Denny Hamlin strongly criticized NASCAR's new Open Exemption Provisional (OEP) policy, calling it a move that "reeks of desperation" during comments at Bowman Gray Stadium ahead of the Cook Out Clash.

The OEP, introduced in the new Charter Agreement for 2025, allows world-class drivers from other racing disciplines to receive an automatic spot in NASCAR Cup Series races. Trackhouse Racing has already secured the first OEP for Helio Castroneves at the upcoming Daytona 500.

Key points about the Open Exemption Provisional:

• Teams must request the provisional 90 days in advance
• Only one OEP can be used per race
• Non-full-time NASCAR drivers like Jimmie Johnson and Martin Truex Jr. are eligible
• If Castroneves qualifies on speed, the field stays at 40 cars; if he uses the provisional, it expands to 41

Hamlin expressed concern about the long-term implications: "I think you're the premier stock car series in the U.S., the premier racing sport in the U.S. — be the big boys and force people to come in here and get their credentials and do it the natural way."

The Daytona 500, which typically has the largest entry list of the season, will be the first test of this new system. Nine open teams have already announced plans to attempt qualification for the 2025 race, following last year's event which saw 42 cars competing for 40 spots.

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