Latest NASCAR Cup Series News

Latest NASCAR Cup Series News

More NASCAR Cup Series News

Bubba Wallace Ignites Laughter With Hispanic Collab at NASCAR’s Mexico Event

23XI Racing's Bubba Wallace had fans cracking up over his hilarious collab video with Daniel Suarez ahead of NASCAR's Mexico City venture.
Bubba Wallace Sesame Street

After Horror Start to Time in Mexico, NASCAR Driver Earns the Community’s Respect

Noah Gragson's gesture in Mexico City drew heaps of praise from fans who reminisce about the golden days of NASCAR.
Noah Gragson Twitter

“Who Can Be in More Pain?” – Bubba Wallace Criticizes America’s Food Palate After One Day in Mexico

Bubba Wallace’s one day in Mexico City made a big impact — especially on his taste buds, which quickly turned against American food.
Syndication: The Tennessean

“No Money Was Paid”- Chase Elliott’s Winless Streak Branded “Unacceptable” as Insider Slams Cup Series Decline

NASCAR insider shares an honest take on Chase Elliott's consistent decline and lack of wins in the Cup Series over the last few years.
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Practice and Qualifying Apr 15, 2023; Martinsville, Virginia, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver

Bubba Wallace Waiting on His “Click” as He Inches Closer to a Breakthrough in NASCAR Mexico

Bubba Wallace’s press conference ahead of this weekend’s Cup Series race brought several untold stories about the standout driver.
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Cook Out Southern 500 Practice & Qualifying Aug 31, 2024; Darlington, South Carolina,

Denny Hamlin’s Replacement Relies on Secret Weapon Ahead of His Impromptu Mexico Plans

Ryan Truex steps in for Denny Hamlin in Mexico City, banking on one key advantage in a wild, last-minute Cup Series opportunity.
Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs

“Would Beat a Verstappen”: Kyle Larson Again Dragged Into ‘World’s Best Driver’ Debate With Insider’s Bold Claim

Kyle Larson's racing versatility sparks debate as insider Rob Perez claims Larson would beat Max Verstappen!

What Has Changed in NASCAR Pit Stops for the Mexico Race? How Is It Different? Everything You Need to Know

Explore how NASCAR's Mexico race affects pit stop choreography, featuring insights from Bozi Tatarevic.
Mexico

NASCAR Iconics: Kevin Harvick Sparks $25K Fine War After Pocono Carnage Under Caution

From Pocono 2004 to Martinsville 2011, Kevin Harvick embraced the chaos. Discover how fines and feuds built NASCAR’s last great villain.
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Championship Qualifying Nov 4, 2023; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver

Martin Truex Jr.’s Words Ring Hard in Brother Ryan’s Ears, Carrying Forward the ‘Truex’ Legacy at Mexico

Ryan Truex gets words of encouragement from his brother, Martin Truex Jr., ahead of the Mexico race, driving the JGR Cup car.
NASCAR: Cup Practice and Qualifying

Joe Gibbs’ ‘Insurance Policy’ Driver Ready to Grab Denny Hamlin’s Fumble With Open Hands

JGR's backup driver grabs Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 Toyota for NASCAR’s Mexico City debut, ready to make this opportunity count.
Joe Gibbs, Denny Hamlin

Kevin Harvick’s Son Keelan Receives Career Soaring Words From NASCAR’s Hall of Fame Legend

12-year-old Keelan Harvick earns praise from NASCAR legend after beating dad Kevin in dramatic fashion at Kern Raceway.
Kevin Harvick Keelan Harvick

Shane Van Gisbergen Downplays Chaos After NASCAR’s Mexico Plane Engine Disaster Derails Team Plans

Shane van Gisbergen shrugs off travel chaos as NASCAR teams scramble to Mexico City while he aims to end his winless streak
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Practice & Qualifying Aug 12, 2023; Speedway, Indiana, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Shane V

NASCAR’s TV Deal With Prime Video Causes Massive Exodus of Core Fans as Viewers Give Up

NASCAR’s Prime Video deal sheds 40% of older fans while gaining younger viewers is raising concerns about NASCAR's ambitious plans.
NASCAR: Cup Practice & Qualifying

Is NASCAR Going to Play Mexican Anthem Over American National Anthem? Here Is Everything to Know

Will fans hear the Mexican anthem instead of the American one at NASCAR’s Mexico debut? Find out what’s planned.
NASCAR National Anthem

What Is Anthony Alfredo’s Ethnicity, Religion, and Nationality? Exploring His Family Roots and Background

