NASCAR 2026: Ross Chastain set to exploit major rule change

Trackhouse Racing star Ross Chastain is set to take full advantage of a major rule change heading into the 2026 NASCAR season.

Last November, NASCAR confirmed changes to the so-called 'Kyle Busch rule', which limited drivers with three years of full-time Cup Series experience to just five outings in the Xfinity and Truck Series, alongside their Cup Series duties, in a single season.

The rule was commonly named after Busch due to how many races he would take part in and win in those series, despite his vast Cup Series experience and success in its own right.

Now, heading into 2026, Cup Series stars can race up to 18 times in the O'Reilly Auto Parts and Truck Series in 2026 - 10 in the former, eight in the latter.

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Ross Chastain confirms 2026 Truck Series plans

Chastain has become the first Cup Series star to reveal his plans to exploit the new rules, announcing an expanded Truck Series schedule with Niece Motorsports for the upcoming season.

Last year, Chastain made five appearances in the Xfinity Series. However, he will now race 'as many times as possible' in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2026, an official team statement has confirmed.

When he does drop down to the Truck Series, Chastain will drive in the No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado, and although his exact race schedule is yet to be confirmed, the team revealed he is looking to take 'full advantage' of the aforementioned rule change. This would suggest Chastain will be making eight outings in the series this campaign.

The Melon Man has driven a Niece Motorsports car to victory lane on five occasions previously and is their most winningest driver ever, a stat he will now be looking to add to in the not-too-distant future.

Chastain and team reaction

"It's great to be back with Niece Motorsports in a larger capacity this year," said Chastain.

"When I heard about the rule change, I knew we had to run more races together.

"We've got a great core group of people here in Salisbury and I want to bring them all back to victory lane.

"I'm thankful to have the opportunity and appreciate the ownership group and our partners for making it happen, along with everyone at Trackhouse for allowing me to run in the Truck Series."

Elsewhere, Cody Efaw, CEO of Niece Motorsports, added: "We're thrilled to have Ross (Chastain) in our trucks for more races this year.

"Ross has been a huge part of our team since he first joined us, and his input is invaluable. Considering the young group of drivers we have in the fold this year, Ross will be a tremendous asset for those guys to learn from.

"We look forward to having him contend for wins each time he straps into the No. 45 truck this year."