NASCAR announced amendments to the Cup Series rule book ahead of the 2025 season, including the introduction of a new ‘Open Exemption Provisional’ (OEP). This secures a starting slot for world-class drivers without the need to qualify for the Daytona 500. There has been uncertainty about who would benefit from this exemption. It seems Dale Earnhardt Jr. could be one, and the legend, as well as his fans, are excited about it.
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In a post on X, NASCAR journalist Jordan Bianchi detailed the rule’s implication for recently retired NASCAR drivers.
“Per NASCAR, drivers such as Jimmie Johnson and Martin Truex Jr. (i.e. recently retired Cup drivers) are eligible for the Open Exemption Provision if they notify NASCAR within the 90-day window,” wrote Bianchi.
Dale Jr. was quick to comment, possibly trying to hide his excitement by layering it with humor. His potential return under the JR Motorsports banner would, of course, be a monumental occasion for him. But he chose to present it in a lighter vein, sharing a meme from Jim Carrey’s film Dumb and Dumber with a caption: “So, you’re telling me there’s a chance.”
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) January 27, 2025
Junior’s insinuation has got the fans cheering for him to take the plunge. Initially, the rule garnered criticism that it did not allow drivers like Johnson eligibility to directly enter the famed race. However, the tweak opens up avenues for many NASCAR icons. Dale Jr., to start with, would be racing in the Daytona 500 for the first time since his farewell season in 2017. Now, that’s an occasion that fans cannot pass.
“Don’t you dare Dale. You’re gonna break the internet,” Exclaimed one fan. Another one playfully queried, “Are you telling us there’s a chance?”
A devoted fan cheered on, “Do it Dale!!!!! Amy said she’s good with it.”
Dale please stop giving us hope
— depressed bolts and avs fan (@cowloverjam) January 28, 2025
Should Dale Jr. choose to enter, it would mark a significant expansion for his team as well. This would be JRM’s second Cup Series entry after Justin Allgaier.
Realistically though, the 90-day window means it’s too late for Junior to enter Daytona this time around. However, the OEP could offer him an opportunity in future editions.
Meanwhile, Justin Marks has already utilized the rule to secure a spot for Helio Castroneves, the four-time Indy 500 victor, in the upcoming 500-mile-long race without going through qualifying.
Drivers benefiting from the OEP will receive full recognition for race and stage victories and can even qualify for the NASCAR All-Star Race if they win. However, these victories won’t count toward Playoff eligibility, drawing a clear line between recognition and championship contention.
Other rule revisions rolled out by NASCAR
With the tweak in the rule book, NASCAR has also addressed one of last year’s controversies. The one where Ryan Blaney’s car was towed and subsequently retired under the Damaged Vehicle Policy (DVP) at Watkins Glen in September.
Under the refined rule, vehicles designated under the DVP will now have the option to either drive or be towed to the garage, where teams can undertake repairs without facing immediate retirement from the race. The adjustment allows teams a fighting chance to rejoin the race.
However, protocol for repairs conducted on pit road remains stringent, with a seven-minute repair window enforced universally, and an extended eight-minute period at Atlanta. Should this duration elapse, teams must retreat to the garage, without the pressure of the ticking clock, providing a crucial breather for more extensive repairs.
Also, to streamline recovery efforts, NASCAR will ensure that cars incapacitated by damage or flat tires are towed back to the garage, ensuring that all teams have a fair shot at returning to the race.
