It says declining support for the Elite Division style of motor racing at all levels means it will focus resources on those Divisions that will help build and sustain a better developmental programme.
"Support for the Elite Divisions has been on the downswing for a number of years," said NASCAR vice-president of communications and regional touring Jim Hunter. "This change will allow NASCAR to focus more attention on the Grand National and Modified touring divisions."
Following the 2006 season, the four current Late Model Elite Division Tours will be discontinued. The Elite Division tours were formed nearly 20 years ago, in the Southeast, Midwest, Southwest and Northwest regions of the country.
"These tours were originated to offer NASCAR's weekly member tracks special events once or twice a year. The Elite Division was designed to allow the best local racers an opportunity to race periodically at an advanced regional level," said Hunter. "The cost of competing at this level has escalated significantly over the years and participation has continuously declined in every region. It has also become extremely difficult for our member tracks to successfully host these events."
Beginning in 2006 and continuing in 2007, NASCAR will implement several Grand National Division changes in an effort to reduce the cost of competing in the Busch North Series (which will be re-named the Busch East Series) and the AutoZone West Series.
These changes include a less-costly "spec" engine, as well as composite bodies.
