Earlier this week, NASCAR veteran Jamie McMurray confirmed [https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-watch-kurt-busch-ross-chastain-announce-jamie-mcmurray-return-to-nascar-for-2021-daytona-500/] that he is back in NASCAR. To be precise, the driver revealed that he is racing in the 2021 Daytona 500 for Spire Motorsports. Recently, he spoke to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio about the move and the circumstances behind it. He revealed that talks were well underway, at least 6-8 months before the announcement. At the time, he still worked for Chip Ganassi Racing and made a few appearances in commercials. At one instance, McMurray was at the Charlotte Motor Speedway and he was filming a commercial. Apparently, they were all in lockdown because of the COVID situation. Jamie McMurray during the NASCAR Daytona 500 [https://www.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-96699173.jpg]DAYTONA BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 14: Jamie McMurray, driver of the #1 Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Boats Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 14, 2010 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR) Jamie McMurray said [https://twitter.com/SiriusXMNASCAR/status/1351970269632598017], “Someone from the studio brought up the idea of me running the 500 and they laughed about it. They were like, ‘There’s no way you would ever do that’. To be honest, I haven’t missed driving until this hit. We’ve been at home, and you kinda start missing a lot of things.” JAMIE MCMURRAY FINALLY RELENTED AND AGREED TO MAKE HIS NASCAR RETURN After a long and hard think, he finally agreed to race. Of course, there were many hurdles to cross and it took some time for everything to fall in place. First and foremost, it was trying to convince Spire Motorsports to get on board with fielding him. To be honest, the Spire charter is essentially a Ganassi car. Furthermore, Spire and Chip Ganassi were going to share crew members. McMurray really wanted to race at Daytona since the 500 is a special event. He also revealed that he and sponsor AdventHealth want to give the viewers an insight into what the drivers go through in a race. Admittedly, this is only a one-off appearance for Jamie McMurray. The 44-year-old retired after competing in the 2019 Daytona 500 and will be back in action after nearly two years away from the game. 

For the 2021 NASCAR season, Jamie McMurray is temporarily coming out of
retirement to race at the iconic Daytona 500 with Spire Motorsports.

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

Autism Speaks 400 - Qualifying

DOVER, DE - MAY 14: Jamie McMurray, driver of the #1 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet, stands next to his car on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Autism Speaks 400 at Dover International Speedway on May 14, 2010 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images for NASCAR)g

Autism Speaks 400 - Qualifying - EssentiallySports

Autism Speaks 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.

https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/varun_profile-96x96.png

Varun Khanna

figcaption

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MILLION DOLLAR BLING, Saudi Arabian Glory, World Title and More  Ft. Impa Kasanganay

NASCAR

NASCAR Archives

LatestNASCAR - EssentiallySports News | EssentiallySports

<h1 style="text-align: center"><b>NASCAR Cup Series: Origin, Teams and More</b></h1>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>What is the NASCAR Cup Series?</strong></h2>
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.

[caption id="attachment_2675743" align="alignnone" width="5162"]<img class="wp-image-2675743 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-02-20T005209Z_1919194866_MT1USATODAY22564783_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-DAYTONA-500.jpg" alt="NASCAR" width="5162" height="3322" /> Feb 19, 2024; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series drivers Corey LaJoie (7), Kyle Busch (8) and A.J. Allmendinger (16) race three wide for the lead during the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Origin</strong></h2>
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.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">On this day in 1949, NASCAR held its first-ever "Strictly Stock" race.</p>
Thirty-three drivers raced at Charlotte Speedway, six of which were future NASCAR Hall of Famers. Jim Roper was declared the winner following a disqualification to Glenn Dunaway. <a href="https://t.co/yBUDRcRxVo">pic.twitter.com/yBUDRcRxVo</a>

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASCAR/status/1670832065690972160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2023</a></blockquote>

<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Why is it named Cup Series? </strong></h2>
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'.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>What is the format of the Cup Series?</strong></h2>
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: <em>"Mr. Latford set up his points scale to reward consistency rather than flashes of brilliance, and drivers seem to like it that way."</em>

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.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Teams</strong></h2>
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.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Venue</strong></h2>
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.

