<!–>
Kyle Larson stirred things up a little bit by saying he wanted to embarrass Xfinity Series drivers when he races against them.
And it isn’t because he takes joy in crushing the competition. He really wants to show the difference between Cup racing and the Xfinity Series. And he wants to prove to young, up-and-coming drivers how far behind they are compared to where they want to go.
Larson has a point. And it is a chorus that Kevin Harvick has been singing for years.
Kyle Larson MAKES STATEMENT after Cup & Xfinity win at Bristol: ‘I want to EMBARRASS NASCAR!’
–> <!–>
ADVERTISEMENT
–>
Drivers enter Cup racing without enough experience racing Cup drivers. Therefore, they don’t know just how cut-throat they need to be and how to race for the win against tougher competition.
“The kids, they probably think they’re in a good spot, and they don’t know where the bar is really at,” Larson said. “So I like to go run those Xfinity races and get 10-second leads to let them realize that they’ve got a lot of room to improve, and I think that’s only better for our sport.”
Ty Gibbs is the latest to learn. He won 21 percent of his Xfinity races before his rookie Cup year in 2023. And he’s still seeking his first Cup win.
Cup drivers with more than three years of full-time Cup experience are limited to five races a year in the Xfinity series and in the truck series. They can’t race in the final eight races of the year — the regular-season finale and the playoffs.
NASCAR has limited Cup participation so that Xfinity drivers have better chances of winning. This helps boost their profiles in the eyes of Cup owners and in the eyes of sponsor executives — both those in the series and potential ones in Cup.
So what’s the answer?
First off, it’s the same thing that many have advocated for in Cup. It’s called practice.
Additional practice in Xfinity and trucks would allow young drivers to get more comfortable with the track that weekend. It gives them more laps, and there is no substitution for that when it comes to growth and learning. The younger drivers would get more out of practice and make more gains each weekend and throughout the course of the year.
NASCAR could also possibly just get rid of the five-race limit and just keep the final eight-race rule. It makes sense to not have Cup drivers in the Xfinity and truck playoffs. Just how many drivers would actually run more than five races anyway? Only a few most likely.
Could NASCAR create a way to potentially give a Cup driver more races, if paired in a full-time car with a non-Cup driver (or two drivers) in a way to attract sponsor dollars? Would a sponsor pay for both the Cup drivers’ additional races and then add enough for a new driver to fill in for many of the remaining races?
It would probably be difficult to manage and enforce, but there could be some way to incentivize teams to field young drivers by pairing this with more races for a Cup driver.
The biggest question is whether Cup drivers would dominate.
Let’s go back 20 to 30 years when a slew of Cup drivers ran in the series. They often had their engines tuned for a little more horsepower, and they would run more of a risk of blowing the engine because they weren’t running for points. Doing that now would be more difficult, considering the engine rules and the tighter parameters.
This conversation about the Cup drivers in the other series isn’t new. It’s been a topic in the sport for 20 years or more. And NASCAR has achieved its goal of giving Xfinity and truck drivers more notoriety since they’re able to win more races, as Cup drivers have limited access to those series.
But it wouldn’t be a bad thing for NASCAR to evaluate the policy and see if it should make some tweaks to its policy of limiting Cup drivers in developmental competition. The fact the series needs a new entitlement sponsor for 2026 also makes it a perfect time to visit this again. This way, any changes can be made at the same time that a new sponsor enters the fray.
If NASCAR does change it, Larson needs to run more races. Because of his comments, every time he runs in the series, he will have a target on him. Drivers will want to avoid embarrassment, but they’ll also try to embarrass him — if they can.
Bob Pockrass covers NASCAR and INDYCAR for FOX Sports. He has spent decades covering motorsports, including over 30 Daytona 500s, with stints at ESPN, Sporting News, NASCAR Scene magazine and The (Daytona Beach) News-Journal. Follow him on Twitter @bobpockrass.
