NASCAR Expands Cup Series Driver Participation in Lower Divisions for 2026
NASCAR has confirmed an update to its driver eligibility requirements for the Cup Series competitors wishing to participate in the lower divisions, set to take effect in 2026. The sanctioning body will now permit Cup drivers with over three years of full-time experience to enter up to 10 races in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, an increase from the previous limit of five. Similarly, participation in the Craftsman Truck Series will allow these drivers to compete in a maximum of eight races, up from five.
Despite these expansions, NASCAR will maintain certain restrictions: Cup drivers will remain ineligible for the regular-season finale and postseason races in both the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and Craftsman Truck Series.
In conjunction with these changes, NASCAR is raising the minimum age for entry to the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series to 17 for road courses and ovals measuring 1.25 miles or less. The progressive age requirements will now range from 16 for the Truck Series, to 17 for the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and 18 for the Cup Series.
Meghan Miley, NASCAR’s managing director of racing operations, explained to RACER, “We look at these eligibility requirements on a yearly basis. Expanding the eligibility of both series could benefit competition and marketing.” Miley noted that driver feedback emphasizes the importance of competing against top talent in developmental series.
This revision aims to enable drivers, like Ross Chastain—recently announced to co-drive with Shane van Gisbergen at JR Motorsports—to compete more frequently, maximizing their race weekends. Team executives have acknowledged that Cup drivers also play a crucial role in mentoring and developing younger talent, despite differences in vehicle specifications between series.
Reactions from team owners have varied; while some see the changes as beneficial for driver development, others express concern that involving more Cup drivers may dilute the identity of the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. The limitations on Cup driver participation were initially implemented in 2020 and will now undergo significant reform for the upcoming season.
