NASCAR changes 'Kyle Busch Rule' for Cup drivers in lower series, age requirements

Changes are coming to the two lower NASCAR national series in 2026. The “Kyle Busch Rule,” as it is called, is changing. Cup Series drivers have been restricted to only five starts in the two lower series. Now, they will get more.

The 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season will feature more Cup Series drivers. Same thing for the Craftsman Truck Series. Now, NASCAR is allowing Cup drivers to participate in up to 10 races in the future OAP Series. The limit for the Truck Series has gone up to eight starts.

Kelly Crandall of RACER broke the news earlier today. As part of the report, Crandall also noted that the age limit to participate in the OAP Series is going to drop to 17 years old for road courses and tracks 1.25 miles and shorter. That could put Brent Crews in a JGR car next year.

NASCAR had imposed a five-race restriction on Cup Series drivers who had been in Cup for three years or longer. There is still no restriction on drivers freshly out of the Truck or O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. After years of keeping Cup drivers out, the sanctioning body is letting them back in.

Some believe that this will make the lower series worse off. The ability for young drivers to make mistakes without Cup drivers in the race, to win without Cup drivers in the race, is important. It has arguably led to the great thing that the second-tier series has going for it the last few years.

Will NASCAR change hurt the lower series?

The big question about this change is, what will it do to the two lower series? Will this create a wave of Cup drivers racing 10 races in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series? Will anyone max out their Truck Series starts besides Kyle Busch?

In the last few years, the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series has truly grown into its own thing. Now on The CW, the series has flourished with fantastic ratings and viewership. It doesn’t hurt that the racing is some of the best in all of motorsports.

While I understand the hesitancy from some, this is good. Having the Cup Series drivers go up against young and developing drivers is a great way to develop talent. Sink or swim, really.

NASCAR has opened the door just a little bit more. It could end up being a poor decision, but I think that it will ultimately be a healthy change. And if not, the five-race limit can be reinstated.