Helio Castroneves isn’t apologizing. He’s taking his shot at history, and he doesn’t care how he gets it. If he wins the Daytona 500, he’ll join A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti as the only drivers to conquer both the Indy 500 and Daytona 500—an achievement that would cement his legacy as one of motorsport’s all-time greats.
But there’s one problem: his entry into the race is overshadowed by NASCAR’s controversial Open Exemption Provision (OEP), a regulation that has angered veterans like Denny Hamlin, who believes it cheapens the competition.
Now, with the 2025 NASCAR Cup season set to begin, the battle between tradition and entertainment is heating up—and Hamlin isn’t holding back.
Hamlin Blasts NASCAR: “It’s Desperate”
Speaking on his podcast, Hamlin didn’t mince words, calling the OEP a desperate publicity stunt that undermines the sport’s credibility.
“My opinion on this was that it was desperate, I didn’t like it,” Hamlin said. “I just thought that you’re really doing everything you can to try to get a headline, and I still believe it to be true.”
His main issue? NASCAR has long positioned itself as the pinnacle of stock car racing in the U.S., yet this move contradicts that identity.
“NASCAR is the highest form of motorsports in the US. So why can’t we act like the big boys and say, ‘If you want to come over here and roll with us, show me what you got! Go qualify for the race.’ It won’t be that hard.”
Guest Drivers Should Prove Themselves—Not Get Free Passes
Hamlin isn’t against non-NASCAR drivers competing in the sport. After all, the Cup Series has welcomed world-class talents before. However, in most cases, those drivers had to earn their spot on the grid—not get handed a free entry.
His biggest frustration? The risk that unproven guest drivers could impact the championship race—all because they were given a shortcut into the field.
“I was one David Starr brake rotor away from winning a championship one year, but that’s the breaks,” Hamlin recalled, referring to the 2021 Cup Series finale where a backmarker’s wreck helped shuffle Kyle Larson into the lead—ultimately deciding the title.
Now, he fears the same scenario could happen with an OEP driver affecting the Daytona 500, which, unlike the Indy 500, is a points race that has championship implications.
Hamlin even took it a step further, mocking the idea that just anyone could now enter the sport.
“Now you’re just saying f*ing Tom Cruise can go in there, just ’cause he raced in Days of Thunder. He can come in there and compete with the big boys on Sunday? I don’t agree with that.”**
Castroneves: “If I Get the Chance, I’ll Take It”
While Hamlin and others blast the OEP rule, Castroneves is fully embracing the opportunity.
“I never knew that the rules were in place, but if I need to take it, I won’t say no, I’ll take it,” he admitted.
For him, this isn’t about fairness—it’s about seizing the moment. If NASCAR is offering a direct ticket into the Daytona 500, why wouldn’t he take it?
Castroneves is aware of the backlash, but he’s keeping his eyes on the prize: a shot at history.
NASCAR’s Gamble: More Viewers vs. Competitive Integrity
At its core, this debate boils down to one question—is NASCAR prioritizing entertainment over competition?
With the Daytona 500 being the most-watched race of the season, NASCAR sees Castroneves’ presence as a way to attract more eyeballs—especially from IndyCar fans who might tune in to see if he can make history.
But for drivers like Hamlin, the concern is where NASCAR draws the line.
If winning the Daytona 500 is supposed to mean something, should drivers earn their place on the grid—or should NASCAR continue making exceptions for the sake of hype?
As the race approaches, one thing is clear: this controversy isn’t dying down anytime soon.
