NASCAR announces new rules today regarding Sprint Cup Drivers racing in the lower tier series. The topic is one of considerable debate, and so the announcement has drawn many reactions. Here is a breakdown of the new rule set to commence in 2017.
NASCAR Announces New Rules Regarding Cup Drivers in the Lower Tier Series
New Rules
This new rule states that any premier series driver with more than five years experience is limited to competing in no more than ten Xfinity Series races and seven Camping World Truck Series races. This primarily affects drivers such as Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch. However, there is also further limitations to the races in which the drivers can race. The rule also states that Cup drivers can not compete in the four Dash 4 Cash races in the Xfinity Series. They cannot race the the final eight races of the season. Finally, any Cup driver, regardless of experience cannot race the Xfinity Series or Truck Series finale race at Homestead. Given that the new Chase format heavily revolves around wins, it comes as a relief to the regulars in the Trucks and Xfinity Series.
Loopholes
As NASCAR announces new rules, they reveal new loopholes. For example, drivers with under five years of experience can still race as many lower tier races as they choose. This won’t keep drivers like Austin Dillon, Kyle Larson or Erik Jones out of them entirely. It will only keep them out of the Homestead finale. Some Cup teams will be able to use their rookie drivers to fill in the gap in the leftover races. Or, steal cup drivers from different affiliated teams. Teams like Joe Gibbs might still use drivers like Hamlin, Jones, and Matt Kenseth to race in the Xfinity series after Busch has run his 10 races. Regardless of the loopholes, NASCAR has placed the foundation for which a better rule that can be built in the future.
Outcomes
Fans who don’t support the rule believe that NASCAR will lose money, sponsors, and fans. They believe that the stands will become even more empty that they already are. Teams will exploit the rules and stock the 21 eligible races full with Cup drivers. NASCAR has responded saying that this rule was made to give Xfinity and Truck regulars a chance to win more races. This without interference from Cup regulars. This is a chance for underfunded teams to shine and become competitive. By limiting the Cup drivers, they hope to take the away the reason for them to come down to the lower series.
Another area this rule covers is former Cup Drivers with more than five years experience racing in the Xfinity and Trucks. These drivers will be able to compete as long as their primary series is not the Cup Series. Drivers like Elliott Sadler, Jeff Green, and Derrike Cope will remain eligible since their primary series is Xfinity.
Final Thoughts
While this rule change has been received to mixed reviews, only time will tell if the rule will stick. Many fans are relieved that this rule will finally put and end to the reign of Kyle Busch in the Xfinity and Truck Series. What many fans are excited forl however, is the chance to see lower tiered drivers succeed in their own series. Other drivers can finally make their name in the series where names are supposed to be made. Most fans watch Xfinity races to see Xfinity drivers. If they wanted to see Cup drivers they’s watch the Cup race. It is a relief to know that NASCAR has finally listened to their fans. From this, they have made a rule accordingly. As NASCAR announces new rules regarding Cup participation in lower series, Xfinity returns to its intended function.
