AVONDALE, Ariz. — The Kyle Busch Rule will change heading into the 2026 season as NASCAR loosens the limits for NASCAR Cup Series drivers wanting to participate in lower series races.
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Racer's Kelly Crandall first reported the news on Saturday and then NASCAR confirmed it with a press release.
According to the note, Cup Series drivers with at least three years of full-time experience can now compete in up to 10 O'Reilly Auto Parts Series races annually. This marks an increase from the limit of five between 2020-2025.
Cup Series drivers with at least three years of experience can compete in up to eight Craftsman Truck Series events. This also marks an increase from the limit of five in recent seasons.
One thing that does not change is the cutoff date for when drivers can compete. Cup Series are still ineligible to compete in cutoff races, playoff races, and the championship race. This limits them to the regular season under the current championship format.
Several drivers spent years competing across multiple series while competing for championships and wins. Busch, Carl Edwards, Brad Keselowski, and Kevin Harvick made up part of the list of those who ran essentially full-time in multiple series.
NASCAR altered the rules as the years progressed while limiting drivers to only seven races annually in the lower series. This number then decreased to only five races in 2020. Now, it expands once again as NASCAR loosens the limits.
Why would NASCAR loosen its rules regarding Cup Series drivers competing in more races in 2026 and beyond? The sanctioning body has multiple reasons. As NASCAR President Steve O'Donnell told Eric Estepp in August, it provides an opportunity for young drivers to showcase themselves against the sport's best.
"We lost a little bit of that," O'Donnell told Estepp. "So, we're looking at the future. Maybe we have some more Cup drivers back in the (Xfinity) Series, open up eligibility a little more.
"Still trying to figure that out, but I think that's where the (Xfinity) Series was really clicking, where you had rising stars getting their names out there but also getting to showcase their skills against some of the Cup guys every now and then."
One other major change for the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, in particular, is the minimum age requirement. Drivers can now compete in road course races and events at ovals shorter than 1.25 miles in length after turning 17. They must still be 18 to compete on ovals larger than 1.25 miles.
