 Tony Stewart’s brainchild, the Superstar Racing Experience, is steadily building its roster. The latest signing is former NASCAR Xfinity driver, Ernie Francis Jr. Recently, the series announced that the 7-time Trans-Am Series champion will join the SRX grid for the coming season. The 22-year-old has been hugely successful in the Trans-Am series, as evidenced by his 7 titles. It is also worth noting that he became the youngest champion in 2017. His repertoire also includes racing in the Pirelli World Challenge and in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). ALSO READ- Superstar Racing Experience by Tony Stewart Unveil First Look of Their Cars on Twitter [https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-tony-stewart-new-series-superstar-racing-experience-unveil-first-look-of-their-cars-on-twitter/] https://twitter.com/SRXracing/status/1335992488709025795?s=20 THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME HE HAS BEEN IN A NASCAR-ORIENTED SERIES Regarding his NASCAR experience, he took part in one Xfinity Series race in 2017. The scene of his debut was at Road America, where he finished 39th with MBM Motorsports. He also participated in 2 road course races in the ARCA Menards Series East. Suffice to say, Francis Jr finished second at New Jersey after grabbing pole position. The youngster followed it up with an 11th-place finish at Watkins Glen. “I am so excited for Ernie Francis JR to be part of Superstar Racing Experience,” SRX co-founder Ray Evernham said [https://motorsports.nbcsports.com/2020/12/07/ernie-francis-jr-tony-stewart-ray-evernham-superstar-racing-experience-srx-series-2021/]. “Watching this kid battle door to door with our Motorsports legends is gonna be a lot of fun. “I’ve seen this kid drive, and he is quick And you don’t win as many championships as he has without being aggressive”. As the youngest driver on the field, he will have a chance to duke it out with several experienced drivers. Aside from himself, other competitors include Willy T. Ribbs, co-founder Tony Stewart, Tony Kanaan, Paul Tracy, Bobby Labonte, Hélio Castroneves, Mark Webber, and Bill Elliott. With such drivers filling up the grid, the series is ripe with experience. In Ernie’s case, he adds a healthy dose of upcoming talent to the series. Who knows, maybe it could springboard him back onto the NASCAR scene. 

Tony Stewart's SRX League is really taking off. Recently, the series confirmed a
relatively untested former NASCAR Xfinity driver as recruit.

Dhruv George is a Senior NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports, with an impressive record of over 14K articles. From F1 driver Pierre Gasly to Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino, Dhruv has interviewed several racers, establishing himself as an authoritative voice in the world of motorsports. He not only writes engaging content but helps connect readers with some of the biggest racing names thanks to his ability to churn out exclusive interviews.

Dhruv's ambition extends beyond writing, as he aspires to host a successful motorsports podcast with some of the biggest stars in the industry, like Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin. When he's not writing about Stock Car Racing, he can be found reading and writing fan fiction.

Dhruv George

Dhruv George is a Senior NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports, with an impressive record of over 14K articles. From F1 driver Pierre Gasly to Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino, Dhruv has interviewed several racers, establishing himself as an authoritative voice in the world of motorsports. Dhruv's ambition extends beyond writing, as he aspires to host a successful motorsports podcast with some of the biggest stars in the industry, like Kyle Busch.

Dhruv George | Senior NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports

EssentiallySports

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Dhruv George is a Senior NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports, with an impressive record of over 14K articles. From F1 driver Pierre Gasly to Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino, Dhruv has interviewed several racers, establishing himself as an authoritative voice in the world of motorsports. He not only writes engaging content but helps connect readers with some of the biggest racing names thanks to his ability to churn out exclusive interviews. Dhruv's ambition extends beyond writing, as he aspires to host a successful motorsports podcast with some of the biggest stars in the industry, like Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin. When he's not writing about Stock Car Racing, he can be found reading and writing fan fiction.

https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Dhruv-George-1-96x96.png

