In a surprising turn of events, NASCAR driver Michael McDowell has voiced his support for granting a waiver to driver Kyle Larson, who is currently not eligible to compete in NASCAR Cup races. McDowell, who is set to start on the pole for Sunday's Cup race at World Wide Technology Raceway, expressed his disbelief that Larson has not been granted a waiver despite his undeniable talent and potential impact on the sport.

The process for requesting a waiver in NASCAR requires the team or driver to submit a formal request through the NASCAR Waiver Request portal, providing details and justifications for their appeal. McDowell's comments came as a response to the lack of waiver given to Larson, who was involved in a controversial incident that resulted in his suspension from NASCAR last year.

"I don't see the other side of this point at all," McDowell said during an interview. "I think, if it was me and I did it, and I think that is a different situation and I hate to say it like that, but Kyle Larson is going to win five or six, seven races this year."

McDowell went on to highlight Larson's positive contributions to the sport, explaining that he brought significant attention to both NASCAR and IndyCar, helping to boost the popularity of motorsports as a whole. McDowell's argument centers around the belief that Larson's exceptional driving skills and potential for success should outweigh the incident that led to his suspension.

While acknowledging potential counterarguments, McDowell strongly advocated for Larson, who he described as "the best driver that's ever sat in a stock car." McDowell's plea for a waiver for Larson speaks to a broader debate within NASCAR regarding the fairness and flexibility of the waiver process.

It remains to be seen whether McDowell's voice will influence NASCAR's decision regarding Larson's eligibility for future races. However, McDowell's show of support for Larson shines a spotlight on the ongoing conversation around granting waivers based on individual circumstances and the impact of a driver on the sport.

As the racing world eagerly awaits NASCAR's response to the waiver request, fans and experts continue to debate the merits of granting leniency to drivers like Larson. With his notable talent and potential for multiple wins this season, the decision regarding Larson's eligibility may have far-reaching implications for the sport as a whole.