All you need to know about NASCAR driver Anthony Alfredo’s ethnicity, nationality, and religious affiliation.
Screenshot 2025-06-13 134826

Denny Hamlin Gets Rare Fan Support as Waiver Controversy Divides NASCAR Community

Denny Hamlin receives unexpected fan support amid NASCAR waiver drama after skipping Mexico race for his son’s birth.
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA NASCAR All-Star Race May 21, 2023; North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driv

Who Are Daniel Suárez’s Parents? All About Alejandro Suárez and Rosaline Garza

All about Daniel Suarez's parents, former auto restoration business owner Alejandro Suarez and Rosaline Garza.
NASCAR: Daytona 500 Qualifying

NASCAR Driver Publicly Slams Racing Community’s Mexico City Panic in 1 Word

Zane Smith shuts down NASCAR’s Mexico City critics with a blunt one-word response, calling out the industry’s overreaction.
Mexico

Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez: All You Need to Know About Mexico’s Iconic Track and NASCAR’s First International Cup Series Race in 25 Years

Everything that you need to know about the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez racetrack, which will host the upcoming Cup and Xfinity Series races.
Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez

What Is Daniel Suarez’s Ethnicity, Religion, and Nationality? Exploring His Family Roots and Background

Here is all you need to know about NASCAR driver Daniel Suarez’s ethnicity, nationality, and religious affiliation.
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Qualifying Mar 11, 2023; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Daniel Suarez (99)

Brad Keselowski’s NASCAR Driver Sounds the Alarm as Surprise Winners Crowd Playoff Cut Line

Chris Buescher’s Michigan heartbreak was a warning; with the playoff cutline tightening, it’s do-or-die time for the No. 17.

NASCAR Driver Hints at Game-Changing Edge With Bold 6-Word Declaration

As NASCAR returns to Mexico City, part-timer Brad Perez turns heads with a bold six-word declaration and a secret simulator setup.
Screenshot 2025-06-13 065112

Mexico City’s ‘Calamity Corner’ Draws Stark Warning From Veteran NASCAR Driver

Michael McDowell warns of chaos at Mexico City’s Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez's Turn 10, as NASCAR returns for the Viva México 250.
F1 Grand Prix of Mexico – Qualifying

NASCAR Team Owner Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion After Talks Break Down

Former BK Racing owner Ron Devine pleads guilty to tax evasion, deepening the collapse of one of NASCAR’s most troubled teams.

Hendrick Motorsports Faces Heat as Cup Series Imbalance Fuels Fan Outrage

Fans call out Hendrick Motorsports for favoring Kyle Larson over William Byron as team dynamics spark fresh controversy in 2025 season.
Copy of NR Team FIs – 2

About NASCAR Cup Series

NASCAR Cup Series: Origin, Teams and More

What is the NASCAR Cup Series?

NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) is the authorizing body for stock-vehicle racing in North America. It was established in 1948 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Currently, the organization fields four types of tracks: Intermediate tracks, Superspeedways, Short Tracks and Road Courses.

article-image

USA Today via Reuters

NASCAR Cup Series Origin

The first-ever NASCAR race was held at Charlotte Fairgrounds Speedway on June 19, 1949 and Christian David "Jim" Roper was the victor after racer Glen Dunaway was disqualified for making illegal adjustments to his car.

Why is it named Cup Series? 


The NASCAR Cup Series is the pinnacle of the racing arrangement in the NASCAR classification. The arrangement started in 1949 and was called the Strictly Stock Division. The series was subsequently known as the Grand National Division from 1950 to 1970.

Then, in 1971, it started renting its naming rights to the R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and was alluded to as the NASCAR Winston Cup Series till 2003. From the next year onwards, the series came to be known as the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series till 2007 after a partnership with Nextel.

Sprint obtained Nextel in 2005 and 2008 saw the arrangement being renamed as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Sprint remained the sponsor of the NASCAR Cup from 2008 to 2016. It was reported in December 2016 that Monster Energy would be the sponsor; therefore, the arrangement was renamed the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series from 2017 to 2019.

However, after decades of name changes, in 2017, the organization finally decided to shed off its old image and simply be named as the NASCAR Cup Series, with series sponsors being called 'Premier Partners'.

What is the format of the Cup Series?

The NASCAR points system has been a complicated affair to say the least. Over the years, the organization has tried several iterations, namely the Latford system, the Chase and the current elimination playoffs format among others, to discern one that would be fair to each driver.