Dhruv George is a senior Formula One and NASCAR analyst for EssentiallySports,
having authored nearly 12000 articles spanning different sports like F1, NASCAR,
Tennis, NFL, and eSports. He graduated with a PG Diploma in Journalism from the
Xavier Institute of Communications. Dhruv has also conducted interviews with F1
driver Pierre Gasly and Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino. He has been an ardent
follower of motorsports sport since 2001, holding Carlos Sainz Jr. and McLaren
in high regard.

https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Dhruv_George.png

Superstar Racing Experience by Tony Stewart Unveil First Look of Their Cars on
Twitter

Former NASCAR driver Tony Stewart during qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2016

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 - Qualifying

HOMESTEAD, FL - NOVEMBER 18: Tony Stewart, driver of the #14 Always a Racer/Mobil 1 Chevrolet, stands on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 - Qualifying - EssentiallySports

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 &#8211; Qualifying

Starting off as a tennis author in 2018, Varun Khanna has gone on to contribute to EssentiallySports in various capacities. After setting up interviews with the likes of Serena Williams? coach Patrick Mouratoglou, Aliz? Cornet, and Noah Rubin, Varun is now part of all major ATP and WTA press conferences and has gone on to pen more than 1300 articles for EssentiallySports. He now heads the tennis and NBA division of the organization. While writing remains a passion for him, Varun has branched out into the marketing and communications department of EssentiallySports as well. When he wants to relax, Varun doesn?t have to venture away from tennis and NBA; he simply tunes in to Rafael Nadal and Michael Jordan?s exploits in their respective sports, past and present.

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Varun Khanna

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<h1 style="text-align: center"><b>NASCAR Xfinity Series: Origin, Teams and More</b></h1>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>What is the NASCAR Xfinity Series?</strong></h2>
NASCAR's Xfinity Series needs no introduction. Touted as the second-tier division of the stock car racing organization, the tourney has been a long-time contributor to thrilling races. The minor league of NASCAR, the Xfinity Series is considered a stage for young drivers to venture up to the association's high-level hustling, the Cup Series. The Xfinity Series races are held as a feeder race on the day preceding a Cup Series occasion planned for the end of that week.

Currently, the series hosts races at the same locations as the NASCAR Cup Series which include Intermediate tracks, Superspeedways, Short Tracks, and Road Courses.

[caption id="attachment_1923435" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1923435 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-07-15T202651Z_201246696_MT1USATODAY21040681_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-XFINITY-SERIES-AMBETTER-HEALTH-200.jpg" alt="DGM Racing NASCAR Xfinity Series" width="1920" height="1280" /> Jul 15, 2023; Loudon, New Hampshire, USA; NASCAR Xfinity Series driver John Hunter Nemechek (20) takes the lead during the Ambetter 200 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Xfinity Series Origin</strong></h2>
The Series' inaugural session took place in 1982 when long-time NASCAR sponsor Anheuser-Busch decided to back a newly reformed late-model sportsman series with its Budweiser brand. The first-ever race in the division was held at the Daytona International Speedway, and the iconic legend Dale Earnhardt was the race winner.

As to when the series actually emerged, we will have to go back to 1950 when the NASCAR's Sportsman Division, the fourth series after the Modified, Roadster and Strictly Stock division, was formed as the organization's short track race division.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-2830827 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/E4vejC3WEAgod-2.jpeg" alt="" width="2920" height="3156" />
<h2 style="text-align: center"><span style="font-weight: 400"><strong>Why is it named Xfinity Series?</strong> </span></h2>
Today, what is known as the NASCAR Xfinity Series has had quite a few name changes over the decades. After its official debut in 1982 with Budweiser as a partner, in 1984, the series moved to being sponsored by Anheuser-Busch's Busch Beer brand instead. It is then that it came to be known as the Busch Grand National Series. However, the brewing company dropped the sponsorship in 2007 until subsequently, in 2008, insurance and financial services company Nationwide Insurance took the vacant spot and renamed the tourney the 'Nationwide Series'.
<p style="text-align: left">After the end of the insurance company's 7-year contract, in 2014, Comcast announced that it was going to serve as a sponsor for the series through its cable television and internet brand Xfinity, renaming it the <b>Xfinity Series.</b></p>

