Jimmie Johnson Staunchly Defends New NASCAR Rule ‘Targeting’ Kyle Larson

Jimmie Johnson is the latest in the NASCAR circle to give his opinion on Kyle Larson and how the governing body has tweaked the waiver policy for its drivers this year. The former full-time driver turned team owner in the sport recently touched on Larson’s Memorial Day Double attempt from last year and how that did not turn out in the best fashion.

Johnson spoke about how the recent rule change attempts to keep the focus on NASCAR, the Coca-Cola 600, and the famed Indy 500 in case any driver in the future attempts the double. He elaborated:

“I think everyone at the end of the day was so happy that Kyle and Hendrick and Arrow McLaren did what they did to give Kyle every opportunity at Indy, but it did compromise some elements on the NASCAR side and there were some exceptions made due to the totality of the moment that’s probably not right.”

The seven-time champion subtly touched on his opinion that a stock car racing driver should prioritize his own racing series even when doing the double, something Larson failed to do last year.

“I think they’re just better defining the rules. There is enough time there. But if there is rain like they had last year at Indy, a driver trying the double is going to have to then jump on the helicopter, then to the plane, then to the next helicopter to commit to NASCAR.”

Larson being granted a waiver for his non-participation in the longest race of the stock car racing series’ calendar was a topic of much debate last year. The governing body has essentially put it to rest in case Larson or another driver attempts the double in the future.

What does Jeff Gordon have to say and does he agree with his former teammate Johnson?

While both drivers raced at Hendrick Motorsports during their heyday, Jeff Gordon’s and Jimmie Johnson’s standpoints on the issue reflect a difference in opinion. While Johnson has little competitive ties with Hendrick Motorsports now that his Cup team has switched to Toyota as a manufacturer, Gordon is still with HMS as their Vice Chairman.

This might explain how Gordon’s opinion on the same topic has formed. He said, “I personally don’t think they needed to take any further steps. I saw the hurt on Kyle Larson’s face and I could feel him letting his team down.”

While Gordon and the HMS team did agree to NASCAR’s ruling for 2025 and beyond, the former driver also backed the #5 Chevrolet driver’s and the team’s actions at the time. He noted how not only Larson but also Hendrick Motorsports and Arrow McLaren, including several crew members, depended on the success of the double attempt. However, it does not matter what the teams and drivers think of it now, as NASCAR has laid down the ground rules going forward.