Why the NASCAR Xfinity Series is poised for growth in 2025 and beyond

Numbers and fans seem to be onboard with the Xfinity Series' new broadcast partner, which could be a piece to a broader puzzle: a unique identity for the Xfinity Series. 

In the '90s and 2000s, many fans resorted to calling the Xfinity Series — then known as the NASCAR Busch Series (1982-2007) and the NASCAR Nationwide Series (2008-2014) — as "Winston Cup Lite." The entry lists for Xfinity Series races featured some drivers who exclusively competed in the Xfinity Series, but it was mostly made up of Cup Series regulars looking to have some fun and add another trophy to their collection. 

In the 2000s, the term "Buschwhacking" rose in popularity. The phrase was used to describe the state of Xfinity Series competition at the time, which was dominated by Cup Series drivers and allowed Xfinity Series regulars little time in the spotlight. 

NASCAR recognized the problem the Xfinity Series was having and began enforcing limits on how many Xfinity Series races Cup Series drivers could run. Today, that number is capped at five, with Cup regulars unable to race during the Xfinity Series playoffs or during Dash 4 Cash events. 

In recent years, the improved racing product and more unique driver lineup of the Xfinity Series has breathed fresh life into a series that once felt stale and forgotten. As the series looks to forge its own unique identity and become known as more than the next step on the NASCAR ladder for those hoping to compete in the Cup Series. 

An exclusive TV partner and enhanced coverage by said TV partner is a welcome sight. If the viewership numbers from Saturday's race in Atlanta (5 p.m. ET, the CW) come back with similar positive results, it's a sign that the NASCAR Xfinity Series could be poised for a major period of growth in the coming years.