NASCAR’s newly introduced open exemption rule for the Daytona 500 has split the opinions of the current drivers.
This recent change paves the way for Helio Castroneves, a four-time Indianapolis 500 winner, to gain entry. Some have embraced the move, while others, like Denny Hamlin and Alex Bowman, have raised concerns over its implications on the sport.
Daytona 500 has long been a highlight of the racing calendar. The field traditionally featured 43 cars, but recent reductions led to smaller races. This new rule, known as the Open Exemption Provisional, is a part of a charter agreement signed in 2024 by 13 teams, allowing elite drivers to enter with fewer hurdles, changing the game significantly for the Daytona 500 in 2025.
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Trackhouse Racing was the only team to request an exemption for Castroneves. Castroneves, celebrated for his success in IndyCar racing, is ready for his NASCAR debut at 49.
Despite the allure of having a legendary driver like Castroneves in the race, the selection process has sparked debate. Jimmie Johnson was left out, which Alex Bowman found puzzling. Bowman noted, as quoted by Newsday:
“I think Jimmie Johnson is a world-class driver, but I guess other people don’t.
“It’s an interesting rule for sure. There’s a lot of hype and importance to the sport to have people like (Castroneves) that come in and, if they miss the race, it kind of hurts the whole thing.
“So I get it, but I also wish some of our past champions were respected in the same way in some sense.”
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The rule is simple in its operation but complex in its consequences. Tyler Reddick noted:
“Aside from the Daytona 500, we don’t get in a spot very often where drivers of that caliber are going home.
“I don’t know where to fall on this. On one hand, I would hate for a guy like Lewis Hamilton to come over here and attempt to start the 500… (and) something keeps him from running the race. We also don’t just want to let them have a spot in the race — like, they have to earn it.”
Denny Hamlin claimed that the rule “reeks of desperation,” highlighting concerns about how the rule might affect NASCAR’s integrity.
Chase Elliott also commented on the new rule:
“I can argue both sides of the fence. You’d hate to have a Helio Castroneves, a Max Verstappen, a Lewis Hamilton or someone come in to run a race and then miss the show due to something silly.
“So I can certainly see that aspect of it from a promoter. But I also think that with prestigious races, there should be some sort of integrity in making the show.
“I think that’s part of what makes the race prestigious. You know, it’s a hard event to make. I think you see that with the Indianapolis 500, or you see that at the Chili Bowl, right? It’s a hard race to make. It’s a big deal just to get into the show.
“I just don’t want to ever degrade or hurt the long-term integrity of the sport and take the prestige out of events that should be some of our biggest days of the year.”
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