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Denny Hamlin Blasts NASCAR’s Open Exemption Provisional: “It Reeks of Desperation”

Arthur Ling by Arthur Ling
February 10, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
Denny Hamlin’s Last Stand? NASCAR’s Veteran Faces Make-or-Break 2025 Season

Oct 28, 2023; Martinsville, Virginia, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) addresses the media at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports

Denny Hamlin has never been one to sugarcoat his opinions, and when it comes to NASCAR’s controversial new Open Exemption Provisional (OEP), the veteran driver isn’t holding back.

Hamlin recently called out the move, labeling it a sign of “desperation”, and now he’s doubling down, making a compelling case against the rule that has left the NASCAR garage deeply divided.

The OEP Controversy: A Free Pass or a Necessary Evolution?

The Open Exemption Provisional was introduced to attract world-class drivers from outside NASCAR by granting them a guaranteed starting spot—even if they fail to qualify traditionally.

While NASCAR sees this as an opportunity to increase star power and broaden the sport’s appeal, many drivers—Hamlin included—feel the rule undermines the integrity of the series.

Hamlin, speaking on NASCAR on FOX, didn’t hold back:

“Yeah, I don’t necessarily think that if someone can’t make it on speed… You should definitely have to earn your way in, especially when you’ve got some multi-time champions of our sport not being locked in. But someone with a resume from somewhere else has an opportunity to lock in? I’m not really sure that’s fair.”

His frustration is clear—why should a non-NASCAR driver get a guaranteed entry while former champions like Jimmie Johnson and Martin Truex Jr. could miss the Daytona 500?

Helio Castroneves vs. NASCAR’s Own: Is It Fair?

The debate has intensified with Helio Castroneves securing an OEP spot at the Daytona 500. The four-time Indy 500 winner doesn’t need to qualify traditionally, while legends like Johnson and Truex Jr. might miss out.

“It seems like a driver with virtually no experience in NASCAR can secure a spot in the Cup race, and should such a provision continue at the highest level of stock car racing?”

Hamlin isn’t the only driver upset—Kevin Harvick believes NASCAR “left out our own”, while Jeff Gordon has called for more clarity on what defines a “world-class driver” under this new rule.

Should the OEP Exist in NASCAR? The Debate Rages On

The OEP is splitting opinions across the garage. Many feel that if a driver can’t qualify on speed, they shouldn’t get a free pass—especially in a premier series like NASCAR.

Others argue that bringing international stars adds excitement, new storylines, and more viewers. But at what cost?

The biggest concern is whether the rule will devalue the competition—if a driver from outside the series knows they’re automatically locked in, does that undermine the importance of qualifying?

The Verdict: NASCAR’s Bold Move Faces Major Backlash

NASCAR wanted to shake things up, but the OEP has created more controversy than excitement.

  • Veteran drivers feel disrespected—why should NASCAR’s biggest names have to fight for a spot while outsiders get a free pass?
  • The competitive integrity is at stake—shouldn’t Cup Series spots be earned, not given?
  • The debate isn’t over—as more races use the OEP, expect even more backlash from NASCAR’s own stars.

For now, Denny Hamlin has made his stance crystal clear—he thinks this rule is bad for the sport.

The only question is, will NASCAR listen?

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