Read Bleacher Fan’s argument that Sprint Cup drivers should be allowed to drive in the Nationwide Series and Loyal Homer’s argument that they should not.
Because our scope is so large here at The Sports Debates, we decided it was time for another racing topic. This topic suggestion comes to us from our friend @NSCRTWTR who loyally follows and interacts with us on Twitter (don’t worry… we did not get the ESPN Twitter ban memo!).
Today’s debate question, as NSCRTWTR delivered it: Should [Sprint] Cup drivers be allowed to race and compete for [the] championship in the Nationwide series?
Currently the Nationwide series includes several Sprint Cup drivers. In fact, Sprint Cup drivers Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards are first and second in the points and well positioned to win the championship. Is that fair?
This is an interesting debate for a few of reasons. One, it is easy to relate to other sports – like baseball – and draw comparisons on how this talent model would work in other multi-tiered sports. Two, it is easy for true racing fans to see the some actual differences in the two series. Three, there is a business side to this debate that is difficult to ignore.
The Sports Debates’ expert debates will explore all sides of a surprisingly complex issues – should the prime talent of NASCAR racing be allowed to compete for the championship at a level of racing that is generally considered appropriate for up and coming drivers trying to break into Sprint Cup?
Bleacher Fan will argue that it is plausible and acceptable for the most talented, polished racing drivers in the NASCAR family to compete for a championship in the Nationwide Series – a series originally designed to showcase up and coming talent.
Loyal Homer will argue that Sprint Cup drivers are too talented to compete in a lower levels of competition within NASCAR.
Remember, the question here is not about a potential merger of the two series (which will never happen). Currently these are two distinctive series with enough difference between the cars (Sprint Cup cars are loaded up with more horsepower) to genuinely be two separate series. Let’s treat ‘em that way.
Gentleman… start your debating!
Actually, my suggestion regarding Cup drivers in Nationwide falls between the two answers in the poll. I think that a full-time Cup driver should be allowed to drive full-time in Nationwide for only two or three years, presumably at the beginning of their Cup career. After that they should be limited to three races in Nationwide every year. If they lose their Cup ride, they can return to Nationwide on a regular basis.
My poster boy for what’s wrong with the current system is Landon Cassill. A talented driver who had a successful Nationwide season in 2008, Cassill has spent this year on the outside looking in, which is truly a shame. If a driver like Cassill can’t find a NNS ride, there’s something wrong with the current system.
Seems like that you have placed lots of effort and hard work into your post and I require much more of these using the net these days. I sincerely got a kick from your post. I don’t truly have much to say in response, I only wanted to comment to reply great work.
Thanks!