<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>What is the format of the Xfinity Series?</strong></h2>
The Playoff format was introduced in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2016. While it is similar to that of the Cup Series, the second-tier division uses a three-round playoff format instead of four, with 12 drivers in contention. At the end of the first two rounds, four drivers with the lowest season points of the 12 (and then 8) drivers, are eliminated. In the 2024 Xfinity Series season, there are a total of 33 races, consisting of seven playoff races and 26 regular season races.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Xfinity Series Teams</strong></h2>
Reportedly, more than 35 drivers participate in the NASCAR Xfinity Series every year, with three OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturer), namely, Toyota, Ford and Chevrolet.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Xfinity Series Venue</strong></h2>
The first-ever championship race back in the Xfinity Series inaugural season in 1982 was held at the Martinsville Speedway on October 31. The speedway is a short track and is 0.526-mile in length. Currently, the Xfinity Series championship race is held at Phoenix Raceway at Avondale, Arizona. In 2024, it is scheduled to take place on November 9.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship</strong></h2>
1982 was a good year for NASCAR driver Jack Ingram. Nicknamed 'The Iron Man', Ingram was the first-ever championship title holder in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, then called the <b>Budweiser Late Model Sportsman Series. </b>As for the defending champion, Stewart-Haas Racing's Cole Custer clinched the championship in 2023, beating JR Motorsports' Justin Allgaier and Sam Mayer.

There are several drivers who have shown their dominance in the Xfinity Series. However, unlike the Cup Series where icons like Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson left others behind with seven championship wins each, NASCAR's second-division has had a more even field when it comes to title wins. Drivers like Tyler Reddick, Ricky Stenhouse Jr, Kevin Harvick, Martin Truex Jr, Dale Earnhardt Jr, Randy LaJoie, Larry Pearson, Jack Ingram and Sam Ard have each won two championships each, with the latest two-time champion being Tyler Reddick, in 2018 and 2019.

However, when it comes to Xfinity Series race wins, the balance is clearly tipped toward one side. With a staggering 102 race wins (with the latest victory coming at Atlanta in February, 2024) Kyle Busch sits atop leaving behind Mark Martin at 49 and Kevin Harvick at 47.
<div class="mceTemp"></div>

