UPDATES to 2025 RULEBOOK
NASCAR announced several significant rule changes for the 2025 season in a bulletin issued Friday, addressing longstanding concerns from teams and fans while introducing a few unexpected updates. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes and their potential impact on the upcoming season:
Open Exemption Provisional (OEP)
One of the most notable additions is the Open Exemption Provisional (OEP), which guarantees a starting spot for “world-class drivers who enter a NASCAR Cup Series race.” Drivers using this provisional will not earn points or prize money. If an OEP driver wins a race, the second-place finisher will receive first-place points but not playoff bonus points. This adjustment applies throughout the finishing order, with third-place receiving second-place points, and so on.
This new rule secures four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves a spot in the Daytona 500, where he will make his Cup Series debut with Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91 entry. While Castroneves can still qualify on merit, the OEP could increase the field to 41 cars if used. Eligibility for the OEP will be determined on a case-by-case basis, with a strong focus on a driver’s accomplishments. Recent drivers who might have qualified include Kimi Räikkönen, Jenson Button, and Kamui Kobayashi. Full-time NASCAR drivers are ineligible for the OEP, and requests must be submitted 90 days before the event.
Damage Vehicle Policy (DVP) Overhaul
NASCAR has made sweeping changes to its Damage Vehicle Policy (DVP). Previously, any car requiring a tow was automatically disqualified from the race. This often eliminated cars that were otherwise drivable but immobilized by flat tires after minor incidents. Starting in 2025, damaged cars can be towed to the garage for repairs and allowed to rejoin the race.
While the DVP clock will still apply to repairs made on pit road, expired clocks will no longer mean elimination. Instead, teams can continue making repairs in the garage. This change aims to reduce frustrations from unnecessary disqualifications due to minor damage.
Stricter Rules on Playoff Waivers
Playoff waivers, which have historically been granted for a wide range of reasons, will now be restricted primarily to medical issues, family emergencies, childbirth, or age restrictions. Drivers missing races for other reasons, such as Kyle Larson’s 2024 absence for the Indy 500, will still be eligible for a waiver but will lose all accumulated playoff points. They will also be ineligible to earn additional playoff points for the remainder of the season, starting the playoffs with zero bonus points.
Crackdown on Race Manipulation
After the controversy in 2024, where manufacturers allegedly manipulated the penultimate race to secure a Championship 4 spot for their drivers, NASCAR is introducing tougher penalties. Manufacturers found guilty of such actions risk losing points, wind tunnel hours, and RCFD runs.
Additionally, the ambiguous 100% rule, which required competitors to give their best effort to achieve the best possible finish, has been revised. The updated wording specifically targets attempts to manipulate championship outcomes.
Suspension Deferrals
Teams can now defer suspensions related to technical infractions without filing an appeal, simplifying the process. However, all other suspensions will take effect immediately.
These changes reflect NASCAR’s effort to address criticism while adapting to evolving challenges. As the season progresses, teams and drivers will navigate these adjustments, which could significantly shape strategies and outcomes on the track.
