Kenny Wallace bluntly delivers “cold hard fact” on Jimmie Johnson in response to Daytona 500 fan frenzy

Kenny Wallace has responded bluntly to the fanbase's query about Jimmie Johnson automatically entering the Daytona 500. This came after IndyCar legend Helio Castroneves bagged the opportunity to run his debut NASCAR Cup Series race under the new rule - Open Exemption Provisional (OEP).

According to the OEP policy in the updated rulebook bulletin, a 'world class' driver can run their desired Cup Series event by applying 90 days before the race and getting NASCAR's approval. Notably, the rule permits the 'world class' driver to enter the Cup race directly, without needing to qualify and test the car.

The rule sparked concern about "discouraging" potential drivers from racing in NASCAR. But it also begged the question - whether seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson could get an automatic spot.

Kenny Wallace emphasized that Johnson is a seven-time champion, and thus, doesn't really need a practice session before entering a race. But he delivered a "cold hard" assessment about the former HMS star, outlining Castroneves' superiority in garnering eyeballs.

"As sad it is to say, I think Jimmie Johnson is a legend but he's not going to draw the crowd that Helio Castroneves would. That's my opinion, I think with Helio entering a NASCAR Cup race for the first time, that's going to be bigger news than Jimmie. That's a cold hard fact and I know that's hard to hear, it's hard for me to say," Wallace said on his YouTube channel (9:56).

Helio Castroneves will pilot the 41st entry at the 2025 Daytona 500, marking the first time since 2015 when the 2.5-mile oval contested over 40 Cup cars.

Kenny Wallace explains how Jimmie Johnson can attract fans' attention like Castroneves

Following his clear message about the four-time Indy 500 winner's supremacy over Jimmie Johnson, Kenny Wallace highlighted how the NASCAR legend could attract immense attention. Wallace expressed that Johnson participating in an IndyCar race could be breaking news.

Wallace's belief stemmed from when Johnson used to field the IndyCar ride for Chip Ganassi Racing from 2021 through 2022. At the time, the former HMS driver's entry gained immense traction, as a NASCAR driver venturing into open-wheel racing would naturally generate more attention.

"Helio Castroneves is going to draw more attention than Jimmie Johnson, however, if Jimmie Johnson tries to qualify at Indy, remember when Jimmie did that -that was breaking news, that was a big deal," Wallace said in the same video (10:30).

After retiring from full-time Cup Series racing at the end of the 2020 season, Johnson returned to NASCAR in 2023, with his co-owned team - Legacy Motor Club. He has since observed a part-time schedule and confirmed during the Championship weekend at Phoenix that he'd return in 2025.

However, the legendary driver has remained tight-lipped about a precise 2025 schedule, and his season-opener Daytona 500 participation remains uncertain.