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More big names in racing are coming out in opposition to NASCAR’s Open Exemption Provisional rule. Called by some the “celebrity rule,” it’s designed to bring celebrity racers from other fields like IndyCar or Formula One into the stock car races with the idea they will bring more viewers with them. Not everyone is happy about this supposedly inclusive move, and it’s for some substantial reasons.
Remember back when some random guy stole a NASCAR pace car during a race.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has spoken about the Open Exemption Provisional rule, and he seems to have mixed emotions about it. As he points out, any team using it forfeits points or money awarded if the driver does well, so in that way it isn’t taking away from drivers who have to go through the qualification process for a race.
But Jr. worries that the rule is allowing an increasing number of open cars in certain races, which could cause problems. He’s thinking about the future as more people see an advantage of getting celebrity racers who aren’t in NASCAR into NASCAR races, which is a wise thing to think about.
As it stands right now, the rule is restricted only to any “significant contributor” from another big racing series, not just any driver. Rather than having to go through the qualification process for a race, or if they do and don’t qualify, the team can apply for a spot, expanding the field for the race.
Denny Hamlin in a recent interview was a little bit more blunt about the Open Exemption Rule. He said it “reeks of desperation” saying “I don’t know how nice you can really say it. It just feels like you’re really trying to get any kind of headline you can to be relevant.”
Hamlin went on to explain he thinks NASCAR is getting a quick hit in popularity, but for the long term is sacrificing the integrity of the sport. Many loyal fans seem to agree.
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