Very rarely do you see a Sprint cup schedule without either a Nationwide series or Camping truck series as ‘support’ to the former, a practice that opens up the debate of Sprint cup driver participation in more than one race over the weekend. An occurrence so regular in the Nationwide series, the Sprint cup drivers that opt to take part in both races have even been given the term ‘Buschwhackers’ – an acknowledgment to the former name of the Nationwide series.
Pre 2011, the ‘Buschwhackers’ were eligible to take driver points but such was the dominance of these drivers, a decision was made to remove this ruling and allow only owner’s points to be claimed by Sprint cup regulars. With the Nationwide titles being claimed consecutively between 2006-2010 by Sprint cup drivers, this ruling was welcomed by many but yet it hadn’t put off the participation of those drivers.
The biggest debate to stem from this situation is the unfairness against the younger drivers who are desperately to prove their talent to the bigger establishments. Both Joe Gibbs Racing and Team Penske are the biggest offenders when it comes to fielding Sprint cup drivers, the latter this year scaling back to a single car effort shared primarily between Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski. JGR field Kyle Busch in every Nationwide race logistically possible alongside series Veteran Elliot Sadler, Busch regularly dominating the races with the Penske racing duo.
So far in 2014 the Sprint cup regulars have claimed 13 of the 22 wins, Kyle Larson, Kevin Harvick, Paul Menard and Marcos Ambrose having their share of victories along with the above mentioned drivers. From this alone it’s not hard to see why the new kids on the block are frustrated that their turn in the limelight is limited and the joy of victory lane seems so far from them. This particular point has a direct link to the future of the NASCAR Sprint cup series and the talent available once the old guard step aside. How can team owners possible know who they want driving for them if the young guns are limited in showing that they can and will be future Sprint cup champions?
But while the long term future of talent for the Sprint cup series can be questioned, the far future of the Nationwide series may have not been as bright as it is if it wasn’t for the involvement of Sprint cup drivers.
As a “Buschwhacker” had to explain to a fan via twitter a few days ago, it’s the business model and tradition, the big names being what brings in the money, the sponsors and the attention. Owners in the Sprint cup series too have their own agenda, giving their drivers more track time before the main race – any attempt possible made to gain an increased chance of claiming a win more important than ever with the new chase regulations.
Whilst there is nothing wrong in Sprint cup series team owners acting in their best interests, it’s time the long term future of the sport is considered. Asides from pulling out Sprint cup drivers from the Nationwide series altogether, what else can the owners do?
A handful of teams already have driver development programs, the most recent signing announced by Joe Gibbs racing taking on board Camping truck competitor Darrell Wallace Jr. Although this is a positive sign, nothing can beat the joy of Victory lane.
Chase Elliot, Regan Smith, Elliot Sadler and Ty Dillon are all within 28 points of each other with 11 races still to go. Although under a traditional points system, the championship is in safe hands and as close as it can be. The lure of Nationwide participation will never cease when money is so integral for the teams but the future of the series isn’t fragile and it’s time for a new business model to be tested. Using Sprint Cup drivers is understandable but as a series that should be a step up for the main fighting ground, it’s time for a transition that allows it to become just that.
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