Stremme has already agreed to take on a partial Nationwide schedule for Rusty Wallace Inc. in 2008. Hopefully, by 2009 the “pony cars” (Mustangs, Camaros, etc.) that have been mulled as an option will be implemented, providing a radically different car aerodynamically that will discourage Cup teams from putting their drivers in them to glean info for their Cup program.
But the other part of distinguishing the two series is getting sponsors who will support those who race the series exclusively, instead of demanding Cup drivers for their name cache.
Sure, some kind of rule limiting the amount of Nationwide points a full-time Cup driver can earn is probably also necessary to save this now-lost series. But that in itself won’t do the trick.
You’ve gotta have the Randy LaJoies of the world who find a home, define themselves by that series and can still make sponsors feel they’re getting their money’s worth.
Thanks to those blessed open-wheelers, drivers like that are now available, and will continue to be.
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