NASCAR waives Chase eligibility for Kyle Busch
Joe Gibbs Racing driver allowed to compete in the Chase for the Sprint Cup despite missing 11 races this season.
Championship victory lane: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series 2014 champion owner Kyle Busch with wife Samantha
Eric Gilbert
NASCAR announced on Wednesday that Kyle Busch will be eligible for the 2015 Chase for the Sprint Cup.
For Busch to qualify for one of the coveted 16 spots in the playoffs, he would have to meet all requirements sans Rule 17.6.2.1.a “which requires a driver to start all Championship Events of the current season.”
According to the release, NASCAR’s decision came after Busch, 30, received medical clearance on Monday. Busch has been sidelined since Feb. 21 when he broke his left foot and right leg in the NASCAR XFINITY Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway.
Busch will have to work his way into the top 30 in the Sprint Cup point standings.
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.
Steve O'Donnell
"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."
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