NASCAR announced Tuesday a new set of rule changes that will alter how Brad Keselowski and his No. 22 Discount Tire Ford team will operate going forward in the XFINITY Series.
Drivers with more than five years of Monster Energy Cup Series experience can now only compete in seven NXS races per year—down from the 10-race restriction implemented this season. That group includes Brad, one of his No. 22 co-pilots in Joey Logano and nearly every top championship contender at the Cup level.
Additionally, every driver earning Championship points at the Cup level is barred from competition in the regular-season finale, as well as all playoff events for both the NXS and Camping World Truck Series. The full release is available at NASCAR.com.
After the announcement, Brad found himself in a familiar debate about the participation of Cup drivers at lower levels. At this point in the season, he has seven NXS starts, the maximum for 2018. He picked up his 35th career XFINITY Series win earlier this season, good enough for the fifth-most all-time. BK and his fellow Cup championship regulars have won 11 of 20 races this season.
Will never forget my first start in the @NASCAR_XFINITY series for @JRMotorsports
23 cup drivers in that race…
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) August 1, 2017
You've got to admit that Preece winning his first race did much more good for the sport than Kyle winning again, could have that most weeks
— Liam Redford (@Liam_Redford) August 1, 2017
No, it's a negligible difference in the big scheme… but I'm super happy for @RyanPreece_
He deserves all his success. https://t.co/ZxAIKGxysW— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) August 1, 2017
How's a young guy get a shot in a good car if a cup driver is always in it? I like racing with you guys but something needed to change.. https://t.co/aoIz7t2hRg
— Jeb Burton (@JebBurtonRacing) August 1, 2017
Respectfully, we have 3 other series to simply get a shot in a good ride with out a cup driver. Arca, K&N & Truck (most weeks). https://t.co/0NJ36n9x3U
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) August 1, 2017
It'd be like an NFL player being able to go play indoor league or back to college. I agree with Jeb
— McGilvary (@CMJFatherof5) August 1, 2017
Or it'd be like an NBA player playing in a summer league, or a hockey player playing in the olympics. https://t.co/BPDTzHIVnN
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) August 1, 2017
I understand that. Something needed to be done tho. I don't have the answers but I feel like fans like to see new winners like last week. https://t.co/mVglgGyVrt
— Jeb Burton (@JebBurtonRacing) August 1, 2017
Yes. We all like to see new winners.
Don't forget that the rarity is what makes it specialIf the NBA lowered the rim dunks wouldn't be fun https://t.co/WXZKyDNXmQ
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) August 1, 2017
Brad… cmon man… we all know that two of the series you mentioned don't get near exposure that Xfinity does…
— Alec Hyre (@A_Hyre88) August 1, 2017
Just to be clear, we have 3 other nationally touring/televised series that generate less exposure. In order to grow Xfinity, we should copy? https://t.co/2CjGcdNOmg
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) August 1, 2017
@keselowski what do you think that to run the lower series, a cup guy has to be in his own equipment?
— Derrick Acord (@CaptainAcord59) August 1, 2017
https://twitter.com/keselowski/status/892465201748082688
Just imagine all of the championships you would of won if the rules were like they are today.
— Steven Steffen (@SSteffen5) August 1, 2017
At least 2 more championships
Maybe 10-20 more races. But I'm still glad it wasn't this way or I woulda tanked in cup. https://t.co/OBqokZA5Qv— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) August 1, 2017
Too much emotion in the xfinity/cup driver topic to have a conversation. Saving my final comments for #RaceHub
Time to move on. pic.twitter.com/t6JapToFPb
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) August 1, 2017
Later in the day, BK joined Fox Sports 1’s NASCAR Racehub along with Logano to give some final thoughts on the changes and the value of Cup Series drivers in XFINITY Series races.
.@keselowski & @joeylogano believe #NASCAR's new participation rules may make it tougher on XFINITY Series regulars to move up in the sport. pic.twitter.com/hCUPgFOjd5
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) August 1, 2017