NASCAR's regional touring series divisions will burn less rubber in 2007. Credit: Autostock

NASCAR to restructure regional touring divisions

Four Late Model Elite Division tours discontinued for 2007

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NASCAR has announced it will restructure its regional touring series divisions beginning in 2007.

Citing declining support for the Elite Division style of racing at all levels, NASCAR said it will focus its resources and efforts on those divisions that will help build and sustain a better developmental program for the future.

"Support for the Elite Divisions has been on the downswing for a number of years," said Jim Hunter, NASCAR vice president of communications and regional touring. "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," Hunter said. "The Elite Division was designed to allow the best local racers an opportunity to race periodically at an advanced regional level.

"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 renamed the Busch East Series) and the AutoZone West Series. These changes include a less-costly "spec" engine, as well as composite bodies.