NASCAR Xfinity Series
Stewart Haas Racing | |
Official website | NASCAR Xfinity Series |
---|---|
Current season |
The NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) is a
The series was previously called the Budweiser Late Model Sportsman Series in 1982 and 1983, the NASCAR Busch Grand National Series from 1984 through 2002, the NASCAR Busch Series from 2003 through 2007, and the NASCAR Nationwide Series from 2008 through 2014. Since 2015, it is sponsored by Comcast via its consumer cable and wireless brand Xfinity.[1][2]
History
The series emerged from NASCAR's Sportsman division, which had been formed in 1950 as NASCAR's
The modern-day Xfinity Series was formed in 1982, when
"Grand National" was dropped from the series' title in
On September 3, 2014, it was announced that
Xfinity race fields have varied in the number of drivers. Prior to 2013, the grid size resembled its Cup counterpart with 43 cars per race; that year, it shrank to 40 maximum cars.[8] The field was further reduced in 2019 and 2020 to 38 and 36, respectively.[9][10] During the 2020 season, fields were temporarily increased to 40 cars again to accommodate part-time teams that were otherwise unable to qualify due to such sessions being canceled in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.[11]
Races held outside the U.S.
On March 6,
Playoffs
In 2016, the NXS and Truck Series adopted a playoff format similar to the NASCAR Cup Series Chase for the Championship. Unlike the Cup Series, whose Chase consists of four rounds, the Xfinity Series and Truck Series both use a three-round format. After each of the first two rounds, the four Chase grid drivers with the fewest season points are eliminated from the grid and Chase contention.
- Round of 12 (races 27–29)
- Begins with 12 drivers who qualify for the Chase grid with 2,000 points, plus the bonus Playoffs' points acquired in regular season.
- Round of 8 (races 30–32)
- Begins with eight drivers, each with 3,000 points
- Championship 4 (final race)
- The last four drivers in contention for the season title will have their points reset to 4,000 points, with the highest finisher in the race winning the NXS title.
- Round of 12 (races 27–29)
Television broadcasting
United States
In the 1980s, races were sparsely shown, mainly by
From 2001 until 2006, Fox Sports covered the entire first half of the Busch Grand National season, while NBC and TNT both aired races during the second half, with Turner Sports producing all the coverage for both networks. However, in even numbered years, coverage was changed, with the opening race at Daytona airing on NBC in 2004, on TNT in 2002 and 2006 (due to NBC's coverage of the Winter Olympics) and the track's July race airing on FX. Large portions of Fox's coverage aired on sister network FX, with a few marquee events on the network itself.
From 2007 until 2014,
In 2015, the NXS returned to Fox Sports during the first half of the season. Like the previous time Fox held rights to the series, most of the coverage aired on cable, though this time on FS1. Four races aired on Fox itself until 2019, when all races moved to FS1. The second half of the NXS season is televised by NBC Sports. Four to five races air on NBC itself, while the others air on NBCSN (until 2020) or, during the Olympics, CNBC or USA Network (prior to 2020). Since 2021, USA Network had carried all races not aired on NBC or Fox Sports.
On July 28, 2023, it was announced the Xfinity Series will move exclusively to The CW in 2025 as part of a seven-year deal. It was then announced on April 11, 2024, that it would move to the network a year early to broadcast the final eight races of the 2024 season.[12][13]
Latin America
The NXS is available in most Latin American countries on cable and satellite TV. Since 2006, (formerly called SPEED until 2013) carries live coverage of all events. The races are also shown on Fox Sports Latin America, some of them live and some tape-delayed depending on the network's schedule. Televisa Deportes also broadcast a 30-minute recap every Sunday morning on national television in Mexico. In Brazil, BandSports carries all three series.
Australia
Canada
All races are live on TSN channels using FOX's or NBC's coverage. Also, races are broadcast on RDS or RDS2 in French using the world feed produced by NASCAR.
Europe
In 2012,
In
In the United Kingdom, the Xfinity races—in full and highlights—are available on Premier Sports 2.
Asia
All races are live on
Cup Series drivers in the Xfinity Series
Since the early days of the Xfinity Series, many NASCAR Cup Series drivers have used their days off to drive in the NXS. This can be for any number of reasons, most prominent or often claimed is to gain more "seat time", or to familiarize themselves with the track. Examples of this would be Dale Earnhardt, who won the very first NXS race, and Kyle Busch, who has won the most races in NXS history.
In recent years, this practice had been dubbed "Buschwhacking" by its detractors. The colloquialism originated when Anheuser-Busch was the main sponsor of the series by combining the name "Busch" with the term "bushwhacker," but it has gradually fallen out of use since Anheuser-Busch's sponsorship ended. Other nicknames, such as Claim Jumper (for when Nationwide was the series sponsor), and Signal Pirate (for the current sponsor Xfinity) have never really caught on, although the generic term "Cup leech" is often used after the end of Busch sponsorship.