[caption id="attachment_1242752" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1242752 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-614903518.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1280" /> KANSAS CITY, KS - OCTOBER 15: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 NOS Energy Drink Toyota, celebrates in Victory Lane with wife Samantha and son Brexton after winning the NASCAR XFINITY Series Kansas Lottery 300 at Kansas Speedway on October 15, 2016 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/NASCAR via Getty Images)[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Track Types</strong></h2>
The NASCAR Xfinity 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 <em>"any track greater than one mile in length, with the exception of both Daytona and Talladega" </em>according to the official NASCAR website and currently the Cup Series drivers compete on the following Intermediate tracks/Speedways :
<ul class="jsx-5fbc0b8734eedfa8">
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Atlanta Motor Speedway (1.540-mile, Quad-Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Charlotte Motor Speedway (1.500-mile Quad-Oval, including a 2.280 miles Road Course)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Darlington Raceway (1.366-mile, Egg-Shaped Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Dover Motor Speedway (1.000-mile, Concrete Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Homestead-Miami Speedway (1.500-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Kansas Speedway (1.500-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Las Vegas Motor Speedway (1.500-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Michigan International Speedway (2.000-mile, D-Shaped Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Nashville Superspeedway (1.333-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">New Hampshire Motor Speedway (1.058-mile, Paperclip Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Phoenix Raceway (1.000-mile, Dogleg Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Texas Motor Speedway (1.500-mile, Quad-Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">World Wide Technology Raceway (1.250-mile, Egg-Shaped Oval)</li>
</ul>
On the other hand, Superspeedways ae oval road courses of two miles or longer. Currently, the NASCAR Cup Series has the following Superspeedways:
<ul class="jsx-5fbc0b8734eedfa8">
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Auto Club Speedway (2.000-mile, D-Shaped Oval; Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Chicagoland Speedway (1.500-mile, D-Shaped Oval; Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Daytona International Speedway (2.500-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Kentucky Speedway (1.500-mile, D-Shaped Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Pocono Raceway (2.500-mile, Triangular Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Talladega Superspeedway (2.660-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
</ul>
The short tracks (less than 1 mile in length) that are part of NASCAR are:
<ul class="jsx-5fbc0b8734eedfa8">
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Bristol Motor Speedway (0.533-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Eldora Speedway (0.500-mile, Oval; Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Iowa Speedway (0.875-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Knoxville Raceway (0.500-mile, Oval</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park (0.686-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Martinsville Speedway (0.526-mile, Paperclip Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Milwaukee Mile Speedway (1.015-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">North Wilkesboro Speedway (0.625-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Richmond Raceway (0.750-mile, D-shaped Oval)</li>
</ul>
As for Road Courses, NASCAR makes use of the following race tracks:
<ul class="jsx-5fbc0b8734eedfa8">
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (2.459-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Chicago Street Race (2.14 miles)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Circuit of the Americas (3.426-mile)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">DAYTONA Road Course (4.170-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (2.400-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Portland International Raceway (1.967-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Road America(4.048-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Sebring Raceway (3.741 mi, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Sonoma Raceway (1.99-mile)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Watkins Glen International (2.45-mile)</li>
</ul>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Xfinity Series Cars</strong></h2>
Just like the NASCAR Cup Series, the organization's second division has also seen many changes when it comes to its racing vehicles. Among them was the Gen 4 car, that made its debut in the division in 1992 and stayed for almost two decades, till 2010. The Gen 4 car was evidently different from all the other cars used as the model removed all "stock" aspects from stock car racing and made it aerodynamically sensitive.

As per reports, the <em>"Generation 4 cars feature highly modified bodies with teams spending hours in the wind tunnel to gain aerodynamics.<sup id="cite_ref-:1_3-0" class="reference"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_4_(NASCAR)#cite_note-:1-3">[3]</a></sup> The bumpers, nose and tail are composed of molded fiberglass based on production counterparts".</em>

Another notable model was the 'Car of Tomorrow' that ran in the Xfinity Series since 2010-full time. This model flaunts prominent front splitters under the bumpers and larger rear wings. Apart from that, according to NASCAR, the car also has <em>"significant safety advancements and a return to symmetrical bodies". </em><em> </em>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>How are Cup Series cars different from Xfinity Series cars?</strong></h2>
Just like the two divisions are distinctly different, even the vehicles used differ in various aspects. Unlike the Cup Series that currently uses the 'Next Gen' car, the Xfinity Series car uses a vehicle that five lug nuts holding the wheels in place, as opposed to the Cup Series car that uses wider tires with a single lug nut. Apart from that, the Cup Series cars have a power output of 670 hp as compared to the Xfinity's 650 hp.

