other new NASCAR rules update

Aside from the updated playoff waiver rule, NASCAR made changes to other areas of the rule book, including the Damaged Vehicle Policy (DVP).

Under the revised rule, DVP can no longer disqualify damaged cars, though the seven-minute time limit is still in place. Teams who surpass the limit must bring their cars to the garage for further repair.

The policy was heavily criticized last season for alleged inconsistent rulings. During the YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, drivers like Chase Elliott were towed for repairs despite the policy disqualifying cars that could not drive themselves back to the pits.

The 2024 YellaWood 500 challenged the DVP - Source: Imagn

NASCAR also implemented a new rule called Open Exemption Provisional (OEP). This allows the league to guarantee an open team to the race, meaning the driver does not have to compete against other non-chartered teams to qualify.

The OEP fields the 41st driver on the entry list, meaning the four open slots won't be affected. NASCAR will choose which open team it wishes to enter, depending on the driver's racing experience and accolades.

Four-time IndyCar 500 winner Helio Castroneves is the first driver to utilize the OEP rule for the upcoming Daytona 500.