Critics claim that NASCAR Cup Series drivers racing in the NXS take away opportunities from the NXS regulars, usually younger and less experienced drivers. On the other hand, many fans claim that without the NASCAR Cup Series stars and the large amount of fan interest they attract on their own races, the NXS would be inadequate as a high-tier division. In addition, many NXS drivers have welcomed the Cup drivers because it gives them the opportunity to drive with more seasoned veterans.[15]
In 2007, the NASCAR Cup Series began racing with the Car of Tomorrow, a radically new specification different from the NXS. NASCAR Cup Series drivers have admitted that driving the Xfinity car the day before the race does little to help with the NASCAR Cup Series race, as the cars differ greatly. This loosely resulted in the new Nationwide Series car making its debut in the 2010 Subway Jalapeño 250 at Daytona International Speedway. This car has a set-up closer to the current Cup car and some Cup drivers who have tested the car say it has similar handling characteristics. The new car has gone full-time since the 2011 season. In 2007, six out of the top ten drivers in the final point standings were Cup regulars, with Jason Leffler being the only non-Cup driver in that group to win a race in 2007. This number decreased from 2006 when 8 out of 10 drivers were Cup regulars. The decreased number is attributed to Cup regulars running only partial schedules, allowing for more NXS regulars to reach the top ten in points. However, the champions from 2006 to 2010 were all Cup regulars driving the full series schedule (Kevin Harvick, Carl Edwards, Clint Bowyer, Kyle Busch, and Brad Keselowski). As a result, beginning with the 2011 season, NASCAR implemented a rule stating that drivers could only compete for the drivers' championship in one of three national series (Cup, Xfinity, and Truck) of the drivers' choosing.
On October 26, 2016, NASCAR announced plans to limit Cup participation in the lower series starting in 2017. Cup drivers who were competing for points in the Cup Series with at least five years of experience in the series would be allowed to compete in up to 10 NXS races, but are banned from racing in the series' regular season finale, Chase, and Dash 4 Cash races.[16]
Xfinity Series cars
In the early 1980s, teams were switching from the General Motors 1971–77 X-Body compact cars with 311-cubic inch engines. Later, teams were using General Motors 1982–87 G-body cars. Ford teams have used the Thunderbird cars consistently.
In 1989, NASCAR changed rules requiring cars to use current body styles, similar to the Cup cars. However, the cars still used V6 engines. The cars gradually became similar to Cup cars.
In 1995, changes were made. The series switched to V-8s with a compression ratio of 9:1 (as opposed to 14:1 for Cup at the time). The vehicle weight with driver was set at 3,300 pounds (as opposed to 3,400 for Cup). The body style changes, as well as the introduction of V-8s, made the two series' cars increasingly similar.
The
Previously, Busch Series cars used
Another distinction between the cars started in 2008:
Another distinction was added in 2012, when NASCAR changed the fuel delivery system in the Cup cars from carburetion to fuel injection. NXS cars continue to use carburetors. Furthermore, with the Cup Series' switch to Next Gen car in 2022, Xfinity cars (as well as Truck Series vehicles) continue to use traditional five-lug steel wheels and centered door numbers, as opposed to an aluminum center lock wheel and numbers being placed behind the front wheel on the Next Gen.
