Does NASCAR view the issue of Sprint Cup drivers competing in the Xfinity Series as a problem? If yes, what should be done?
These questions were asked of NASCAR President Bran France on “Sirius Speedway” Friday.
France’s response?
“It’s a fair debate. I can be on both sides. Right now, these are the rules of the game, and we’re going to enjoy the benefits of the rules of the game rather than some of the things that may be disadvantages.
France also told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio on the matter: “It’s always a very strong debate, depending on which side you’re on. Mark Martin, at the time, was known for dominating this series, it was the Busch series then. We’ve always had some of that happening.
“Kyle (Busch) has just mastered this division and this car. On the other hand, it makes young drivers better. They can compete with one of the best in the business every weekend. Obviously, there will be a new Championship Chase format that will reward the eventual champion at the end. It will have to be someone other than Kyle.
France also addressed other topics during his appearance on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio – as well as the question of other car manufacturers interested in the series.
— As for whether NASCAR would change the rules to remove more support from teams this season, France said:
“As long as it doesn’t break the bank financially for the team owners and others and/or it’s a safety benefit.” These are the criteria we use to make rule changes along the way. … There are 43 teams, their job is to understand everything we’re doing to play this system in a way that benefits them. It’s car racing. They have their job, we have ours.
— On a new sponsor for the Sprint Cup Series, with Sprint leaving the sport after this season, France said:
“It is the most coveted position in sport because of the rights granted to it. We have a good group of companies that are on our shortlist. Hopefully in the coming weeks or months we’ll get to the right place on this.
— Regarding the arrival last weekend in Phoenix between Kevin Harvick and Carl Edwards and the contact that took place, France said:
“Another thing we talked about this week is the arrival in Phoenix and the contact that follows. You’ve heard me say time and time again that it’s a classic NASCAR race when this happens. Interestingly, not every driver we have, present or past, would have taken the steps that Carl Edwards tried to do to get around Harvick.
“They both did a great job. This is classic NASCAR. We expect it. Sometimes it’s misunderstood when I say that, but that’s a great example of it’s part of NASCAR when you’re late in the race, you’re a little faster, you’re going to have contact, either to reduce speed, or move someone a little. Carl is one of the best in this field and gave us a great finish.
— On the low downforce package this season and whether France thought it would produce the results it has:
“No, I wish I could say I did it, but if I did, we would have done it a long time ago. As we’ve said from the beginning, as long as it’s safe and profitable, it all depends on what the drivers think and, obviously, what the results are, what will be better to overtake, more and more vehicles side by side -classic NASCAR racing Plus this, obviously, is. is where we are trying to land.
