What’s Happening?
In a preseason interview with Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports, Denny Hamlin gave further context on his opinions of NASCAR’s new Open Exemption Provisional. Hamlin is outspoken on his opposition to the OEP, which allows top drivers automatic entry into Cup Series Races.
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In his interview, Hamlin stated:
“When we go do road course racing or wherever, we might have more than 40 entries. 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 having an opportunity to lock in, I’m not really sure that’s fair.” — Denny Hamlin
The OEP allows a “world-class driver” to gain automatic entry into any NASCAR Cup Series race upon request and approval. While this rule has many asterisks, the most controversial aspect is that, in some cases, the Cup Series field could expand to 41 or more cars.
The “multi-time champions” that Hamlin may be referring to could be Jimmie Johnson and Martin Truex Jr., two of Hamlin’s Toyota teammates attempting to make the Daytona 500 as open cars in 2025. While NASCAR has confirmed they can use the OEP, there is no indication that either driver is using the provisional this weekend.
However, one driver, four-time Indianapolis 500 Champion Hélio Castroneves, who is entering the race with Trackhouse Racing, is using the OEP. This means that Castroneves, “someone with a resume from somewhere else,” is locked into the 500, but Johnson and Truex are not.
“Reaps of Desperation” and Other Friendly Comments
While these preseason interviews have been a hot topic of conversation, Hamlin’s opinions of the OEP, which NASCAR introduced on Jan. 9, should not come as a shock. When NASCAR first unveiled the new rule to the public, Hamlin posted about it sarcastically on X.
Most figured this post would be about the OEP rather than other rule changes that NASCAR announced that same day. Hamlin’s team, 23XI Racing, and NASCAR are currently battling in court.
The teams 23XI and Front Row Motorsports claim that NASCAR is a monopoly, and Charters, which guarantee teams automatic entry into races, are among the topics of conversation. This OEP, which almost acts as a Charter for select drivers,
Hamlin first spoke about his opinions of the OEP by stating during a media availability at Bowman Gray Stadium on Feb. 1 that the rule “reeks of desperation.” Claiming that the sport’s officials are “trying to get any kind of headline you can to be relevant.”
What’s Happening?
NASCAR is making major changes to its rule book ahead of the 2025 NASCAR season. These changes include Damaged…
An Overview of the OEP
The OEP is controversial, and while it does seem like a free ticket to ride, there are very distinct rules for teams utilizing the provisional.
First, teams must request an OEP 90 days before race day. Trackhouse Racing did not receive special treatment and did so prior to the deadline.
Second, the team and driver do not receive points or money for their finishing position when using the OEP. Furthermore, the driver only receives statistics in the record book, the trophy, and the All-Star Race qualification if they win.
Finally, the field will only expand to 41 or more cars if the OEP driver does not make the 40-car field on speed.
What’s Happening?
NASCAR introduced a new rule called the Open Exemption Provisional. This provisional is part of the new 2025 NASCAR…
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