The sanctioning body’s decision to permit full-time Cup Series drivers to compete in the Xfinity Series race in Mexico was made by NASCAR influencer Eric Estepp. For the smaller clubs in the series, he believes it might be a “expensive” affair.
After a lengthy break, NASCAR will resume racing outside of the US with the Xfinity Series in Mexico City for the first time since 2008. Additionally, a few Cup Series drivers who are competing in the Xfinity Series part-time this season are expected to enter this race. Full-time Cup Series drivers are now permitted to compete in Xfinity races, something that NASCAR previously prohibited.
For Mexican fans who would like to watch the top drivers in action, this is a smart approach. However, Estepp pointed out that the smaller teams are having a hard time. He thinks it might be a costly race for them. “I can see both sides once more. However, this past summer’s SVG vs. Kyle Larson bout in Chicago was an incredible spectacle.
I want to watch as many of the major names race as I can if I’m a fan in Mexico City. However, I could see this weekend becoming extremely costly for the lesser Xfinity Series teams if all of these teams start bringing extra cars for Cup Series individuals, for ringers. It is similar to a 32-hour drive from Charlotte to Mexico City plus you got to cross the border in Texas. That’s expensive.
A “balance” between normal NASCAR Xfinity drivers and Cup Series drivers is suggested by Eric Estepp
Eric Estepp suggested something akin to what NASCAR suggested earlier in Chicago, when the Cup Series drivers were prohibited from competing in Xfinity races, even though he believes that bringing additional cars for the Cup Series drivers could be costly for the smaller teams in the Xfinity Series. Estepp suggested that the Cup drivers might not compete in the Xfinity Series the first year as an alternative. Regular drivers would have more visibility as a result, and the following year, the regulations might be loosened for both. “This would strike a balance,” he continued.
“I wish NASCAR had helped Chicago the way they did. Cup guys are not allowed to play in the first year. Don’t bring them extra cars or give them more track time; instead, give the Xfinity regulars their time. Yes, let the Cup guys race in the second year. Although I can see the desire to see the biggest names on the racetrack, I believe there is room for balance. June 14 is the date of the Xfinity Series event in Mexico. The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez will host it.