[caption id="attachment_1351857" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1351857 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2022-11-07T003206Z_1075855806_MT1USATODAY19376372_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-CUP-CHAMPIONSHIP.jpg" alt="Joey Logano NASCAR" width="1920" height="1289" /> Nov 6, 2022; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Joey Logano (22) races in the final laps of the Cup championship at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Championship</strong></h2>
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.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-1195372 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/ezgif.com-gif-maker-3-78.jpg" alt="Richard Petty Dale Earnhardt NASCAR" width="1850" height="1253" />

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.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Track Types</strong></h2>
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 <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>
 	<li>Atlanta Motor Speedway (1.540-mile, Quad-Oval)</li>
 	<li>Charlotte Motor Speedway (1.500-mile Quad-Oval, including a 2.280 miles Road Course)</li>
 	<li>Darlington Raceway (1.366-mile, Egg-Shaped Oval)</li>
 	<li>Dover Motor Speedway (1.000-mile, Concrete Oval)</li>
 	<li>Homestead-Miami Speedway (1.500-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>Kansas Speedway (1.500-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
 	<li>Las Vegas Motor Speedway (1.500-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
 	<li>Michigan International Speedway (2.000-mile, D-Shaped Oval)</li>
 	<li>Nashville Superspeedway (1.333-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
 	<li>New Hampshire Motor Speedway (1.058-mile, Paperclip Oval)</li>
 	<li>Phoenix Raceway (1.000-mile, Dogleg Oval)</li>
 	<li>Texas Motor Speedway (1.500-mile, Quad-Oval)</li>
 	<li>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>
 	<li>Auto Club Speedway (2.000-mile, D-Shaped Oval; Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Chicagoland Speedway (1.500-mile, D-Shaped Oval; Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Daytona International Speedway (2.500-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
 	<li>Kentucky Speedway (1.500-mile, D-Shaped Oval)</li>
 	<li>Pocono Raceway (2.500-mile, Triangular Oval)</li>
 	<li>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>
 	<li>Bristol Motor Speedway (0.533-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>Eldora Speedway (0.500-mile, Oval; Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Iowa Speedway (0.875-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>Knoxville Raceway (0.500-mile, Oval</li>
 	<li>Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum)</li>
 	<li>Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park (0.686-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>Martinsville Speedway (0.526-mile, Paperclip Oval)</li>
 	<li>Milwaukee Mile Speedway (1.015-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>North Wilkesboro Speedway (0.625-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>Richmond Raceway (0.750-mile, D-shaped Oval)</li>
</ul>
As for Road Courses, NASCAR makes use of the following race tracks:
<ul>
 	<li>Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (2.459-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Chicago Street Race (2.14 miles)</li>
 	<li>Circuit of the Americas (3.426-mile)</li>
 	<li>DAYTONA Road Course (4.170-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (2.400-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Portland International Raceway (1.967-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Road America(4.048-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Sebring Raceway (3.741 mi, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Sonoma Raceway (1.99-mile)</li>
 	<li>Watkins Glen International (2.45-mile)</li>
</ul>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Crown Jewel Races</strong></h2>
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).

[caption id="attachment_1691261" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1691261 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Jimmie-Johnson-Jeff-Gordon.jpg" alt="Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon" width="1920" height="1280" /> January 20, 2017 - Charlotte, North Carolina, USA - Jimmy Johnson and Jeff Gordon introduce Rick Hendrick at the NASCAR Motorsport USA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday, January 20, 2017, in Charlotte, N.C. Rick Hendrick was inducted into the Hall of Fame with Richard Childress, Mark Martin, Raymond Parks, and Benny Parsons. 2017 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony - ZUMAw123 20170120_zap_w123_024[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Cars</strong></h2>
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<em> "Car of Tomorrow"</em>, this model featured flaunted prominent front splitters under the bumpers and larger rear wings. Apart from that, according to NASCAR, the car also had <em>"significant safety advancements and a return to symmetrical bodies". </em>

[caption id="attachment_2651610" align="alignnone" width="3461"]<img class="wp-image-2651610 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-02-16T030626Z_974940649_MT1USATODAY22533198_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-BLUEGREEN-VACATIONS-DUEL-1-AT-DAYTONA.jpg" alt="" width="3461" height="2307" /> Feb 15, 2024; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Martin Truex Jr. (19) during the Bluegreen Vacations Duel 1 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series debut at the Street Course</strong></h2>
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.

