NASCAR
Opinion: Do Cup Drivers Need Further Limitations in the Xfinity Series?
It’s a question that is nearly as old as NASCAR’s second-tier division. Should Cup drivers race in the Xfinity Series? Over the past couple of years, NASCAR has implemented strict participant limitations on Cup drivers. These restraints affect both the Xfinity and Truck Series. In reaction to the recent Xfinity Series ‘Dash 4 Cash’ races with 0 Cup drivers, are these limitations enough?
Recap of New Participation Guidelines For Lower Series Races
For those who may not know, allow me to restate the recent NASCAR rules that limit Cup drivers from racing on Friday or Saturday. Starting prior to last season, NASCAR said that any drivers with more than 5 years of Cup Series experience are only let in 10 Xfinity races. Similarly, the same drivers are can only run 7 Truck Series races. Also, drivers with more than 5 years in the Cup Series cannot race in any Playoff races.
In July of 2017, these rules were slightly changed for the 2018 season. The current limit is now 7 Xfinity and 5 Truck Series races. Prior to 2017, there were no such limitations in place for either lower series. As a result, Cup drivers ran as many races as they pleased.
Why Cup Series Drivers In Lower Series Races Caused Problems
If you ask any number of NASCAR fans, you would likely get many differing thoughts on Cup drivers racing in Xfinity or Trucks. My personal thoughts are that the above-mentioned rule changes were a long time coming. I also believe that these new rules have boosted the health of both series. However, I am against a complete outlawing of Cup drivers in either series. This would lead to lower budgets for teams due to fewer top-quality sponsors.
From a purely stats-based perspective, there was an obvious issue that NASCAR executives needed to deal with. In the 5 Xfinity seasons from 2013 to 2017, Kyle Busch had a series-high 40 wins. In contrast, Regan Smith led all Xfinity Series drivers in this same time frame with 5 wins. Busch is far from alone in this category, as Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, and Denny Hamlin all have multiple Xfinity wins in this time.
While on a smaller scale, this problem is also evident in the Truck Series. From 2013 to 2017, Kyle Busch won 19 times. However, the winningest Truck Series championship-eligible driver during this time was Matt Crafton with 12 wins.
Recent Parity In Xfinity Series is a Great Sign
There has yet to be a repeat winner through 10 Xfinity races in 2018. This streak continues back to last November in Texas, for 13 different winners in 13 races. This is a direct result of the Cup drivers not being in the Playoff races last year, or in the recent ‘Dash 4 Cash’ races. The past 4 Xfinity Series races have had 0 Cup driver participation. Xfinity Series regulars have been given their chance to make their mark in Victory Lane.
While there are benefits from some Cup driver participation in the Xfinity or Truck Series, too much of it is a detriment to each series. Sponsors would rather align themselves with proven winners than take chances on young unproven talents. There has to be a Busch or Keselowski in order for there to be a Christopher Bell or Austin Cindric.
In my opinion, the current limitations for the Cup drivers in both the Xfinity and Truck Series is a good balance. While the Cup stars are still in the Xfinity Series, nearly half of the season will have the young prospects show their talent. In 2018, between the 4 ‘Dash 4 Cash’ races, the 4 standalone races, the regular season finale, and the Playoffs, Cup drivers will not be in 16 of the 33 Xfinity races. This is a great improvement from a mere 2 years ago, where Cup stars made 20+ Xfinity starts.
Busch’s Landmark Announcement
Kyle Busch made headlines last year when he said “When I get to 100 Xfinity wins, I’m done with Xfinity. So my retirement with Xfinity is fast approaching.” Currently, Busch is at 91 Xfinity Series wins. Busch is also close to the all-time wins leader mark in the Truck Series, so expect his presence in that series to decrease in the coming years.
NASCAR has seemingly listened to fan’s request by limiting, but not outlawing, Cup driver participation in lower series racing. These new mandates allow new, young drivers more chances in top-notch equipment. In summation, Cup drivers are still very present in the Xfinity or Truck Series, but at a much lower frequency.
