NASCAR has expanded the maximum starting lineup size for the upcoming Xfinity Series race at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City.
There are, however, some caveats.
With the usual starting lineup size of 38, NASCAR is going to allow up to 40 cars to make the race but the two additional starting spot recipients will not be eligible for several purse, points and bonuses should they win on June 14.
Per NASCAR:
- Be eligible for Prize Money associated with the Event regardless of finishing position.
- Receive driver or Team Owner Points for the Race or Stage finishing position. All other vehicles will be elevated and receive Points accordingly.
- Receive credit for the win or any Playoff benefits associated with the win. The 2nd place vehicle will receive 1st place Points but will not receive the benefits associated with the win, including eligibility for the Playoffs.
- Receive Playoff Points associated with a Stage and/or Race win. The 2nd place vehicle in the Stage and/or Race will not receive Playoff Points.
NASCAR also provided the following example:
“If the vehicle utilizing an additional starting position finishes 3rd in the Race the vehicle that finishes 4th will receive 3rd place driver and Team Owner Points, the vehicle that finishes 5th will receive 4th place driver and Team Owner Points, etc. If the vehicle utilizing the additional starting position finishes 3rd in a Stage the vehicle that finishes 4th will receive 3rd place driver and Team Owner Stage Points, the vehicle that finishes 5th will receive 4th place Team Owner Stage Points, etc.”
So what is the point, exactly, if those teams cannot receive the above benefits?
The blunt truth is that NASCAR Xfinity Series race team business models rely on purse money only as a bonus. The business model is around based around securing sponsorship money for each race over the course of the season.
No doubt what happened is that NASCAR received its 39th entry for the race and decided, given the international nature of the event, that it made sense to allow everyone who made the trip south of the border to participate.
Several teams are also bringing in funded Mexican drivers and this ensures that no home town stars will miss the race if something goes wrong in qualifying. If a team and driver is willing to invest in the $40-$50,000 to run this race, NASCAR is allowing them to conduct their business as this event is a business generator for the Sanctioning Body as well.
The weekend will also feature the Cup Series.
