The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series ended with a lot of unanswered questions. Most of it was regarding how the sanctioning body delivered decisions based on the rule book. It was about time that NASCAR brought more clarity on how they were going to deal with DVP policy, race manipulation incidents, and waiver requests. Well, it looks like they did their homework and listed out major rule changes ahead of the 2025 season.

Although the existing rules were tweaked and streamlined for more clarity and effectiveness, they also added a new provision. The Open Exemption Provisional (OEP) guarantees a starting position to a driver from a different racing series or discipline. Initially, the Cup Series field was restricted to just 40 entries, but with OEP now in place, it could extend to 41 entries.

But there’s a catch. This new rule or provision isn’t as simple as it looks and might lead to more controversies in the future.

Here’s a major loophole with NASCAR’s OEP rule

In order to get a provisional, the teams have to file a request, and only after NASCAR’s go-ahead. This new update was shared by Bob Pockrass on X: “Similar to a ‘promoter’s provisional’ used in short track and dirt racing, an Open Exemption Provisional (OEP) guarantees a starting position for world-class drivers who enter a NASCAR Cup Series race.”

The language in this statement is interesting. Although NASCAR mentions that they will look into the request on a case-by-case basis, the criteria for a driver aren’t clarified. Like how decorated or accomplished a driver has to be to compete in a NASCAR event. This is what a race fan asked Bob Pockrass on X: “Who and what defines a “world class driver “?” to which Bob replied, “NASCAR officials discretion.”

Well, we already know that Trackhouse Racing has filed for an OEP for 4-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves for the Daytona 500. Now there’s no doubting Castroneves racing credentials, but what if there are multiple requests by open teams? How will NASCAR then pick and choose? So maybe there needs to be clarity on how they will hand over the extra spot in case there are multiple requests and what that process would be like.

On the other hand, they have ensured that these OEP entries do not impact the competitive spirit of the competition. The driver and team fielding the OEP entries will not be eligible for a prize purse, playoff points, or the benefits of the finishing position. They cannot enter the playoffs, but they will be credited with a win and the trophy. Also, none of the full-time drivers are eligible for this provision.

However, NASCAR has solved a major issue with changes to the DVP policy, and the community has welcomed this positive change.

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No more DNFs for the drivers under the DVP rule

The damaged vehicle policy often sparked controversy during the 2024 season. Remember Ryan Blaney’s playoff run almost ended after his car was towed away at Watkins Glen in an early wreck? Something similar happened with Josh Berry at Kansas. The Talladega playoff race was when the DVP controversy hit its peak. Playoff drivers like Chase Elliott and Chase Briscoe were allowed to repair their cars despite being caught in the wreck.

Well, with the new DVP rule, there shouldn’t be confusion or instances like this in the Cup races. With the new change, the damaged cars can now be towed to the garage area and still return to the race later on. This also applies to those race cars that have flat tires and are unable to fire back on. The DVP clock of seven minutes is still active as the teams can carry out repairs on the pit road within this time window.

In case the car isn’t able to get back on track after the end of the DVP clock, the team will be allowed to continue with their repairs in the garage area. So, this will allow the race teams and drivers to make something out of their days. It was disappointing to see drivers being discarded on the very first lap of the race because of flat tires.