"I don't think it's good for NASCAR" - Dale Jr. podcasters offer blunt thoughts on NASCAR's open exemption provisional rule

Renowned NASCAR personalities Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi have shared a blunt take on NASCAR's exemption provisional rule. In the recently released Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s 'The Teardown' NASCAR podcast, Gluck slammed the governing body for allowing celebrity drivers to participate in prestigious races such as the Daytona 500.

According to the exemption rule, a 'world-class' driver might enter the NASCAR field without fear of missing it. Even if the limit is 40 cars, it could be expanded to accommodate the driver.

The journalists recently got together to discuss everything around NASCAR. They touched upon how celebrity drivers or drivers from other racing series can avail the opportunity to race in the Cup Series.

Gluck, who works with The Athletic, called off NASCAR's exemption provisional rule, using examples of Max Verstappen and Kyle Larson. He said if Verstappen, the reigning F1 champion, wanted to come to NASCAR, he would not have any problem, thanks to the NASCAR exemption rule. Whereas, a NASCAR driver would not have the same perk, as he would not be allowed to participate in Formula 1.

"That's crazy," Gluck said. "Come on now, that makes you looks less, then. I don't think that's good for NASCAR." (11:28)

Apart from this, Gluck also pointed out how Larson would be a celebrated addition to IndyCar in the Indianapolis 500 and that Roger Penske's Team Penske (they also compete in IndyCar) would be elated to have the HMS driver in their team. However, it will not be the same as nobody gets a guaranteed starting spot in IndyCar.

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Why is NASCAR's exemption rule on the news?

The NASCAR exemption talks have come to the forefront after Trackhouse Racing announced renowned IndyCar driver Helio Castroneves for their 2025 Daytona 500 roster, the #91 Cup Series car.

Castroneves will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut at the Daytona International Speedway alongside full-time Trackhouse Racing Cup Series drivers, Daniel Suarez, Ross Chastain, and Shane van Gisbergen.

IndyCar Series driver Helio Castroneves during Carb Day final practice for the Indianapolis 500 - Source: Imagn

Besides him, 65-year-old former NASCAR driver Mike Wallace will also participate in the iconic race. He will drive the #66 MBM Motorsports Cup Series car in the mega event.

As of now, a total of five open cars have been confirmed for the 2025 Daytona 500. They are #44 of JJ Yeley of NY Racing, #62 of Alfredo of Beard Motorsport, #66 of Mike Wallace of MBM Motorsports, #78 of McLeod of Live Fast Motorsports, and #91 of Helio Castroneves of Trackhouse Racing.

Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports has said three more cars could line up for the mega event — #15 of Rick Ware Racing (driver to be announced), #84 Jimmie Johnson of Legacy Motor Club, and former Joe Gibbs Racing's Martin Truex Jr.'s ride.