When it comes to the gearbox, the Next Gen cars have a 5-speed sequential shifter in use, whereas Xfinity vehicles have a traditional H-Pattern 4-speed shifter.
<div class="mceTemp"></div>

[caption id="attachment_819539" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-819539 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-11-07T034119Z_856063720_MT1USATODAY17112225_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-XFINITY-SERIES-CHAMPIONSHIP.jpg" alt="Daniel Hemric" width="1920" height="1280" /> Nov 6, 2021; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Xfinity Series driver Daniel Hemric (18) beats Xfinity Series driver Austin Cindric (22) to the finish line to win the Xfinity Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>How is the Xfinity Series different from the Cup Series?</strong></h2>
The NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series don't just differ in their names but also the way they operate among several other things. While NASCAR's top divisions has 39 races in a season. the Xfinity season has 33. As for the vehicles used for racing purposes, Xfinity uses the Chevrolet Camaro while the Cup Series makes use of the Chevrolet Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Toyota also has two different models for the Cup and Xfinity with the Camry and Supra respectively. Ford also manufactures two different types of Mustangs for the two series.

The two divisions also have a significant difference when it comes to the prize money. If we look at the 2024 Talladega Superspeedway race that took place on April 21, 2024, the Xfinity race had race winning prize of <b> $1,479,274</b>, while the Cup Series winning driver was slated to receive <b>$8,234,125. </b>

Similarly, the 2023 Cup series champion purse was reportedly a hefty amont of <b>$11,143,232. </b>As for the Xfinity Series champion purse, while no official figures have surfaced, it has been deemed to less than that of the Cup Series prize pool.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Xfinity Series Outside the United States of America</strong></h2>
As an organization, NASCAR has always pushed towards globalization by hosting its races in different places around the world. One such effort came in 2005 when the Xfinity Series (then called the Busch Series) hosted their first-ever Mexico City race. And like the true champion that Martin Truex Jr was, he grabbed the race win expertly.

And just two years later, retired Cup Series veteran Kevin Harvick claimed another overseas win when the Busch Series went to Canada. The driver even beat hometown star Patrick Carpentier to claim the series' first-ever race in the country
<table style="width: 63.8839%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 35.1055%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Full Name</span></td>
<td style="width: 251.82%">NASCAR Xfinity Series</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 35.1055%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Place of Origin</span></td>
<td style="width: 251.82%">Daytona Beach, Florida</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 35.1055%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Year of Origin</span></td>
<td style="width: 251.82%">1982</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 35.1055%"><span style="font-weight: 400">First Race</span></td>
<td style="width: 251.82%">Daytona International Speedway, 1982</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 35.1055%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Last Race</span></td>
<td style="width: 251.82%">2024 Ag-Pro 300 at the Talladega Superspeedway</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 35.1055%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Crown Jewel Race</span></td>
<td style="width: 251.82%"> <span role="tooltip"><span class="c5aZPb" role="button" data-enable-toggle-animation="true" data-extra-container-classes="ZLo7Eb" data-hover-hide-delay="1000" data-hover-open-delay="500" data-send-open-event="true" data-theme="0" data-width="250" data-ved="2ahUKEwjvsKe7t9OFAxXc-jgGHVUuCI0QmpgGegQIFRAD"><span class="JPfdse" data-bubble-link="" data-segment-text="Daytona 500">Daytona 500 (Daytona International Speedway)</span></span></span>, Coca-Cola 600 (Charlotte Motor Speedway), Southern 500 (Darlington Raceway), <span role="tooltip"><span class="c5aZPb" role="button" data-enable-toggle-animation="true" data-extra-container-classes="ZLo7Eb" data-hover-hide-delay="1000" data-hover-open-delay="500" data-send-open-event="true" data-theme="0" data-width="250" data-ved="2ahUKEwjvsKe7t9OFAxXc-jgGHVUuCI0QmpgGegQIFRAI"><span class="JPfdse" data-bubble-link="" data-segment-text="Brickyard 400">Brickyard 400 (Indianapolis Motor Speedway)</span></span></span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 35.1055%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Drivers with the most Championships</span></td>
<td style="width: 251.82%">-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 35.1055%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Team with the most Championships</span></td>
<td style="width: 251.82%">-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 35.1055%"><span style="font-weight: 400">First Champion</span></td>
<td style="width: 251.82%">Jack Ingram</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 35.1055%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Defending Champion</span></td>
<td style="width: 251.82%">Cole Custer</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 35.1055%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Defending Team</span></td>
<td style="width: 251.82%">Stewart-Haas Racing</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

NASCAR Xfinity Series

Read on to find out everything about the NASCAR's second division, the Xfinity Series and its origin, teams, drivers, tracks, history and more!

