Sprint Cup drivers are in one of the most controversial debates in the NASCAR racing galaxy. The giant elephant in the room is a question of whether or not Sprint Cup drivers should be granted access to compete in the Xfinity Series races. NASCAR drivers that pull double duty by racing in the Sprint Cup Series and the Xfinity Series are called “Bushwhackers”. That is a term that has been used all the way back when the Xfinity Series was called the Busch Series.
Some experts and enthusiasts alike have no problem with Sprint Cup drivers racing in the lower divisions. They believe that it adds credibility to the lower divisions and shines the racing spotlight on NASCAR’s most talented drivers. Many others think that it is unjustifiable because it steals from the young, up-and-coming drivers. These rookies are working to develop their careers and get noticed for their induction to the Sprint Cup series.
The argument has been on going for many years since the induction of lower divisions in NASCAR racing. The problem is that is has really heated up in the last three or four seasons. Sprint Cup drivers have continued their dominance over the Xfinity regulars in their own series. Furthermore, the Sprint Cup drivers use the race on Saturday to gain valuable information of on track conditions, drafting characteristics, and fuel mileage for NASCAR’s main event on Sunday.
Here is some statistical meat for the readers to consider. In the 33 Xfinity contests in the 2015 season, 21 were won by Sprint Cup drivers. In 2014, Sprint Cup drivers found themselves in front at the end of Saturday’s racing on another 26 occasions. So far this year the alarming trend continues. The “Bushwhackers” have taken the checkered flag in nine of the 14 races ran.
Here are a list of some of the Sprint Cup regulars that have won Xfinity Series races this year. Let’s start with Kyle Busch. Busch is the all-time race winning Xfinity driver. He has racked up almost a quarter of the victories in the 14 Xfinity races in 2016. This includes three in a row after the opening day at Daytona. He recently just finished runner-up to teammate Daniel Suarez two weeks ago. Suarez had to pass Busch on the race’s last lap to bring home the victory.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. also frequents the Xfinity Series events. In fact, he just took the checkered flag at Richmond International Speedway in the Toyota 250 in April. NASCAR’s most beloved driver may have the only fair argument in the debate. He brings more fans to the track than any other competitors.
Sprint Cup drivers and teammates, Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski, continue to compete frequently in the Xfinity Series. Logano won four of the races last year and Keselowski has won another six since the 2014 season. Not only do you have the speedsters pushing out the newbies from victory lane, but teammates collecting valuable information share that knowledge as an advantage for the race on Sunday in the Sprint Cup Series.
The other side to this coin holds its merit as well. Most of the Sprint Cup drivers mentioned own teams and cars that participate and race in these events. Kyle Busch Motorsports, JR Motorsports, and Brad Keselowski Racing all have funded drivers and teams in the Camping World Truck Series. Without the veterans love for the sport, how many young drivers would not even have a chance to compete?
Another positive side to this argument is the experience the young drivers learn from the veterans. There is no better way to learn how to win key races than from the drivers that have already walked the walk. Not only is the on-track information invaluable in their racing careers but the Sprint Cup drivers act as mentors for the rookies in off-track situations that arise with the popularity they gain.
To sum it up, it allows the lower tier racers to see what it’s like to compete against high-caliber racers and their hot-rods every week. It also can be a great measuring stick to tell if an Xfinity driver is ready to move up. If the rookies can’t compete with the veterans during an Xfinity Series event, then how will they stand a chance to win when they get behind the wheel of a Sprint Cup car?
NASCAR officials should tread very lightly when examining the debate of Sprint Cup drivers competing in the lower series. It is important to capture the exposure that comes with granting the “Buschwhackers” the right to compete in these contests. Equally important, is they must weigh the negative downsides that come with the package. Paramount above all else, is to listen to who keeps NASCAR’s racing leagues flourishing — the fans.
