In what seems like a “why bother” move, NASCAR has granted Xfinity Series driver Austin Hill a waiver and will allow the driver to compete in playoffs set to begin next month.
In a rule change implemented prior to the 2025 season, Hill must forfeit all of his 21 playoff points he accumulated to this point; in addition, he will not be allowed to earn any new playoff points during the remainder of the regular season. Hill will begin the playoffs in 12th place – below the cut line for the next round.
Hill was suspended after the race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for “intentionally” wrecking Aric Almirola during the race. He was also held five laps for reckless driving.
In recent years, there has been a great deal of controversy over NASCAR granting waiver requests for incidents and injuries sustained outside of a NASCAR sanctioned event.
After the Craftsman Truck Series race at Indianapolis Raceway Park, Stewart Friesen traveled to Montreal, Quebec and he competed in a dirt track race where he sustained some series lower body injuries that have knocked him out of racing for at least the remainder of the season.
Friesen earned a spot in the playoffs with a win at Michigan in June.
Friesen must decide whether or not he wants to petition NASCAR for a waiver to remain as a member of the drivers eligible for the playoffs.
Christopher Bell has been named the driver of the number 52 truck for the race at Watkins Glen International this weekend with Kaden Honeycutt completing the season. The 52 truck is still eligible for the owner’s championship.
Friesen cannot apply for the waiver until after he misses the race at Watkins Glen.
If he chooses to seek a waiver, it will keep him listed as one of the 10 playoff drivers and eligible for any bonus money awarded to the 52 truck. While he will end up being eliminated after the first round – two races – it could bring in a little extra money.
Should Friesen decide not to apply for or is not granted a waiver, it will open up another spot in the 10 driver playoff lineup.
If Friesen applies for a waiver, a panel of NASCAR officials and the NASCAR board of directors will make the decision.
Opinion: “why bother”???
If NASCAR is going to grant all waivers, then why not just issue the remainder of any punishment – ie. Docking points, or suspensions, etc. – and not bother with the waiver issue.