NASCAR Xfinity Series: Origin, Teams and More

NASCAR Xfinity Series Archives

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Tony Stewart's SRX League is really taking off. Recently, the series confirmed a relatively untested former NASCAR Xfinity driver as recruit.

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Former NASCAR Xfinity Driver and Trans Am Champion Joins Tony Stewart's SRX League

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When one thinks of greatness in motorsports, Tony Stewart is one of the names that will surely come up. 'Smoke' is the only racer who has won the championship in IndyCar and NASCAR's Cup Series, which just goes to show how versatile a racer he is. It has been several years since his retirement as a driver for both these promotions but he has kept himself engaged in motorsports by not only being a team owner but also racing in NHRA.
<h2><b>Tony Stewart Net Worth 2024 (update)</b></h2>
Over the years, he has built great personal wealth and as per Celebrity Net Worth, Smoke has a net worth of a whopping $90 million. Stewart also has several sponsorship deals and endorsements from where he earns a significant part of his income as well. According to his official website, some of his leading sponsors are Mobil 1, Ford Performance, Haas, Mahindra Tractors, and Advance Auto Parts. Aside from these, several other companies work with the former Cup Series champion as well.

[caption id="attachment_1959131" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1959131 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1405223778.jpg" alt="Tony Stewart" width="1920" height="1348" /> SOUTH BOSTON, VIRGINIA - JUNE 25: Tony Stewart #14 stands on the grid prior to the Camping World Superstar Racing Experience event at South Boston Speedway on June 25, 2022 in South Boston, Virginia. (Photo by Jared Tilton/SRX/Getty Images)[/caption]
<h2><b>Tony Stewart’s family life</b></h2>
Smoke was born on May 20, 1971, in Rushville, Indiana. He started racing from a young age in go-karts and in 1980, won his first motorsports competition. He had a successful career in go-karting before he moved to the United Midget Racing Association and USAC. Stewart was the USAC Rookie of the Year in 1991, USAC National Midget Series Champion in 1994 and 1995, and USAC Silver Crown Series champion in 1995. He was also the first driver to win USAC's version of the Triple Crown, earning championships in all three major USAC divisions.

Smoke was born to Nelson Stewart and Pam Boas. The former NASCAR Cup Series driver has one sister named Natalie. As is the case with most professional racers, Smoke's parents supported his passion for motorsports from a young age and it would be an understatement to say that their efforts have paid off. Nelson would always push Tony to improve his racing and settling for anything less than P1 was never an option. Unfortunately, his parents got divorced when he was in high school.

Stewart married fellow motorsports athlete Leah Pruett in 2021. The two had met in 2019 through NHRA legend Don Prudhomme. It's unclear when they began dating but the couple took their relationship public in 2020. They had reportedly spent most of their time together during the Covid-19 pandemic.

[caption id="attachment_1959104" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1959104 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1346577190-1.jpg" alt="Tony Stewart and Leah Pruett" width="1920" height="1280" /> CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 14: Leah Pruett speaks as Tony Stewart looks on during the press conference held at the zMAX Dragway on October 14, 2021 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)[/caption]

Pruett was a prolific racer in the NHRA drag racing series and like her husband, has several accolades to her name. However, in 2023, she said that she would take a hiatus from racing to start a family with Stewart himself taking over his wife's NHRA role.
<h2><b>Tony Stewart: Stats, Championships and Ownerships</b></h2>
Very few racers have been as successful as Tony Stewart over the course of their careers. Smoke was one of a kind. He has won the IndyCar Series, the NASCAR Cup Series 3 times, the USAC Triple Crown, and several other competitions. When it comes to notable races, the only event Smoke has not won as a racer is the Daytona 500. He has won the Brickyard 400 twice, the All-Star race once, the Chilli Bowl twice, and the Budweiser Shootout thrice among other victories.

