NASCAR's new rule allowing elite drivers entry into the Daytona 500 has split opinions with the full-time drivers.

Although Castroneves is driving for an open team, the four-time Indianapolis 500 winner is locked into the field through a new rule that allows NASCAR to invite a “world-class driver” to each event. His Trackhouse Racing team was the only one to apply before the deadline, so he was the only driver NASCAR considered for the provisional spot.

A five-race mid-season competition ultimately will pit two drivers vying for a $1 million prize. The tournament begins June 28 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, followed by trips to the Chicago Street Course, Sonoma Raceway and Dover Motor Speedway before the July 27 finale in Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Brickyard 400.

A controversial new NASCAR rule designed for “world-class drivers” could give Helio Castroneves an automatic berth into the Daytona 500.