NASCAR is currently reviewing its rules that limit how many lower-tier races Cup Series drivers can participate in, sparking debate among insiders. Former driver Kenny Wallace supports the possible easing of these restrictions, especially after Connor Zilisch’s impressive performances in the Xfinity Series this year, which highlighted the benefits of greater competition across divisions.
This reevaluation coincides with the announcement that NASCAR’s No. 2 series will be renamed the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series beginning in 2026. NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell confirmed that revisiting Cup driver participation limits is part of broader discussions surrounding the series’ future structure.
“We’re going to look at who is able to race in the series in the future as well and maybe make some changes down the road. You look at all of our series and we’ve had limits on, ‘Could a Cup driver compete? How many races could they compete? So we’ve certainly had discussions?” —Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR President
Under the current regulations, Cup drivers with over three years of experience can only enter five races per season in both the Xfinity and Truck Series. Additionally, they are barred from participating in playoff and regular-season finale events to avoid influencing championship results.
Kenny Wallace’s View on the Impact of Cup Drivers in Lower Tiers
Kenny Wallace challenges the notion that restrictions effectively protect emerging drivers, suggesting instead that competing against established Cup talent better prepares younger racers. He cites the dynamic contests between Connor Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen (SVG) as evidence of this point.
“You see Connor Zilisch win four of the last five Xfinity races. Well, it made Connor famous. You know why? Because he outran SVG. Imagine if Shane Van Gisbergen was not in that Watkins Glen race or in some of those other races, then it would have been, ‘Oh Connor hasn’t faced real competition yet’… So, that made Connor the real deal because he outran SVG,” —Kenny Wallace, former NASCAR driver and commentator
Zilisch, competing full-time for JR Motorsports in the No. 88 car, consistently challenged SVG’s part-time No. 9 team at various races across the season. Despite SVG’s dominance on Cup road courses, particularly his four wins, Zilisch prevailed in several Xfinity race matchups. Wallace believes this direct competition validates Zilisch’s talent and helps raise the level of emerging drivers.
Wallace Reflects on Xfinity Series History and Sponsorship Evolution
Wallace’s perspective on current debates is informed by his extensive history in the Xfinity Series, where he holds the record for most starts with 547 between 1988 and 2015. His experience spans multiple sponsorship eras, offering insight into the sport’s commercial and competitive evolution.
The second-tier NASCAR series has undergone branding changes starting with Budweiser and Busch, followed by Nationwide, then Comcast’s Xfinity brand. The upcoming transition to O’Reilly Auto Parts as the title sponsor in 2026 marks the fifth major naming sponsorship for the series.
“Well, it’s good to see the sponsor continue to get people that want them. That’s the way I look at it… The Busch Series was great… Then, of course, we had Nationwide… And then of course the third one made sense, Xfinity – the wires, the cell phones. And now the auto parts. I must say that the NASCAR Xfinity Series as we know it right now has had a pretty good run with well-known sponsors,” —Kenny Wallace, former NASCAR driver and commentator
The decade-long partnership with Comcast’s Xfinity brand significantly raised the series’ profile. Now, O’Reilly Auto Parts, a company with over 6,400 stores across North America, will take over the sponsorship landscape. Wallace views this as a positive shift that reinforces NASCAR’s commercial appeal going forward.
Broadcast and Sponsorship Outlook for the Newly Named Series
The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will maintain its exclusive broadcast arrangement with The CW network, which has delivered a 17% increase in viewership year-over-year. Despite Comcast ending its naming rights deal, it will continue supporting NASCAR through other sponsorship commitments, ensuring ongoing investment in the sport.
These changes, coupled with the reconsideration of Cup driver rules, indicate a moment of transition for NASCAR’s development series. The decisions made could reshape competition dynamics and sponsor relationships, ultimately influencing the trajectory of emerging drivers like Connor Zilisch and the overall fan experience.