Carl Edwards, Greg Biffle, Matt Kenseth, Clint Bowyer and Kevin Harvick. Hmm, where have we seen these names before? They’ve all been through the Busch Series the first time, but they’ve come back for more. Why? What will they gain, other than more money for the companies they race for? Seat time? Most of them are seasoned enough to where that shouldn’t be an excuse. The Busch Series is important for those who have not been in their place, or have been in ‘lower’ series of racing, to get the experience they need to make it to the big time.
On Saturdays, a NASCAR fan could always count on seeing rising talent. But nowadays the names all seem familiar, don’t they? Most of the teams on track on Saturday are also represented in the Cup Series on Sunday. What makes them different from their Cup counterparts? Just the car, I think. With the Busch Series losing its title sponsorship, wouldn’t it be more appropriate to call it Cup Lite?
I can say firsthand that I’ve seen Martin Truex Jr. rise through the Busch Series and he did well on his own, despite all the Cup drivers competing against him. But what about the others? When will they get their time to shine? When will they get all the media attention they deserve? Isn’t that what this series is here for?
The Busch Series is important to the teams as far as driver development goes as well. All these Cup drivers are getting the rides, but the ones that need it the most are not. Star power to fill seats in the stands should not be the reason that they’re there either. I can see why NASCAR feels that way, but if they want to gain more new fans in this series, they need new faces. They are coming, but they are few and far between.
Every Saturday, it just seems that I don’t even want to watch these races because of these Cup drivers. Buschwhackers should not be allowed in the series. Maybe if these Cup drivers would stop thinking about their money and think about helping a fellow driver out, there would be a reason to watch.
The Frontstretch Staff is made up of a group of talented men and women spread out all over the United States and Canada. Residing in 15 states throughout the country, plus Ontario, and widely ranging in age, the staff showcases a wide variety of diverse opinions that will keep you coming back for more week in and week out.