NASCAR has made changes to the Open Exemption Provisional rule after reviewing its first application at Daytona International Speedway last month.
This revision was expected, as NASCAR had previously stated that the rule needed further evaluation after its initial use. Drivers within the sport also provided feedback on its impact and eligibility criteria.
Jimmie Johnson discussed the rule with NASCAR chairman Jim France during the Rolex 24 weekend, suggesting adjustments to prevent an OEP driver from taking a spot that would otherwise go to another competitor.
According to an update in the NASCAR rule book on Wednesday, if a team is granted the OEP and more than 40 teams are entered in a race, the field will now expand to 41 cars.
The revised rule states that the Open Exemption Provisional will only apply when more than 40 vehicles attempt to qualify. When used, it will apply regardless of the car’s qualifying position, increasing the field size to 41.
The race lineup will include the 36 charter teams, at least four Open teams, and one Open Exemption Provisional team.
This rule adjustment stems from an agreement reached before the Daytona 500, when Trackhouse Racing utilized the OEP to enter Helio Castroneves (pictured, No. 91, top).
Teams must apply for the OEP at least 90 days before a race, and only one exemption will be granted per event. If multiple teams apply, NASCAR will decide which team receives it.
