Well, Denny Hamlin is not one to back away from anything and always gives his honest thoughts on every matter. The biggest discussion currently going on in the NASCAR circuit is about the new Open Exemption Provisional, and well, Hamlin shared his 2 cents on the matter. The 44-year-old had just recently called out this move, stating that it reeks of “desperation”. But it looks like he’s not done just yet and this time around he has made some reasonable points to back his arguments.

Hamlin has not agreed with NASCAR on many things, well, to be fair many drivers recently haven’t. The OEP especially has become the huge talking point that has left the NASCAR garage divided. The Open Exemption Provisional aims to attract more eyeballs to the sport with the addition of world-class drivers. But should this guaranteed spot come at the cost of NASCAR’s very own drivers and superstars? While the Daytona 500 could be an exception, how will this work on regular weekend races or other special events? This is where Hamlin feels that OEP isn’t in the best interest of the sport, especially for a premier series auto racing series like NASCAR.

Denny Hamlin does not agree with NASCAR

Speaking on NASCARONFOX, he said, “Yeah, I don’t necessarily think that if someone can’t make it on speed. And I know speedway racing is very unique but even when we go to 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. But someone with a resume from somewhere else has an opportunity to lock in. I’m not really sure that’s fair.” 

For the time being Helio Castroneves has locked his spot for the Great American Race, thanks to OEP. Meanwhile, you have former champions like Jimmie Johnson and Martin Truex Jr. who could miss out on the main event. So is it a fair plot twist by NASCAR? It seems like a driver with virtually no experience can secure a spot in the Cup race, and should such provision continue at the highest level of stock car racing?

Well, Denny Hamlin is not the only one who has been vocal against the OEP. Several drivers have spoken against this, and frankly one can see their point. This provision means that there are no real consequences for losing that qualifying race. It is now straightforward because even if a driver from outside the series fails to qualify traditionally, they will still be given the 41st starting spot in a given race.

One can take Helio Castroneves as an example; the Brazilian driver has the OEP at the Daytona 500. This means that even if he fails to qualify traditionally, he will get the 41st spot, while a former champion might miss out if he loses. Well, is that fair? Hamlin doesn’t believe so, and he isn’t the only one, Kevin Harvick believes NASCAR “left out our own” by implementing this provision. Meanwhile, Jeff Gordon wanted more clarity on the criteria and the definition of a world-class driver as mentioned in their rule book.

There seem to be some strong feelings among drivers for the rule, surprisingly though not all have been against the provision.

Trending

1

Jeff Gordon Discloses Kyle Larson’s Worsening Mental Battle Against His Biggest Racing Weakness

2

Strong Rumors Fly as Bill Elliott’s Legendary Manufacturer Eyes Return to NASCAR

3

Jimmie Johnson Goes After Rick Hendrick and Others’ NASCAR Legacy With New World Ideas

4

Insider Catches Rick Hendrick & Co. Pulling Away With Daytona Memento in Style After Historic Win

5

“Amish” Carl Edwards Clears the Air on His Real Lifestyle After NASCAR Amidst Hilarious Memefest

Kyle Busch surprisingly supports NASCAR

The surprising part here is not that the OEP has received some support, but Kyle Busch out of all the drivers batted out in favor of the sanctioning body. ‘Rowdy’ is clearly one person who has always spoken openly against NASCAR and called them out on anything he seems unfair. Therefore, it was very surprising to hear him support the rule and call it “cool”.

Busch said, “I think you could look at some other guys, whether Verstappen or Lewis, somebody like that who could come over here and do something like that. I don’t know. Sure, they could. They have the credentials to do so. I think that would be something cool. Whether or not you could get them is another point.” Those are some interesting points, but the question is does NASCAR require this? Well, they just might.

The fairness of the rule is something that will be discussed for many months, but one thing is certain, this provision can certainly help bring more eyeballs to NASCAR. With Castroneves competing at Dayton 500, it will be the start of a new chapter for the NASCAR and one can only wait and see, how it pans out.