While the earlier system saw drivers being awarded points on the basis of prize money in a particular race, in 1972 a new format was introduced. This time the points were awarded on the basis of laps completed. However, even that came with its own flaws and just two years later, in 1974, the organization introduced point calculation based on a mathematical formula. However, given the complexity of the equation, Bill France Jr, the former CEO of NASCAR decided to step in and call upon his close friend Bob Latford, to come up with an efficient way, which later came to be known as Boot Hill Format or the Latford Model.

With equal points awarded in all races, as New York Times aptly put it: "Mr. Latford set up his points scale to reward consistency rather than flashes of brilliance, and drivers seem to like it that way."

This system was perhaps the longest-running one during that time, being replaced in 2003, by The Chase format. Currently, the NASCAR Cup Series operates on the Playoff Format. The schedule consists of 31 oval races, 4 road course races, one street track race, and 4 non-championship races to be held on ovals. This also includes 16 playoff races, with four elimination rounds, namely, Round of 16, Round of 12, Round of 4 and Championship 4.

NASCAR Cup Series Teams

As of 2024, the NASCAR Cup Series has 16 full-time teams participating and three manufacturers, namely Toyota, Chevrolet and Ford. As for the team with the most number of victories and championship, Hendrick Motorsports has has an undebatable upper hand, with 305 Cup Series wins and 14 drivers championships.

NASCAR Cup Series Venue

The first championship race was reportedly held at Martinsville Speedway, a half-mile oval, on October 16, 1949. Currently, the final race of a Cup season is held at the Phoenix Raceway, which is a one-mile, low-banked tri-oval race track located in Avondale, Arizona, near Phoenix.

article-image

USA Today via Reuters

NASCAR Cup Series Championship

The NASCAR Cup Series hosts three different championship under one name: The Driver's Championship, the Owner's Championship and the Manufacturer's Championship. The driver's championship as the name suggests is the award given to the driver that has emerged as the winner at the end of a season. On the other hand, the Owner's Championship aims to reward the team at the top of the points standings. The driver with the most championship wins are Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson. Additionally, Rick Hendrick-owned Hendrick Motorsports has won a record-breaking 14 championships till date.

article-image

On a similar note, the Manufacturer's Championship sees Original Equipment Manufacturers(OEMs) being awarded a championship based on how races their cars managed to dominate and the points accumulated. In this regard, US-based manufacturer Chevrolet has racked up the most Cup Series wins at 42, followed by Ford at 17, and Toyota at 3.

NASCAR Cup Series Track Types

As mentioned earlier, the NASCAR Cup series organizes its races on four different types of tracks, namely, Intermediate tracks, Superspeedways, Short Tracks and Road Courses.

When it comes to Intermediate tracks, it simply means "any track greater than one mile in length, with the exception of both Daytona and Talladega" according to the official NASCAR website and currently the Cup Series drivers compete on the following Intermediate tracks/Speedways :

  • Atlanta Motor Speedway (1.540-mile, Quad-Oval)
  • Charlotte Motor Speedway (1.500-mile Quad-Oval, including a 2.280 miles Road Course)
  • Darlington Raceway (1.366-mile, Egg-Shaped Oval)
  • Dover Motor Speedway (1.000-mile, Concrete Oval)
  • Homestead-Miami Speedway (1.500-mile, Oval)
  • Kansas Speedway (1.500-mile, Tri-Oval)
  • Las Vegas Motor Speedway (1.500-mile, Tri-Oval)
  • Michigan International Speedway (2.000-mile, D-Shaped Oval)
  • Nashville Superspeedway (1.333-mile, Tri-Oval)
  • New Hampshire Motor Speedway (1.058-mile, Paperclip Oval)
  • Phoenix Raceway (1.000-mile, Dogleg Oval)
  • Texas Motor Speedway (1.500-mile, Quad-Oval)
  • World Wide Technology Raceway (1.250-mile, Egg-Shaped Oval)

On the other hand, Superspeedways ae oval road courses of two miles or longer. Currently, the NASCAR Cup Series has the following Superspeedways:

  • Auto Club Speedway (2.000-mile, D-Shaped Oval; Currently not in use)
  • Chicagoland Speedway (1.500-mile, D-Shaped Oval; Currently not in use)
  • Daytona International Speedway (2.500-mile, Tri-Oval)
  • Kentucky Speedway (1.500-mile, D-Shaped Oval)
  • Pocono Raceway (2.500-mile, Triangular Oval)
  • Talladega Superspeedway (2.660-mile, Tri-Oval)

