As NASCAR prepares to debut its controversial Open Exemption Provisional (OEP) at the 2025 Daytona 500, Denny Hamlin isn’t holding back on his criticism. The veteran Joe Gibbs Racing driver and co-owner of 23XI Racing made it clear that he sees the move as a desperate attempt to grab headlines rather than maintain the integrity of the sport.
Hamlin Rips NASCAR’s New Provisional Rule
Speaking from Bowman Gray Stadium ahead of the Cook Out Clash, Hamlin didn’t mince words when asked about NASCAR granting world-class drivers from other disciplines an automatic Daytona 500 starting spot.
“I don’t know how else to say it; I don’t know how nice you can really say it,” Hamlin said. “It just feels like you’re really trying to get any kind of headline you can to be relevant, and I don’t love it.”
Under the new rule, world-class drivers who apply 90 days in advance can be granted an automatic starting spot in a NASCAR Cup Series race, bypassing traditional qualifying.
The first beneficiary of the rule will be four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves, who has been guaranteed a spot in the 2025 Daytona 500 field after Trackhouse Racing requested and received the provisional.
While Castroneves still has the opportunity to qualify in the traditional way, if he fails to do so, NASCAR will expand the field to 41 cars to accommodate him.
Why Hamlin Sees This as a “Short-Term Gain, Long-Term Loss”
Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 winner, sees the rule as a slap in the face to full-time NASCAR competitors who have spent years earning their place in the sport.
“To me, it’s a short-term gain, long-term loss,” Hamlin continued. “You’re the premier stock car series in the U.S., the premier racing sport in the U.S. — be the big boys and force people to come in here, get their credentials, and do it the natural way.”
His biggest issue? NASCAR is prioritizing name recognition over merit.
“Just simply saying that someone has a name that interests you, and they’re going to have an automatic bid into the highest form of motorsports in the U.S.? I don’t love it.”
Who Else Could Use the Open Exemption Provisional?
The provisional isn’t just for international stars like Castroneves—NASCAR veterans who aren’t full-time competitors can also apply.
Possible candidates include:
- Jimmie Johnson (Seven-time Cup Series champion)
- Martin Truex Jr. (Former Cup Series champion)
However, only one Open Exemption Provisional can be used per race, meaning NASCAR will have to choose between multiple requests when drivers apply.
How Will This Impact the Daytona 500?
The Daytona 500 has historically drawn the biggest entry list of the season, and this year is no exception.
- In 2024, 42 cars attempted to qualify for the 40-car field.
- In 2025, nine open teams are already planning to attempt qualifying.
- With only one provisional spot available, bubble teams could be forced out in favor of a high-profile name.
Final Takeaway: Is NASCAR Selling Out for Star Power?
Hamlin’s criticism raises an important question: Is NASCAR compromising its competitive integrity for a short-term ratings boost?
While adding big-name stars like Castroneves may draw casual viewers, it could also alienate full-time competitors who have spent years grinding for their shot at racing’s biggest events.
Will this help NASCAR grow its audience—or will it further fuel the debate over fairness and merit in the sport?
One thing is certain: Hamlin isn’t the only one who will have strong opinions once the Daytona 500 field is set.