A new NASCAR rule grants an automatic starting sport to world-famous drivers who want to cross over. It's a step too far.

Four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves claimed one of the four open spots in the season-opening Daytona 500 as part of a slew of rule changes NASCAR announced Friday.

NASCAR has overhauled the sport's Damaged Vehicle Policy, which will now permit damaged cars to go to the garage for repairs instead of being eliminated from the race outright. Wh

The policy change effectively streamlines the rule a year after a controversial debate to grant title contender Kyle Larson a waiver.

Four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves claimed a spot in the season-opening Daytona 500 as part of a slew of rule changes NASCAR announced Friday. Castroneves is guaranteed a spot in the field under a new provision that earmarks a starting position for what NASCAR called "world-class drivers" who enter a Cup Series race.