The NASCAR Busch Series has established itself as the No. 2 motorsports series in the United States, second only to the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. The NASCAR Busch Series annual competes in 35 events at 26 different race tracks in 22 states and Mexico. It represents the middle rung in NASCAR's national series, situated between the top NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The NASCAR Busch Series has also proven to be an outstanding series for competitors who aspire to become NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series drivers, with many of today's premier drivers having competed in the series over the years.