NASCAR reduces number of XFINITY, Truck races for Cup Series drivers for 2018
By Nick Tylwalk
Expect to see your favorite Cup Series drivers less in the XFINITY Series next season, but not as few times as originally rumored.
Knowing that it probably needed to lessen the number of XFINITY Series races dominated by Cup Series drivers but wary of chopping the legs out of the second series altogether, NASCAR eventually — and probably wisely — chose compromise.
The 2018 National Series Participation Guidelines were announced today, and as expected, NASCAR revealed new rules for Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series veterans. Drivers with more than five years experience at that level will now have a limit of seven XFINITY Series races and five Camping World Truck Series events next season.
In addition, all drivers running for the Cup Series championship in 2018 will be barred from the XFINITY Series Dash 4 Cash races and the playoff races in the XFINITY and Truck series, another slight change from the current season.
It had earlier been reported that NASCAR was considering limiting all Cup Series drivers to just five XFINITY Series races, including younger competitors like Ty Dillon who are running almost the full XFINITY schedule this year. However, a number of drivers were against a move that drastic, citing sponsorship concerns.
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The announced 2018 guidelines meet everyone right in the middle, cutting the likes of Brad Keselowski and Kyle Busch back from 10 to seven races and ensuring some fans will get to see them race XFINITY cars next year. At the same time, it should expand the number of races won by XFINITY regulars, who so far in 2017 have combined for just six wins by four different drivers — and that total includes the recent victory by part-timer Ryan Preece.
At the same time, up-and-comers like Ty Dillon, Daniel Suarez and Erik Jones will continue to be allowed to get extra seat time except for the races in which extra money or championships are on the line. It feels like the correct. balance, though we won’t know until next season if NASCAR got it right.