<!–>
recommended
Get more from NASCAR Cup Series Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
–>
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs receive the worst news about the star quarterback’s terrible injury
One of the worst pieces of news has been confirmed for the Kansas City Chiefs on the very day they say goodbye to any chance of making the NFL playoffs. An MRI has revealed that Patrick Mahomes tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), according to the team.Patrick Mahomes fuels uncertainty after injuryThe Chiefs announced this via social media:Injury Update on QB Patrick Mahomes:"An MRI has confirmed that Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes sustained a torn ACL in his left knee in today's game. Patrick and the club are currently exploring surgical options."The Chiefs (6-8) are now guaranteed to watch the NFL playoffs from home for the first time since 2014. This game against the Los Angeles Chargers also likely marked the last time we'll see Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce playing together on the field this season."In the same day, the […]
Packers’ Micah Parsons Appears To Suffer Non-Contact Leg Injury vs. Broncos
Green Bay Packers star pass rusher Micah Parsons was forced out of Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos with an apparent leg injury.Parsons grabbed his left knee as he tried to sack Broncos quarterback Bo Nix and immediately went down to the ground with 55 seconds left in the third quarter. The four-time Pro Bowler had a concerned look on his face while being tended to by the training staff before getting helped off the field.Parsons exited the game with two tackles and one pass deflection.This is a developing story. Check back for updates. FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience
No. 22 Louisville Women Shut Out No. 12 North Carolina In OT for 76-66 Win
Laura Ziegler had 17 points, Elif Istanbulluoglu scored 16 and No. 22 Louisville shut out 12th-ranked North Carolina in overtime, winning 76-66 on Sunday in the Tar Heels' ACC opener.It was all Louisville in the extra period after Indya Nivar missed two free throws for the Tar Heels (9-3, 0-1) with five seconds left in regulation and Imari Berry hit the second of two foul shots for the Cardinals with less than a second remaining to force overtime tied at 66-all.Skylar Jones and Berry both made a basket and two free throws as Louisville (10-3, 2-0) outscored the Tar Heels 10-0 in overtime for the victory.Ziegler made 6 of 12 shots with three 3-pointers, and grabbed eight rebounds for Louisville. Istanbulluoglu hit 6 of 11 shots with two 3-pointers. Berry totaled 13 points and seven rebounds off the bench. Tajianna […]
Iowa Improves to 7-0 at Home After Double-Digit Win Over Western Michigan
Bennett Stirtz and reserves Alvaro Folgueiras and Brendan Hausen all scored 13 points to power Iowa to a 91-51 romp over Western Michigan on Sunday.Stirtz added six assists for the Hawkeyes (9-2), who are unbeaten in seven home games. Hausen shot 4-for-7 from 3-point range.Cam Manyawu and reserve Tate Sage scored 11 each for Iowa, which bounced back from a 66-62 road loss to No. 4 Iowa State last time out.Jalen Griffith and reserve Carson Vis each scored 11 to pace the Broncos (5-6), now 1-5 on the road. Jayden Brewer added 10 points.Manyawu had the final two baskets in a game-opening 8-0 run. Griffith answered with five straight points for Western Michigan, but Sage sank back-to-back 3-pointers in a 22-3 surge for a 34-10 advantage with 8:21 left in the half.Stirtz had 10 points by halftime, Folgueiras scored nine […]
Corinthians leva susto, reage, vence o Cruzeiro nos pênaltis e vai à decisão da Copa do Brasil
Hugo Souza garantiu o Timão na final da Copa do Brasil ( Photo: Marcello Zambrana/AGIF)O Corinthians precisou do seu goleiro Hugo Souza para vencer o Cruzeiro, nos pênaltis, por 5 a 4, e ir à final da Copa do Brasil depois de três anos. A partida, realizada neste domingo, na Neo Química Arena, em São Paulo, ganhou contornos dramáticos para o time da casa quando Arroyo, que entrou ainda na primeira etapa, marcou duas vezes. No entanto, Matheus Bidu diminuiu e manteve o Timão nas semifinais. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADEEmbora tenha colocado duas bolas na trave, o Corinthians não conseguiu garantir a vaga nos 90 minutos. Então, a decisão foi para as penalidades. E, no duelo entre Hugo Souza e Cássio, dois grandes pegadores de pênalti, brilhou, mais uma vez, a estrela do goleiro corintiano. Cássio ainda fez uma defesa, mas Gabigol […]
Utah s Vejmelkou v brance předvedl skvělý obrat
Vejmelka inkasoval potřetí v úvodu druhé třetiny, ale v brance zůstal a nepustil do ní svého krajana Vítka Vaněčka. Přestože si Vejmelka připsal v celém utkání jen dvanáct zákroků, jeho spoluhráči se na začátku třetí části vzepjali k obratu, když dali čtyři branky za sedm minut. Pittsburghu se povedlo pět minut před koncem srovnat, ale Utah nakonec přeci jen uspěl, když se po 42 vteřinách prodloužení prosadil Dylan Guenther.Vancouver rozhodl o své výhře na ledě New Jersey už v úvodních minutách, když se trefili Jake DeBrusk a Zeev Buium, v obou případech v přesilových hrách. Za domácí už jen snížil Luke Hughes. Na straně vítězů hráli i Češi Filip Hronek a David Kämpf. V dresu Devils nenavázal na dva body z utkání proti Anaheimu Ondřej Palát.NHL:New Jersey - Vancouver 1:2 (0:2, 1:0, 0:0)Branky: 25. L. Hughes - 2. DeBrusk, 7. Buium. Střely na branku: 26:15. Diváci: 13.821. Hvězdy zápasu: 1. Demko, 2. Buium (oba Vancouver), […]
