NASCAR
announced today that Kyle Busch will be eligible to compete for the 2015 NASCAR
Sprint Cup Series championship. The sanctioning body has waived Rule
17.6.2.1.a, which requires a driver to start all championship events of the
current season.
NASCAR
made the decision after the driver of the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
received the appropriate medical clearance to return to NASCAR racing this
weekend in the Sprint All Star Race. To qualify for the Chase for the NASCAR
Sprint Cup, Busch will need to be within the top 30 of the Championship point
standings after race 26 at Richmond International Raceway on Sept. 12, and meet
all other stated requirements within the NASCAR Rule Book.
“On
behalf of everyone at NASCAR, it’s great to have Kyle Busch back racing,” said
Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development
officer. “Our decision to grant Kyle a waiver that allows him to continue
running for a championship is one we discussed extensively. The spirit of the
rule never was designed to punish drivers who are unable to compete due to
extenuating circumstances such as recovering from a racing accident.
“We
wish Kyle the best of luck in the balance of the season, and look forward to
his return to the car this week for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at
Charlotte Motor Speedway.”
It seems like the rule is really just a hedge against some team getting a ringer for a road course into the chase.
ReplyDeleteAn we know NASCAR wouldn't allow that how? Because someday they might actually follow their own chase eligibility rules?
DeleteI wouldn't bet on that happening anytime soon.