As of this season, I am officially a devout Nationwide series fan.  In the past, I tried to give the series serious attention, but I would usually find something else to do on Saturday.  The junior series Daytona races were interesting with Dale Jr. and Kevin Harvick duking it out for the win, but that was pretty much it.  What changed this year?  I went right past partial interest all the way to  “Don’t Want To Miss A Race” fan. After reading other blogs and articles and the comments that followed, I realized I am not alone.

So what has made the Nationwide series more interesting and is there more that could be done?For starters, the Sprint Cup drivers are no longer allowed to run for points. Although not the biggest factor, I do believe this rule change has played a part in changing our perception of Nationwide. Kyle Busch, Edwards and Keselowski are usually up front, but at least we can exclusively track the Nationwide regulars in the points standings. This season, I feel as if I get to watch a race within a race.  A Cup regular for the win and the Nationwide regular for the points lead.

The points restriction also helps the Nationwide drivers receive more recognition during the broadcasts. The points leader and race winner are now often different drivers. Before, Keselowski or Busch would be leading the points and dominating the race. Now, regardless of who is in the lead, the announcers also comment on the Nationwide points battle and the drivers vying for the title.  Naturally, we then get to know the drivers better.  Would we know as much about Ricky Stenhouse Jr. if he was fighting for fourth in points rather than first?

On the other hand, increased notability does not automatically increase the excitement of the actual racing. Yet, I do believe the 2011 races have been more exciting.  This year, the racing is more exciting because of new and unique talent and the support they receive from great race teams. We should thank teams like KHI, Roush Fenway, Jr. Motorsports, and JGR for supporting these new drivers. They give their drivers great equipment, teams and training.

Jack Roush’s expertise and encouragement, as well as his well told patience,  have turned Ricky Stenhouse Jr. into a recognizably great driver. Kevin and Delana Harvick gave Austin Dillon the chance to show potential sponsors and owners that he has what it takes to compete in the Nationwide series. Dale Jr. presented Danica Patrick with the chance to see if she can race a stock car. Each of these teams has given talented drivers the opportunity to shine.

These new drivers and their great equipment allows them to compete with the invading Cup drivers. We have enjoyed Carl Edwards and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. battling for the lead in what we can assume to be equal equipment. Watching Stenhouse Jr. compete with and even outrun his Cup driver teammate adds another level of excitement.

Kevin Harvick (33) & Nationwide regular Trevor Bayne (16)

NASCAR still has some work to do regarding Cup drivers participating in Nationwide events. This is most evident in this season’s winners. Nationwide regulars have only won four of the twenty-two races thus far. If a driver elects not to seek Nationwide points, he should be limited to a certain number of races.

In no other sport do the major athletes participate regularly in development league events. I understand that the difference between Cup and Nationwide circuits is not directly analogous to baseball’s minor leagues or Arena Football to the NFL.  Cup drivers clearly see Nationwide as a competive alternative.  Also, Cup drivers participating in Nationwide races enhances Nationwide attendance – think Michael Jordan in the minors selling out the stadium for the Birmingham Barons, a rare example in professional baseball but a weekly reality in NASCAR. The presence of Cup drivers obviously helps with marketing and gives Nationwide regulars an opportunity to measure their skills, but I think the Cup regulars should back down. I find that it gets old to watch Carl Edwards dominate Saturday after Saturday, when I can watch him on Sunday, too.

I think NASCAR should limit the number of Nationwide races a Cup driver can enter each year. It is time to give the face of the series back to the Nationwide regulars without completely barring Cup points getters. The Nationwide men and women have proven this year that they can give us exciting races, filled with entertaining talent.