Should the Cup drivers be allowed to take points, prize money and starting spots away from Busch Series regulars? It is good for the series, to a point, but how much is too much?
Latest Developments
Of the 35 events on the 2006 Busch Series schedule 27 of them are companion events to the Cup Series. Buschwhacking in 2006 has reached epidemic proportions as NEXTEL Cup series stars are dominating the Busch Series races.For example, in Daytona in February of 2006 there were 18 NEXTEL Cup regulars in the field. The next week in California the 43 car starting field included 17 NEXTEL Cup drivers.
After six races in the 2006 Busch schedule the top five drivers in the Busch Series point standings are all NEXTEL Cup regulars. Also, all six Busch races held so far this season have been won by NEXTEL Cup drivers.
Background
In the past, NASCAR has never regulated the Cup series drivers' exposure to other series. Largely because until fairly recently Buschwhacking was not much of a problem. Traditionally only a few Cup series drivers would race in the Busch show.Back then the Cup drivers were generally welcomed since they brought some extra exposure to the series and gave the Busch Series regulars a good barometer of their skill level against the best in the business.
