There has been a major change in the NASCAR Nationwide series, and yet no one seems to have noticed. For the first time in recent memory, half of the top ten drivers in the Nationwide Series are "Nationwide only" drivers. Mike Bliss leads the Nationwide only drivers, sitting fifth in the standings, 141 points behind series leader Clint Bowyer. Despite the top four drivers being double duty drivers, the current standings show that things are finally changing in the series which many have come to see as practice sessions for the Sprint Cup drivers. As new drivers come in, the series evolves and the new car is introduced, the Nationwide Series may finally have an even playing field, that could end the dominance of the Sprint Cup drivers.
The recent resurgence of the Nationwide only drivers may be tied to a variety of things. The use of the new car in the Sprint Cup series makes it more difficult for drivers and teams to collect data from the Nationwide Series cars, thereby discouraging drivers from pulling double duty. Even when the Nationwide Series debuts its new car late in the 2009 season, the car setup will be different enough so that the data cannot be shared between the cars in the two series.
Another possibility may be that drivers have become more concerned with their health and do not want to risk racing in a race or series that is "just for fun". After the Aaron's 312 in Talladega, where Dario Franchitti broke his ankle after being hit head on, many more drivers likely evaluated the risk versus the reward in running the Nationwide Series. Tony Stewart had a similar situation last season when he hurt his shoulder in a Nationwide Series race.
Finally, it may be necessary to give credit where credit is due. The talent of the drivers in the Nationwide Series has drastically increased this season. There are young drivers like Brad Keslowski and seasoned NASCAR veterans like Mike Bliss who have found the way to be successful in a field that is typically dominated by some of the best drivers in all motorsports.
Despite these reasons, there still remains the problem of Sprint Cup drivers dominating the standings and the races in the Nationwide Series. So far this season, the only Nationwide only driver that has won was Scott Wimmer in the Pepsi 300 at Nashville Superspeedway, a race where only a handful of Sprint Cup drivers ran. Last season only two of the races were won by Nationwide only drivers.
There are still some problems that will prevent some Sprint Cup drivers from running in the Nationwide Series full time. When a driver is having a season like Kyle Busch, it is difficult to make the decision to run in only one series when you know you can dominate in all three. Secondly, NASCAR feels that it is necessary to have the Sprint Cup ringers run in at least some of the Nationwide Series races to increase attendance and TV ratings. Having the Sprint Cup team owners also run cars in the Nationwide Series put other, smaller teams at a disadvantage. Finally, there are some drivers who truly want to race, just to race.
Though it is not likely this season, there may be a Nationwide only driver who has potential to become the next Nationwide Series champion. It will be difficult though, because as these drivers show their talent, they are typically brought up to the Sprint Cup level, as will likely be the case with Brad Keslowski. In time, though, there will be one driver who beats all the ringers, and will be able to proudly hold up the championship trophy.
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