NASCAR is once again weighing the future of its driver participation rules. A report released this week indicates the sanctioning body is reviewing whether to reverse course on Cup Series driver limits in the NASCAR Xfinity and Craftsman Truck Series. With new media partners set to enter the picture in 2026, NASCAR is discussing potential changes with networks and sponsors while monitoring how current restrictions impact competition and fan engagement. The topic has long divided the garage, and now it is back in play.
Key Highlights
NASCAR considering changes to Cup driver limits in lower series
Current rule restricts Cup veterans to five starts per year in Trucks or Xfinity
O’Donnell confirms talks with The CW and FOX Sports about possible adjustments
Ross Chastain, Kyle Busch among drivers maxing out the 2025 limit
Changes could arrive as early as 2026 but remain under review
The Current Rulebook
Since 2020, Cup Series drivers with three or more years of experience have been limited to five starts annually in both the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. These starts must occur before the regular-season finale, effectively keeping seasoned Cup veterans out of playoff events in the lower series. The intent behind the rule was to create opportunities for up-and-coming drivers to race without being overshadowed by established stars.
It also aimed to preserve the integrity of championship battles, ensuring that drivers competing for points were not routinely facing Cup champions in the late stages of a season. Yet, in 2025, the policy has reached a crossroads. The sanctioning body is openly acknowledging that revisions may be needed as it evaluates the future broadcast landscape and the balance between star power and developmental racing.
O’Donnell’s Comments
Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR’s chief operating officer, confirmed the ongoing discussions in both a report from Sports Business Journal and an interview with Eric Estepp on Out of The Groove. He emphasized the potential to reshape the framework alongside new partners.
“We’re going to look at who is able to race in the series in the future as well and maybe make some changes down the road, but there’s a lot of opportunities for us to work with The CW and O’Reilly Auto Parts [the series’ new title sponsor] to take it to the next level so you’re operating from a really good base, which is awesome, but I think we’ve got a lot of growth ahead of us.” – Steve O’Donnell
The CW is scheduled to take over broadcasting rights for the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2026, while FOX Sports will continue to carry the Truck Series. These future partnerships give NASCAR a chance to reassess whether the five-race restriction should remain, be loosened, or be adjusted in another way to better suit the evolving entertainment model.
Drivers Testing the Limits
The 2025 season has seen multiple Cup drivers push the participation cap to its edge. Ross Chastain filled his five-race Xfinity allotment by driving a fifth entry for JR Motorsports, while Kyle Larson, Riley Herbst, and Shane van Gisbergen also made multiple appearances. In the Truck Series, both Chastain and Kyle Busch maxed out their five-race limits. Carson Hocevar came close with four starts, while Larson, William Byron, Justin Haley, and Michael McDowell made two apiece.
These statistics highlight both the demand from Cup drivers to compete in lower divisions and the limitations imposed by current rules. Fans and industry insiders continue to debate whether these restrictions stifle interest or successfully preserve opportunities for full-time Xfinity and Truck competitors.
What Comes Next
As discussions progress, the question remains whether NASCAR will alter the rule ahead of the 2026 season. The timing coincides with new broadcast deals and the introduction of O’Reilly Auto Parts as the Xfinity Series title sponsor. While no final decision has been made, the tone of O’Donnell’s comments suggests change is a genuine possibility.
Should restrictions be eased, fans may see more frequent appearances from Cup champions in lower-tier races, restoring a practice that was once common but later curtailed. For now, the sanctioning body continues to balance tradition, competition, and entertainment value while plotting its next move.
News in Brief: NASCAR Cup Driver Participation Rules
NASCAR is reviewing whether to alter its current limits on Cup Series drivers competing in the Xfinity and Craftsman Truck Series. Since 2020, Cup veterans have been restricted to five starts per season in each division, but discussions with The CW, FOX Sports, and new series sponsor O’Reilly Auto Parts suggest adjustments could arrive by 2026. Steve O’Donnell confirmed the talks, with drivers like Ross Chastain and Kyle Busch already maxing out their 2025 allotments.
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