NASCAR officials rolled out a new batch of rule changes on Friday, and this time, they’re not just tinkering around the edges. Among the most notable updates is the introduction of the “Open Exemption Provisional” (OEP) rule, which could boost the Cup Series’ starting grid to a maximum of 41 cars for select races. That’s right – one extra spot for those select, and likely quite special, entrants.
This new rule is a bit like a VIP pass to the race track for some – it guarantees a starting position, but only if the entry list exceeds the current limit of 40 cars. Who gets in? Well, that’ll be decided on a case-by-case basis, but you can bet that experience and accolades will weigh heavily in NASCAR’s decision. If you’re granted the OEP entry, you’ll be in the race for the win, the trophy, and even a shot at the All-Star Race – but don’t expect any championship points, prize money, or a place in the playoffs. It’s basically a ticket to the show, but without the juicy perks.
The OEP rule will come into play during the Daytona 500 where we’re already expecting a handful of non-chartered entries. And, in true NASCAR fashion, more are likely on the way. In fact, just after this announcement, Trackhouse Racing jumped on the bandwagon and requested an OEP for none other than Helio Castroneves. The request was approved, and Castroneves will now be in the race – no matter what. Consider it his guaranteed golden ticket for the “Great American Race.”
Other updates in Friday’s rulebook changes include:
- Damaged Vehicle Policy (DVP): Starting this year, if your car gets banged up but can be repaired in the garage, you can keep going. No more automatic retirements for cars that need a little TLC. However, pit road repairs still have a seven-minute time limit (eight minutes for Atlanta). Exceed that, and the repairs move to the garage, where time is no longer of the essence. But if your car’s too wrecked to even make it to pit road? Yep, it’s getting towed to the garage. No arguments.
- Playoff Waivers: If a driver is granted a waiver for playoff eligibility, don’t expect to keep any regular-season playoff points. That means starting the playoffs with a clean slate, pegged at 2,000 points. No points for being late to the party, unless, of course, it’s for a medical issue, family emergency, or age restrictions. Missing races for, say, the birth of a child? That’s excused. Miss it because you just don’t feel like showing up? Well, tough luck.
- OEM Penalties: Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) will now face some serious consequences for rule violations. If you’re caught bending the rules, expect to lose manufacturers’ points, see a reduction in wind-tunnel testing time, or have your CFD test runs slashed. It’s about time someone got tough with the manufacturers, right?
- 100% Rule Adjustment: And finally, NASCAR’s “100% rule” has been tweaked to target competitors who “manipulate the outcome” of the race – not just those who “artificially alter the finishing positions.” So, if you’re out there trying to play games with the results, be warned – NASCAR is onto you.
These updates come on top of new practice and qualifying procedures introduced back in December, all part of NASCAR’s mission to keep things fresh, fair, and competitive. It’s clear that the sport isn’t sitting back and relaxing – they’re actively working to make sure the racing stays top-notch, and that fans and teams alike are in for an exciting 2025 season. Buckle up, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
Greg is the author of "The Nuts and Bolts of NASCAR: The Definitive Viewers' Guide to Big-Time Stock Car Auto Racing" and has been published in major publications across the country including the Los Angeles Times, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was also a contributor to Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul, published in 2010, and the Christmas edition in 2016. He wrote as the NASCAR, Formula 1, Auto Reviews and National Veterans Affairs Examiner for Examiner.com and has appeared on Fox News. He holds a BS degree in communications, a Masters degree in psychology and is currently a PhD candidate majoring in psychology. He is currently the weekend Motorsports Editor for Autoweek.
- Kasey Kahne vs. The Rock: The Comeback Fans Didn’t Know They Needed - January 24, 2025
- Red Bull Returns to NASCAR with Zilisch, SVG, and Big Ambitions - January 23, 2025
- Trackhouse’s Fab Four: Fun, Fast Laps, and Rolex Dreams - January 23, 2025