We need a better relief-driver policy for sick and injured drivers

I think everyone here agrees that the move away from the "win-and-you're-in" playoff format was a big improvement. However, I've had a lingering concern that now seems very pertinent- the old format made it easier for drivers to miss a race if their health needed it.

I'm not saying we should go back, god no. The old Playoff format sucked. But NASCAR needs to look at making a change to how points are awarded when using a relief-driver. Getting a waiver isn't enough, we need a new policy for how a driver can score points if they miss a race.

I propose that NASCAR allow relief drivers to score points for the primary driver **WITHOUT THE PRIMARY DRIVER STARTING THE RACE**. I'm not saying this would change the outcome for Kyle, I can't possibly know that. But if a driver is worried that missing a race will torpedo their chances of making the Chase on points, they have a strong incentive to ignore their health and push through it. And using a replacement driver, mid-way through a race, has just proven to be too cumbersome for teams to pull-off. It also raises the question of why you have a driver on the track who is so limited that they have to commit to subbing out a driver? Forcing a sick driver to start a race and run until they can pit is not a satisfactory policy in 2026.

We should be able to come to some agreement on a policy that protect the drivers and protects NASCAR by ensuring that healthy drivers don't scrub out for a week just to get some rest. If a driver is fighting the flu and just needs to stay in bed for a couple extra days to get healthy, he shouldn't have to worry about losing points on Sunday because he didn't start the race.