Denny Hamlin voices support for Helio Castroneves despite opposition to NASCAR Daytona 500 exemption

Denny Hamlin is throwing some support behind Helio Castroneves ahead of his first Daytona 500, even if he doesn’t agree with the Open Exemption Provisional.

Due to the new rule NASCAR is implementing beginning this season, Castroneves has already secured his spot for The Great American Race. The Open Exemption Provisional allows a prolific driver to be added to the field with an extra spot.

If Castroneves is not good enough in qualifying and the Duels, it won’t matter. However, he won’t take a spot from one of the other 40 drivers who do qualify for the Daytona 500. 

While the rule is a great way to ensure casual fans will get to see Castroneves on the biggest stage, Hamlin believes it cheapens his foray into NASCAR a bit. On the latest episode of his Actions Detrimental podcast, the Cup Series veteran explained his point of view on the matter.

“After the duel, you think Castroneves is gonna be jumping for joy? No, he will not be, he knows he’s in the race,” Hamlin said. “… This is not an indictment on him whatsoever. I hate that he’s getting the brunt of this because he had no role in whatsoever. I love him and his attitude. I hope some of his avid fans come watch the Daytona 500 because you wouldn’t have otherwise.

“That’s what this is trying to do is maybe you get some new eyeballs to follow this person and tune in to see how they do and maybe you can keep him latched on for a longer period. That’s what this is aimed to do. And I understand that. I just think you put a crack in the Dam of Legitimacy. I believe it does.”

While multiple other NASCAR wheelmen and media members alike have also poked holes in the rule, at least it secures Castroneves a spot in the race. It would’ve been disappointing for him not to make it to the main event, but one has to wonder if it’ll change how he approaches qualifying and the duels throughout the week.

Nevertheless, Castroneves would’ve had a great shot to make the race on his own, as Trackhouse Racing is decking out his Project 91 car. Darian Grubb will be on the pit box as his crew chief, and Wendy’s will be the sponsor for the ride. It’s obvious Castroneves will have a great team behind him for his effort.

Denny Hamlin makes some salient points, but it all boils down to the fact that Helio Castroneves will be in the Daytona 500, and no matter which way you slice it, that’s pretty sweet.