AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

Ryan Blaney Slams NASCAR’s New Daytona 500 Entry Rule: “Don’t Get Greedy”

Simon Monroy by Simon Monroy
February 5, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
Ryan Blaney Slams NASCAR’s New Daytona 500 Entry Rule: “Don’t Get Greedy”

Nov 10, 2024; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Blaney (12) during the NASCAR Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series rulebook is out, and one change has already ignited controversy—the new Daytona 500 eligibility rule. Designed to tighten entry requirements, the regulation has already sidelined veteran drivers like Mike Wallace while handing out exemptions to select open-wheel stars like Helio Castroneves.

And Ryan Blaney isn’t happy about it.

The Daytona 500’s New ‘Open Exemption Provisional’ Rule: What Changed?

The new regulation, dubbed the ‘Open Exemption Provisional’ (OEP), introduces a reserved 41st starting spot—but only for certain elite drivers from other racing series like IndyCar, WEC, and Formula 1.

  • Mike Wallace, a former NASCAR driver, was denied entry due to a lack of recent racing activity on intermediate or larger tracks (his last attempt was in 2015).
  • Helio Castroneves, an IndyCar veteran, was granted an automatic spot because of his active competition status in open-wheel racing.
  • The new rule does NOT apply to full-time NASCAR Cup drivers.

This controversial change has divided the NASCAR garage, and Ryan Blaney is the latest driver to weigh in—both supporting and criticizing the move.

Blaney: “I Was Pumped to Race Helio, But NASCAR Shouldn’t Get Greedy”

Speaking on Door Bumper Clear, Blaney expressed his excitement about racing against Helio Castroneves but was also critical of NASCAR’s approach to driver selection.

“Personally, I’m happy for Helio because I love Helio. He was driving IndyCars when I got over to Penske, and he’s one of the nicest and greatest human beings you’ll ever meet. I was pumped to race with him at Daytona.”

However, while he appreciates seeing international talent in NASCAR, Blaney warned that the sport is walking a fine line.

“Don’t get greedy with this,” he cautioned.

Other Drivers Weigh In: Is NASCAR Handing Out ‘Free Spots’?

Blaney isn’t the only one questioning NASCAR’s motives. Chase Elliott and Denny Hamlin also voiced their concerns, emphasizing that NASCAR shouldn’t be handing out free Daytona 500 entries.

“If we’re just giving out free spots to other folks who want to come in and run one-offs, you got to be able to get your work in and qualify for it,” Blaney echoed.

“It sucks if qualifying gets rained out and you don’t make the show, but that’s just part of racing.”

Is NASCAR Just Trying to Boost Attention?

Some critics argue that the Open Exemption Provisional is a desperate move—an attempt to boost NASCAR’s prestige by attracting big-name international stars.

But does it come at the cost of fair competition?

With 36 chartered teams guaranteed spots, the four remaining open spots are typically earned through single-car qualifying and split-field races. The OEP exemption disrupts this system, effectively pushing out deserving full-time or veteran drivers in favor of marketing-friendly names.

Final Thoughts: Will This Rule Hurt NASCAR’s Credibility?

While the idea of bringing international racing stars into NASCAR sounds exciting, it shouldn’t come at the expense of drivers who have put in the work.

Ryan Blaney’s criticism is valid—if NASCAR starts prioritizing name recognition over merit-based qualifications, it risks losing credibility among hardcore fans and competitors.

For now, the 2025 Daytona 500 entry list isn’t finalized, but one thing is clear—this rule will remain a hot-button issue all the way to Speedweeks.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Brad Pitt’s F1 Movie Denied at Daytona: Insider Reveals Shocking Schedule Change
Motorsports

Brad Pitt’s F1 Movie Denied at Daytona: Insider Reveals Shocking Schedule Change

In a stunning turn of events, the NASCAR world is ablaze with discussions about a potential massive schedule shake-up that...

by David Castro
July 3, 2025
Max Verstappen’s Explosive Move to Mercedes Sends Shockwaves – F1 Announcement Sparks Frenzy
Motorsports

Max Verstappen’s Explosive Move to Mercedes Sends Shockwaves – F1 Announcement Sparks Frenzy

Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

by Virgilio Machado
July 3, 2025
Lewis Hamilton Dominates Box Office with F1 Blockbuster, Earning $140M Globally
Motorsports

Lewis Hamilton Dominates Box Office with F1 Blockbuster, Earning $140M Globally

Xavier Bonilla

by James Taylor
July 3, 2025
Christian Horner Issues Fiery Ultimatum to Yuki Tsunoda After Austrian GP Disaster
Motorsports

Christian Horner Issues Fiery Ultimatum to Yuki Tsunoda After Austrian GP Disaster

Philip Platzer / Red Bull Ring

by Harry Bright
July 3, 2025

Recent News

Volkswagen, Audi e Porsche vão adotar a norma de carregamento elétrico da Tesla

The CEO of Ford warns about the strong Chinese competition in electric vehicles.

July 3, 2025
BYD apresenta a “Super e-Plataform” que permite carregamento tão rápidos como o abastecimento a gasolina

BYD cancels plans to build a factory in Mexico.

July 3, 2025
Hyundai revela novas imagens do Ioniq 6 N que estreia em julho

Hyundai reveals more details about the Ioniq 6 N ahead of its debut.

July 3, 2025
Bentley Continental GT e Flying Spur ganham nova “trilha” sonora

“Bentley Continental GT and Flying Spur receive a new soundtrack.”

July 3, 2025

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

Enable Notifications OK No thanks