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.”
