I don't disagree that Plymouth stands to gain promotionally from this. However, I don't like it from the side of how it affects the Chili Bowl. No ONE should get a get out of jail card at the Chili Bowl. I'm sorry. It's the biggest dirt race in the world and some years it just isn't gonna be your year. I understand the past champions provisional a little bit...it's a benefit to the most recent champion that won arguably the hardest race in the world the year before.
What happens if a Joe Shmo gets one of the spots and is way off pace and takes out someone who actually EARNED their way? This isn't kid karts where everyone gets a trophy...this is the Chili Bowl.