If they really wanna stop this, just switch up the Nationwide schedule next year. Have a lot less companion races, that way if the Cup guys wanna race they have to fly back and forth between tracks. Some would do it every now and then but I bet a lot less often.
I like that idea.
But I dont think the bean counters would like it, companion events reduce logistical cost.
It also reduces travel expenses for all, not just the drivers. A fast cup tire changer can contract out his services on Saturday with no additional travel expenses etc all the way down to the custodian services.
The purist in me hates the generic big box approach to racing. When the old Busch series started they ran at IRL, GPS, Hickory, Asheville, Rougemont, etc.
They would still run at about a third or half the cup events as companion events, but that model allowed the series to have an identity that was distinct from the cup series, it was sufficient in its own right.
One other untouched component in this thread thus far: The old Busch series had a group of veterns that gave it some extra prestige, that has almost been completely diminished. The model has changed to almost developing young guns to compete against the Busch wackers. You used to have to beat Ingram, Ard, Houston, Ellis, etc when you stepped down.
That was the best era, and I would have preferred watching a Busch race at Hickory than any Cup event, ever. Probably the best racing I have ever seen.
But I understand that corporate loves the companion model, and they will usually if not always win the battle.
Sometimes Kyle win and sometimes he dont, Im happy either way
I will get some pictures of the burnout, they are the best there is