The short tracks (less than 1 mile in length) that are part of NASCAR are:

  • Bristol Motor Speedway (0.533-mile, Oval)
  • Eldora Speedway (0.500-mile, Oval; Currently not in use)
  • Iowa Speedway (0.875-mile, Oval)
  • Knoxville Raceway (0.500-mile, Oval
  • Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum)
  • Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park (0.686-mile, Oval)
  • Martinsville Speedway (0.526-mile, Paperclip Oval)
  • Milwaukee Mile Speedway (1.015-mile, Oval)
  • North Wilkesboro Speedway (0.625-mile, Oval)
  • Richmond Raceway (0.750-mile, D-shaped Oval)

As for Road Courses, NASCAR makes use of the following race tracks:

  • Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (2.459-mile, Currently not in use)
  • Chicago Street Race (2.14 miles)
  • Circuit of the Americas (3.426-mile)
  • DAYTONA Road Course (4.170-mile, Currently not in use)
  • Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (2.400-mile, Currently not in use)
  • Portland International Raceway (1.967-mile, Currently not in use)
  • Road America(4.048-mile, Currently not in use)
  • Sebring Raceway (3.741 mi, Currently not in use)
  • Sonoma Raceway (1.99-mile)
  • Watkins Glen International (2.45-mile)

NASCAR Cup Series Crown Jewel Races

While NASCAR has several racetracks that it competes on, there are a couple venues that are held in high regards. Currently there are four such venues/races, namely the Daytona 500 held at the Daytona International Speedway, the Coca-Cola 500 held at the Charlotte Motor Speedway , the Brickyard 400/Verizon 200 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Southern 500 at the Darlington Raceway.

Till date, Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman and retired NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon has the most number of Crown Jewel race wins (21), followed by Legacy Motor Club team owner Jimmie Johnson (14) and retired NASCAR driver Bobby Allison (13).

article-image

via Imago

NASCAR Cup Series Cars

NASCAR is an ever-evolving sport and till date, there have been several iterations of the cars used during races. If we go back to the very inception of the sport, the first kind of vehicle that was used used to be called Generation - 1 (1948-1966), followed by Generation - 2 (1967-1980) and Generation - 3 (1981-1991). Later the Generation - 4 (1992 to 2007) was introduced , and then Generation - 5 (2007 -2012) and Generation - 6 (2013-2021) came into play. And currently, NASCAR features the Generation - 7 car that is also known as the Next-Gen.

Anothe notable model was the Generation - 5. Dubbed as the "Car of Tomorrow", this model featured flaunted prominent front splitters under the bumpers and larger rear wings. Apart from that, according to NASCAR, the car also had "significant safety advancements and a return to symmetrical bodies". 

article-image

USA Today via Reuters

NASCAR Cup Series debut at the Street Course

The NASCAR Cup Series has come a long way since its initial days. The organization has always been open to developments and one of the most exciting ones came in 2023,when the tourney made its Street Course debut at Chicago.

In a bid to turn make the schedule even more exciting, NASCAR officials were reportedly in talks with Chicago authorities for a number of years, with one attempt of a Chicago street race even dating back to the 1980s. However, owing to political pressure, that plan failed to materialize. Now, fast forward to four decades later and authorities were finally geared up to host an exciting, first-of-its-kind race in downtown Chicago.

article-image

USA Today via Reuters

Designed by race simulation video game developer iRacing, the race aimed to showcase the city's major landmarks such as the Buckingham Fountain, the Grant Park and the Soldier Field Stadium, among others.

The first iteration of the race came in July of 2023, with New Zealand born driver Shane van Gisbergen clinching victory in his first-ever NASCAR race. If that's not iconic, what is?

article-image
Full NameNASCAR Cup Series
Place of OriginCharlotte Fairgrounds Speedway
Year of Origin1949
First RaceNASCAR "Strictly Stock" Race, Charlotte Fairgrounds Speedway
Last RaceNASCAR Cup Series Spring Race at Martinsville Speedway, 2024
Crown Jewel RaceDaytona 500, Coca Cola 600, Brickyard 400/ Verizon 200, Southern 500
Drivers with the most ChampionshipsRichard Petty (7), Dale Earnhardt (7) and Jimmie Johnson(7)
Team with the most ChampionshipsHendrick Motorsports (14)
First ChampionRed Byron
Defending ChampionRyan Blaney (2023)
Defending TeamTeam Penske