His exploits as a team owner are also incredible. Tony Stewart was the Cup Series owner's champion in 2014 when Kevin Harvick won the title in his first season with Stewart-Haas Racing. He also won the 2017 Dayton 500 as an owner with Kurt Busch as the driver.
<h2><b> Tony Stewart's Business Ventures</b></h2>
One of the biggest reasons why Tony Stewart has been able to keep himself so active in the motorsports world today is through his business ventures. The 3-time Cup Series champion co-owns the NASCAR team Stewart-Haas Racing with Gene Haas and it has been a successful venture. Smoke is also the owner of Tony Stewart Racing in the NHRA which his wife used to be part of.

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The SHR co-owner owns several race tracks as well, including the iconic Eldora Speedway. Smoke even shares the ownership of the Paducah International Raceway in Kentucky. In addition, he shares ownership of Macon Speedway in Macon, Illinois, with Bob Sargent, Kenny Schrader, and Kenny Wallace.

And as you would already know, he is also one of the founders and co-owners of the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) series.
<h2><b>Tony Stewart’s luxurious $30 Million Rural Estate</b></h2>
It sure does pay to be a successful race car driver and Tony Stewart's ranch in Indiana stood testament to that. Unexpectedly, he decided to sell it in March 2022 for an astounding $30 million. In the history of the state, this property is the most costly one to be listed for sale. With six bedrooms and eleven bathrooms, the 20,000-square-foot home has plenty of space. A two-story waterfall and trout stream adorn the house entry. And there's a massive professional hibachi grill in the kitchen.

In addition, a golf simulator, game room, bowling alley, and lit onyx bar are all set up on the bottom level of the property which was constructed in 2011. With a nine-acre stocked lake, it is situated on 415 acres of wooded land. There is also a sizable guesthouse and workshop on the property.


<h2><b>Tony Stewart: Car Collection</b></h2>
Stewart has a great deal of love for cars and has accumulated a sizable collection of some of the greatest vehicles ever driven. He is carrying several IndyCar models, including the #2 vehicle from his 1997 victory, to begin with. In addition, he has maintained the winged-sprint car from his first couple of outlaw races intact. He has also maintained the car with which he won at the 2007 Chilli Bowl Nationals with Keith Kunz.

When it comes to the Cup Series, not many people will be surprised to know that Tony Stewart has kept his car from each of his 3 title-winning runs - 2002, 2005, and 2011. Smoke has even maintained the car he was driving at the 2001 Daytona 500. He crashed in that race and sometime later, Dale Earnhardt did too, eventually losing his life.
<h2><b>Tony Stewart’s Racing Series</b></h2>
As if owning successful race teams and being a successful driver was not enough, Tony Stewart is also the owner of a series called the Superstar Racing Experience. The series was founded in 2020 and was brought to the fans by CBS. SRX aims for shorter races at shorter tracks and has a random pairing of driver and crew chief for each race.

The field is a variegated one with youngsters and experienced veterans all participating in the races, including retired motorsports legends like Stewart himself, Bobby Labonte, Bill Elliott, and Michael Waltrip among others. Fans usually love to see the older racers back on track and that is perhaps one of the reasons why SRX has gained a lot of popularity in a short time.

