By David Morgan, NASCAR Contributor
With the growing chorus against the idea of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series getting louder and louder, NASCAR made the announcement on Wednesday that Cup Series drivers will have their participation in the lower series limited in 2017 and beyond.
Sprint Cup Series drivers who have been in NASCAR’s premier series for more than five years full-time will only be able to compete in a maximum of 10 races in the Xfinity Series next year and for seven races in the Truck Series.
Those drivers will also be unable to compete in the Chase races for both the Xfinity and Truck Series and the Dash 4 Cash races in the Xfinity Series. Additionally, any driver earning Cup Series points in 2017 will not be allowed to race in the Xfinity or Truck Series season finale at Homestead.
“The updated guidelines will elevate the stature of our future stars, while also providing them the opportunity to compete against the best in professional motorsports. These updated guidelines are the result of a collaborative effort involving the entire industry, and will ultimately better showcase the emerging stars of NASCAR,” said Jim Cassidy, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations.
Wednesday’s announcement should pave the way for more series regulars to be able to make their way to victory lane over the course of the season compared to the amount that have been shut out from a win over the last several years as a result of the Cup Series drivers in the field.
In 2016, only 11 of the 30 races have been won by Xfinity Series regulars, compared to 10 races in 2015, and 11 in 2014.
