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NASCAR runs a second division stock car racing event called the NASCAR Busch Series. It is the training ground for up and coming drivers wanting to eventually compete in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. Initially known as the Sportsman Series, it began back in 1950, and was based around a series of short track racing events. In 1984 brewing company Anheuser-Busch took over the leading role of series sponsor, and 2 years later the series became officially known as the Busch Grand National Series. In 2003 the Busch Grand National Series series became known as the NASCAR Busch Series.

The cars that run in the NASCAR Busch Series differ from the cars that run in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series in several ways. To cope with the tighter curves on the short tracks they are smaller in size. They also have larger spoilers for increased down force. Lastly, the fuel they use is leaded. As concern has been expressed over environmental issues, NASCAR is currently looking into the feasibility of burning unleaded fueld in the Busch Series and researching how this will affect the performance of the cars. NASCAR has design teams that work all year to make improvements to the cars which compete in the Busch Series. They also rely on important feedback from the race crews and team owners over the course of the season. NASCAR's plans to make major changes to the Busch Series cars have been approved by the various manufacturers. This is an example of how NASCAR itself has evolved since it's earlier years where spectators living in a country short of new cars, did not like watching perfectly good automobiles getting banged up in races. Instead, modified older cars were used.

The Busch Series not only provides an opportunity for NASCAR drivers to hone their skills for the Nextel Cup, it provides a good opportunity for established Cup drivers to practice and get the feel of the track. Many Cup Series drivers run full Busch and Nextel Cup seasons. There are those Busch Series drivers that protest that this takes away chances from new drivers trying to get their feet wet in NASCAR events. Others argue that having Cup drivers in the Busch Series draws more spectators which is a good thing. It also means that sponsors find the Busch Series more appealing as far as sponsoring drivers go. Other Busch drivers like the added competition of racing Cup drivers.

In the NASCAR Busch Series, every race counts, but it seems that some may count more than others. One of the most famous racing tracks used in the Busch Series is the O'Reilly Raceway Park, and drivers who win the race there frequently go on to become series champions. The O'Reilly Raceway Park event is a favourite with race fans and spectators as it involves a lot of close contact, bumping and grinding between the NASCAR vehicles, and also because of its long history as a centre for short track racing.

Sources:-

http://www.nascar.com/

http://www.nascar.com/

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