The NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series could undergo a significant transformation as spec trucks might be introduced by 2028. Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin recently shared rumors suggesting that NASCAR plans to implement spec vehicles within these series to create more equal competition.
Explanation of Spec Vehicles and Their Potential Expansion
The Next-Gen car currently used in the NASCAR Cup Series is a spec car, where all parts come from single-source suppliers designed to promote parity among teams. Hamlin indicated that this approach could soon extend to both the Xfinity Series and the Truck Series as well, aiming to replace aging equipment and address competitive imbalances.
Hamlin’s Insight on the Rumored Timeline and Current Equipment Conditions
During an episode of Actions Detrimental, Hamlin described the circulating rumor regarding the Truck Series and spec trucks. According to him, NASCAR may require Truck Series teams to transition to spec trucks by 2028. He further noted similar plans might apply to the Xfinity Series, where the cars currently in use are described as very outdated.
“From what I’m hearing, in the Truck Series, NASCAR’s telling them — this is what I’ve been told, this is a rumor; I don’t know if this is factual, but it’s a rumor — that they need them to go to spec trucks by 2028,” Hamlin said. “It’s going to happen in the Xfinity Series as well. Those guys are running cars that are old, old, old, old, old, old.”
Challenges and Potential Benefits of Moving to Spec Trucks
While spec vehicles aim to increase parity and make races more competitive, NASCAR‘s Next-Gen car has encountered difficulties in delivering consistently thrilling racing, signaling that the transition to spec trucks might not be seamless. Despite these challenges, moving to spec vehicles could offer financial relief to teams, which face high operational expenses while competing for relatively modest prize money.
Implications for NASCAR’s Future and Team Competition
Adopting spec trucks in the Xfinity and Craftsman Truck Series could reshape the lower tiers of NASCAR racing by creating a more level playing field and potentially increasing the quality of competition. This move may also help smaller teams better manage costs and remain competitive as the sport evolves toward standardized equipment.