[caption id="attachment_903882" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-903882 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1328029747.jpg" alt="SRX Series" width="1920" height="1277" /> SLINGER, WISCONSIN - JULY 10: Michael Waltrip #15 practices for the Camping World Superstar Racing Experience event at Slinger Speedway on July 10, 2021 in Slinger, Wisconsin. (Photo by Logan Riely/SRX via Getty Images)[/caption]
<h2><b>Tony Stewart Philanthropy</b></h2>
The Tony Stewart Foundation was founded in 2003. The main goal of the organization is to care for and support underprivileged children with chronic illnesses, drivers hurt in racing accidents, and conserve different animal species. The 3-time Cup Series champion is quite proud of his philanthropic venture and the Foundation has done a lot of good work to help people and animals.
<h2><b>Tony Stewart Controversies</b></h2>
Tony Stewart might have won the owner's championship in 2014 but that year also served up one of the darkest and toughest moments of his life. The 3-time Cup Series champion was racing in a sprint race at Canandaigua Motorsports Park. Kevin Ward Jr was also one of the racers in the event. The two drivers made contact causing Ward to spin out and crash, bringing out the yellow. The disgruntled driver was angry at Stewart and he stormed down the track after getting out of his car.

This was extremely dangerous as a lot of cars were still going around the track. While some cars were able to avoid him, the same cannot be said for Tony Stewart. Smoke failed to dodge and Kevin Ward Jr was thrown 25 feet away across the track. He later succumbed to his injuries.

A grand jury rejected an indictment against Stewart on September 24, 2014. Moreover, as per District Attorney Michael Tantillo, Ward had THC in his system. A few weeks before the trial was slated to start in 2018, Stewart was the target of a civil lawsuit filed by Kevin Ward Sr. It was later settled out of court with the specifics kept under wraps.
<h2><b>Tony Stewart in popular media</b></h2>
Tony Stewart has worked as a NASCAR analyst on FOX in the past and for the 2o23 Cup Series season. He was a guest commentator for the Clash, Duel races, Daytona 500, Fontana, Atlanta, Bristol Dirt, Talladega, and Charlotte races.

[caption id="attachment_1398492" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1398492 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1018372780h.jpg" alt="Tony Stewart" width="1920" height="1280" /> NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Coca-Cola 600-Practice, May 23, 2019 Concord, NC, USA NASCAR Cup Series car owner Tony Stewart looks on in the garage during practice for the Coca-cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports, 23.05.2019 15:06:05, 12763612, Tony Stewart, NASCAR, Coca-Cola 600, Charlotte Motor Speedway PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJasenxVinlovex 12763612[/caption]

Smoke has also appeared in movies and TV series like Herbie Fully Loaded, Over The Wall, ESPN Speedworld, and Last Man Standing. He is also the owner of Tony Stewart's All-American Racing video game and Tony Stewart's Sprint Car Racing. Other video games that have his involvement are SRX: The Game, and NASCAR Heat 5.
<h2><strong>Tony Stewart's Social Media Accounts</strong></h2>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Facebook</span></td>
<td><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TonyStewart" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.facebook.com/TonyStewart</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Instagram</span></td>
<td><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tsrsmoke/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.instagram.com/tsrsmoke/</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Twitter</span></td>
<td><a href="https://twitter.com/TonyStewart" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://twitter.com/TonyStewart</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Full Name</span></td>
<td>Tony Stewart</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Popular Name</span></td>
<td>Smoke</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Birth Place</span></td>
<td>Rushville, Indiana</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Birth Date</span></td>
<td>May 20, 1971</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Age </span></td>
<td>52</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Height</span></td>
<td>5 ft 9 in</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Weight (in pounds)</span></td>
<td>225 lb</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Parents </span></td>
<td>Nelson Stewart, Pam Boas</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Siblings</span></td>
<td>Natalie Stewart</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Nationality</span></td>
<td>American</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Ethnicity</span></td>
<td>Caucasian</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Net Worth</span></td>
<td>$90 million</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Relationship/ Marital Status</span></td>
<td>Married</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Children</span></td>
<td>None</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Profession</span></td>
<td>Race team owner, racing series owner</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Team</span></td>
<td>Stewart-Haas Racing, Tony Stewart Racing</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

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