Related
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs receive the worst news about the star quarterback’s terrible injury
One of the worst pieces of news has been confirmed for the Kansas City Chiefs on the very day they say goodbye to any chance of making the NFL playoffs. An MRI has revealed that Patrick Mahomes tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), according to the team.Patrick Mahomes fuels uncertainty after injuryThe Chiefs announced this via social media:Injury Update on QB Patrick Mahomes:"An MRI has confirmed that Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes sustained a torn ACL in his left knee in today's game. Patrick and the club are currently exploring surgical options."The Chiefs (6-8) are now guaranteed to watch the NFL playoffs from home for the first time since 2014. This game against the Los Angeles Chargers also likely marked the last time we'll see Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce playing together on the field this season."In the same day, the […]
Packers’ Micah Parsons Appears To Suffer Non-Contact Leg Injury vs. Broncos
Green Bay Packers star pass rusher Micah Parsons was forced out of Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos with an apparent leg injury.Parsons grabbed his left knee as he tried to sack Broncos quarterback Bo Nix and immediately went down to the ground with 55 seconds left in the third quarter. The four-time Pro Bowler had a concerned look on his face while being tended to by the training staff before getting helped off the field.Parsons exited the game with two tackles and one pass deflection.This is a developing story. Check back for updates. FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience
No. 22 Louisville Women Shut Out No. 12 North Carolina In OT for 76-66 Win
Laura Ziegler had 17 points, Elif Istanbulluoglu scored 16 and No. 22 Louisville shut out 12th-ranked North Carolina in overtime, winning 76-66 on Sunday in the Tar Heels' ACC opener.It was all Louisville in the extra period after Indya Nivar missed two free throws for the Tar Heels (9-3, 0-1) with five seconds left in regulation and Imari Berry hit the second of two foul shots for the Cardinals with less than a second remaining to force overtime tied at 66-all.Skylar Jones and Berry both made a basket and two free throws as Louisville (10-3, 2-0) outscored the Tar Heels 10-0 in overtime for the victory.Ziegler made 6 of 12 shots with three 3-pointers, and grabbed eight rebounds for Louisville. Istanbulluoglu hit 6 of 11 shots with two 3-pointers. Berry totaled 13 points and seven rebounds off the bench. Tajianna […]
Iowa Improves to 7-0 at Home After Double-Digit Win Over Western Michigan
Bennett Stirtz and reserves Alvaro Folgueiras and Brendan Hausen all scored 13 points to power Iowa to a 91-51 romp over Western Michigan on Sunday.Stirtz added six assists for the Hawkeyes (9-2), who are unbeaten in seven home games. Hausen shot 4-for-7 from 3-point range.Cam Manyawu and reserve Tate Sage scored 11 each for Iowa, which bounced back from a 66-62 road loss to No. 4 Iowa State last time out.Jalen Griffith and reserve Carson Vis each scored 11 to pace the Broncos (5-6), now 1-5 on the road. Jayden Brewer added 10 points.Manyawu had the final two baskets in a game-opening 8-0 run. Griffith answered with five straight points for Western Michigan, but Sage sank back-to-back 3-pointers in a 22-3 surge for a 34-10 advantage with 8:21 left in the half.Stirtz had 10 points by halftime, Folgueiras scored nine […]
Corinthians leva susto, reage, vence o Cruzeiro nos pênaltis e vai à decisão da Copa do Brasil
Hugo Souza garantiu o Timão na final da Copa do Brasil ( Photo: Marcello Zambrana/AGIF)O Corinthians precisou do seu goleiro Hugo Souza para vencer o Cruzeiro, nos pênaltis, por 5 a 4, e ir à final da Copa do Brasil depois de três anos. A partida, realizada neste domingo, na Neo Química Arena, em São Paulo, ganhou contornos dramáticos para o time da casa quando Arroyo, que entrou ainda na primeira etapa, marcou duas vezes. No entanto, Matheus Bidu diminuiu e manteve o Timão nas semifinais. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADEEmbora tenha colocado duas bolas na trave, o Corinthians não conseguiu garantir a vaga nos 90 minutos. Então, a decisão foi para as penalidades. E, no duelo entre Hugo Souza e Cássio, dois grandes pegadores de pênalti, brilhou, mais uma vez, a estrela do goleiro corintiano. Cássio ainda fez uma defesa, mas Gabigol […]
Utah s Vejmelkou v brance předvedl skvělý obrat
Vejmelka inkasoval potřetí v úvodu druhé třetiny, ale v brance zůstal a nepustil do ní svého krajana Vítka Vaněčka. Přestože si Vejmelka připsal v celém utkání jen dvanáct zákroků, jeho spoluhráči se na začátku třetí části vzepjali k obratu, když dali čtyři branky za sedm minut. Pittsburghu se povedlo pět minut před koncem srovnat, ale Utah nakonec přeci jen uspěl, když se po 42 vteřinách prodloužení prosadil Dylan Guenther.Vancouver rozhodl o své výhře na ledě New Jersey už v úvodních minutách, když se trefili Jake DeBrusk a Zeev Buium, v obou případech v přesilových hrách. Za domácí už jen snížil Luke Hughes. Na straně vítězů hráli i Češi Filip Hronek a David Kämpf. V dresu Devils nenavázal na dva body z utkání proti Anaheimu Ondřej Palát.NHL:New Jersey - Vancouver 1:2 (0:2, 1:0, 0:0)Branky: 25. L. Hughes - 2. DeBrusk, 7. Buium. Střely na branku: 26:15. Diváci: 13.821. Hvězdy zápasu: 1. Demko, 2. Buium (oba Vancouver), […]
Be the first to leave a comment