In a move to consolidate the development series for the NASCAR Busch and Nextel Cup series, NASCAR announced that after nearly 20 years of racing, the Elite Divisions will be discontinued following the 2006 season. This move will allow NASCAR to focus more on the Grand National and Modified touring divisions. However, the Northwest, Southwest, Southeast and Midwest Elite Divisions will be missed for their exciting racing and production of NASCAR stars including the 2005 2nd place Nextel Cup driver Greg Biffle.

Starting in 2006 and continuing into 2007, NASCAR plans to implement changes in the Grand National division to make it more cost effective to compete in the Busch Series North, soon to be renamed the Busch Series East, and AutoZone West Series. These changes will include a less-costly "spec" engine and composite bodies.

It will be interesting to see how this change will effect the smaller tracks, as despite the dropping numbers of racers able to afford to compete in the Elite Divisions, the crowds still turned out in force to see these aspiring NASCAR drivers. As long as NASCAR has the foresight to schedule larger events in the areas losing the divisions I think it will all work out ok. Problem is, NASCAR is not known for having any foresight.