NASCAR: Five Ways The Xfinity Series Can Regain Its Identity

Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports

5. Cultivate Their Own Talent

As previously stated, all the Xfinity Series these days is a playground for Cup teams and drivers. They’re winning regularly, often dominating the Xfinity regulars and stealing the show. On top of that, although the regulars do get their chances to shine every so often, it’s easy to see that the Cup drivers driving top-notch equipment will usually (and unfairly) steal the wins.

It wasn’t that long ago that the Xfinity regulars outnumbered the Cup regulars. Granted, Cup drivers in the Xfinity Series is no new issue, with Cup stars winning Xfinity events for over 30 years. Sure, they’re a big draw to the series, but it wasn’t as outright pathetic as it is now.

NASCAR should take it upon themselves to cultivate drivers and teams looking to make the most of their Xfinity efforts. Weekly domination by Penske and Gibbs Cup drivers are shutting these journeyman teams down and it’s hurting the dignity of the sport. It’s not a matter of excluding the Cup drivers altogether, rather, it’s a matter of limiting their Xfinity runs even more. Five events a season isn’t asking much. Doing as such could help in the efforts to establish an up-and-coming star in the series.