Specifications for Generation 4 NXS car
- Chassis: Steel tube frame with integral safety roll cage – must meet NASCAR standards
- Engine displacement: 5,860 cc (358 cu in) Pushrod V8
- Transmission: 4-speed manual
- Weight: 3,200 lb (1,451 kg) minimum (without driver); 3,400 lb (1,542 kg) minimum (with driver)
- Power output: 650–700 hp (485–522 kW) unrestricted, ≈450 hp (335 kW) restricted
- Torque: 700 N⋅m (520 ft⋅lb)
- Fuel: 90 MON, 98 RON, 94 AKI unleaded gasoline provided by Sunoco 85% + Sunoco Green Ethanol E15
- Fuel capacity: 18 US gallons (68 litres)
- Fuel delivery: Carburetion
- Compression ratio: 12:1
- Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
- Carburetor size: 390 ft3/min (184 L/s) 4 barrel
- Wheelbase: 105 in (2,667 mm)
- Steering: Power, recirculating ball
- Tires: rain tires (road courses only if in case of rainy conditions) provided by Goodyear Eagle
- Length: 203.75 in (5,175 mm)
- Width: 75 in (1,905 mm)
- Height: 51 in (1,295 mm)
- Safety equipment: HANS device, seat belt 6-point supplied by Willans
Xfinity "Car of Tomorrow" (CoT)
The then Nationwide Series unveiled its "Car of Tomorrow" (CoT) at the July 2010 race at
Each manufacturer uses a distinct body design (similar to 1960s muscle cars), built within strict aerodynamic guidelines provided by NASCAR. The Chevrolet car body currently resembles the Camaro SS, after initially running the Impala and then the Zeta-based Camaro (which coincided with GM's Cup car being its four-door Zeta counterpart, the Holden VF Commodore based Chevrolet SS, being used in Cup at the time). Ford uses the Mustang GT. Toyota runs the Camry, reconfigured in 2015 to resemble the current production model. Toyota announced they would be running the Supra starting in 2019, replacing the Camry, which had been run in the series since Toyota joined the Xfinity Series in 2007.[23] Dodge teams used the Challenger R/T model, despite the manufacturer pulling all factory support after 2012 (though it continued in Canada as FCA Canada still supports the Pinty's Series). Following Dodge's exit, smaller underfunded teams continued to run second-hand Challenger chassis without factory support (thus earning the nickname "Zombie Dodges").[24][25] As a result of a rules change after the 2018 season, all Challenger chassis were rendered ineligible for competition, as the series made the switch to composite body panels. Since FCA had pulled factory support years earlier, no new body was submitted for competition, ending the possibility of running a Challenger chassis in the series.[26]
Manufacturer representation
Budweiser Late Model Sportsman Series (1982–1983)
- Chrysler
- Dodge Challenger: 1982
- Ford
- Ford Fairmont: 1982–1983
- General Motors
- Chevrolet Malibu: 1982–1983
- Oldsmobile Omega: 1982–1983
- Pontiac Ventura: 1982–1983
Busch Grand National Series (1984–2002)
- Chrysler
- Dodge Intrepid: 2002
- Ford
- Ford Fairmont: 1984–1986
- Ford Thunderbird: 1987–1997
- Ford Taurus: 1998–2002
- Mercury Cougar: 1984
- General Motors
- Buick Regal: 1985, 1988–1995 (no factory support after 1991)
- Buick LeSabre: 1986–1989
- Chevrolet Monte Carlo: 1986–1988, 1995–2002
- Chevrolet Nova: 1984–1988
- Chevrolet Lumina: 1989–1995
- Oldsmobile Omega: 1984–1987
- Oldsmobile Delta 88: 1986–1987
- Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme: 1988–1995 (no factory support after 1992)
- Pontiac Ventura: 1984–1987
- Pontiac Grand Prix: 1988–2002
Busch Series (2003–2007)
- Chrysler
- Dodge Intrepid: 2003–2004
- Dodge Charger: 2005–2007
- Ford
- Ford Taurus: 2003–2005
- Ford Fusion: 2006–2007
- General Motors
- Pontiac Grand Prix: 2003–2005 (no factory support after 2003)
- Chevrolet Monte Carlo: 2003–2005
- Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS: 2006–2007
- Toyota
- Toyota Camry: 2007
Nationwide Series (2008–2014)
- Chrysler
- Dodge Charger: 2008–2010
- Dodge Challenger R/T: 2010–2014 (no factory support after 2012)
- Ford
- Ford Fusion: 2008–2010
- Ford Mustang GT: 2010–2014
- General Motors
- Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS: 2006–2007
- Chevrolet Impala SS: 2008–2009
- Chevrolet Impala: 2010–2013 (no factory support in 2013)
- Chevrolet Camaro SS: 2013–2014
- Toyota
Xfinity Series (2015–present)
- FCA US (Chrysler)
- Dodge Challenger R/T: 2015–2018 (no factory support)
- Ford
- Ford Mustang GT: 2015–present
- General Motors
- Chevrolet Camaro SS: 2015–present
- Toyota
- Toyota Camry: 2015–2020 (no factory support after 2018)
- Toyota Supra: 2019–present
Seasons
Pre-Xfinity Series champions
Year | Champion |
---|---|
Sportsman Division | |
1950 | Mike Klapak |
1951 | Mike Klapak |
1952 | Mike Klapak |
1953 | Johnny Roberts |
1954 | Danny L. Graves |
1955 | Billy Myers |
1956 | Ralph Earnhardt |
1957 | Ned Jarrett |
1958 | Ned Jarrett |
1959 | Rick Henderson |
1960 | Bill Wimble |
1961 | Dick Nephew Bill Wimble |
1962 | Rene Charland |
1963 | Rene Charland |
1964 | Rene Charland |
1965 | Rene Charland |
1966 | Don McTavish
|
1967 | Pete Hamilton |
Late Model Sportsman Division | |
1968 | Joe Thurman |
1969 | Red Farmer |
1970 | Red Farmer |
1971 | Red Farmer |
1972 | Jack Ingram |
1973 | Jack Ingram |
1974 | Jack Ingram |
1975 | L. D. Ottinger |
1976 | L. D. Ottinger |
1977 | Butch Lindley |
1978 | Butch Lindley |
1979 | Gene Glover |
1980 | Morgan Shepherd |
1981 | Tommy Ellis |
- Driver in bold has won at least one NASCAR Cup Series championship
- Driver in italics has won at least one NASCAR Camping World Truck Serieschampionship
All-time win table
All figures correct as of Ag-Pro 300 at Talladega Superspeedway (April 20, 2024).
* | NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion |
---|---|
# | Driver is competing full-time in the 2024 season |
° | Driver is competing part-time in the 2024 season |
^ | Driver has been inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame |
See also
- List of auto racing tracks in the United States
- List of NASCAR drivers
- List of NASCAR series
- List of NASCAR teams
- List of NASCAR Xfinity Series champions
- Dash 4 Cash
- NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
- NASCAR Cup Series
References
- ^ Ryan, Nate (September 18, 2013). "Nationwide to end sponsorship of NASCAR's No. 2 series". USA Today. Retrieved September 18, 2013.
- ^ "NASCAR names XFINITY as new series sponsor". September 3, 2014. Retrieved September 3, 2014.
- ^ "The Busch Series dilemma". Archived from the original on December 1, 2006.
- ^ "Nationwide Insurance to be sponsor of No. 2 Series". Retrieved July 14, 2018.
- ^ NASCAR Scene, October 11, 2007, Vol. XXXI – No. 24, p. 32.
- Sports Business Journal. Retrieved September 1, 2014.
- ^ "Chase format extended to XFINITY, Camping World Truck Series". NASCAR.com. Daytona Beach, Florida: NASCAR Media Group, LLC. January 19, 2016. Retrieved January 19, 2016.
- ^ Newton, David (October 16, 2012). "Nationwide field to shrink in 2013". ESPN.com. ESPN. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
- ^ Weaver, Matt (August 23, 2018). "NASCAR trims Xfinity Series field size for 2019 season". Autoweek. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
- ^ Bromberg, Nick (August 21, 2019). "NASCAR cuts Xfinity Series field size from 38 to 36 in 2020". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
- ^ "NASCAR expands field for Xfinity, Gander Trucks races without qualifying". NASCAR. May 11, 2020. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
- Sports Business Journal.
- ^ "NASCAR's new Xfinity TV deal with CW Network to get an early start". us.motorsport.com. April 11, 2024. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
- ^ "SI debuts TV partnership with Asian network ASN". Retrieved July 14, 2018.
- ^ Speedwaymedia.com Archived January 5, 2009, at the Wayback Machine "The Dangers of Bushwhacking" Retrieved May 23, 2009
- Foxsports.com. Retrieved October 26, 2016.
- ^ "09/08/2007 race: Chevy Rock & Roll 400 (Cup) - Racing-Reference.info". www.racing-reference.info. Retrieved July 14, 2018.
- ^ Thatsracin.com[permanent dead link] "NASCAR races in the rain in Montreal". Retrieved January 23, 2009.
- ^ "Yahoo! Canada Sports – Sports News, Scores, Rumors, Fantasy Games, and more". Ca.sports.yahoo.com. Archived from the original on August 9, 2011. Retrieved July 13, 2010.
- ^ Mark Aumann (October 28, 2007). "COT planned for 2009 Nationwide Series debut – Oct 28, 2007". Nascar.Com. Retrieved July 13, 2010.
- ^ "NASCAR.COM - COT planned for 2009 Nationwide Series debut - Oct 28, 2007". February 18, 2010. Archived from the original on February 18, 2010. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ^ "NASCAR: Daytona Debuts Nationwide's Car of Tomorrow". Bleacher Report.
- ^ "2019 Toyota Supra Xfinity Series Race Car | Toyota Nascar". www.toyota.com. Retrieved September 21, 2018.
- ^ Ross, Jeffrey N. (February 25, 2014). "Zombie Dodges race in NASCAR after factory pulled plug". Road & Track. Retrieved November 24, 2018.
- ^ "Yahoo! Canada Sports – Sports News, Scores, Rumors, Fantasy Games, and more". Ca.sports.yahoo.com. Archived from the original on August 9, 2011. Retrieved July 13, 2010.
- ^ Nguyen, Justin (November 16, 2018). "NASCAR Bids Farewell to Dodge after 2018". www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk. Retrieved November 20, 2018.