[caption id="attachment_1911252" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1911252 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-07-03T052154Z_1117738559_MT1USATODAY20983749_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-GRANT-PARK-220.jpg" alt="NASCAR" width="1920" height="1280" /> Jul 2, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; A general view as cars race along Grant Park during the Grant Park 220 of the Chicago Street Race viewed from the NEMA Chicago buliding. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

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?

<img class="alignnone wp-image-2804674 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/F0HhwcqXoAI3_zb.jpeg" alt="" width="2048" height="1365" />
<table style="width: 75.2357%;height: 264px">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Full Name</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">NASCAR Cup Series</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Place of Origin</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Charlotte Fairgrounds Speedway</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Year of Origin</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">1949</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">First Race</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">NASCAR "Strictly Stock" Race, Charlotte Fairgrounds Speedway</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Last Race</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">NASCAR Cup Series Spring Race at Martinsville Speedway, 2024</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Crown Jewel Race</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Daytona 500, Coca Cola 600, Brickyard 400/ Verizon 200, Southern 500</span></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Drivers with the most Championships</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Richard Petty (7), Dale Earnhardt (7) and Jimmie Johnson(7)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Team with the most Championships</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Hendrick Motorsports (14)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">First Champion</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Red Byron</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Defending Champion</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Ryan Blaney (2023)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Defending Team</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Team Penske</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;

NASCAR Cup Series

Here's everything you need to know about the NASCAR Cup Series, its Origin, Teams, History, Venues, Crown Jewel Races and more!

NASCAR Cup Series: Origin, Teams and More

NASCAR Cup Series Archives

<h2 style="text-align: center">Spire Motorsports: 2024 Net Worth, Stats, Owners and More</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>What is Spire Motorsports?</strong></h2>
Spire Motorsports is an auto racing organization that primarily competes in the <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/nascar-cup-series/">NASCAR Cup Series</a> and the <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/nascar-truck-series/">Craftsman Truck Series</a>. It is part of the talent management agency, motorsports consultant, and sports ownership firm, Spire Sports + Entertainment.

[caption id="attachment_1672564" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1672564 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1026591160h.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1280" /> March 26, 2023, Austin, TX, United States of America: COREY LAJOIE 7 is introduced to the fans prior to the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit Of The Americas COTA in Austin, TX. NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series 2023: EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix - Corey Lajoie PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY - ZUMAa161 20230326_zaa_a161_029 Copyright: xWalterxG.xArcexSr.x[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>The History of Spire Motorsports</strong></h2>
When it comes to Spire Motorsports' presence in NASCAR, the team is still in its nascent stages after being founded in 2018. As per the official NASCAR website, the team bought its charter from the now defunct team Furniture Row Racing and debuted in the Cup Series in 2019 with multiple drivers taking turns behind the wheel. Currently, it is owned by motorsports agency executives Jeff Dickerson and TJ Puchyr. In December 2o23, the team added another seasoned veteran to its management, hiring veteran NASCAR executive Doug Duchardt as its President.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Spire Motorsports Net Worth 2024</strong></h2>
According to Forbes, over the last 12 months from March 11, 2024, the team has had garnered a revenue of $2.61 billion. However, when it comes to its 'Cash and Debt Metrics', the team boasts a total cash of $4.8 million. Added to the fact that the team bought its charter for the Cup Series for a whopping $40 million. That's quite a bit of hard cash, isn't it?
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Spire Motorsports Racing Drivers</strong></h2>
Currently, Spire Motorsports has three drivers in the Cup Series, namely, <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/corey-lajoie/">Corey LaJoie</a>, <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/zane-smith/">Zane Smith</a> and Carson Hocevar.

LaJoie joined the Spire Motorsports ahead of the 2021 season, driving the #7 Chevrolet Camaro. The driver, recently, also inked a multiyear extension with the team. <em>“Corey LaJoie took a chance on Spire Motorsports before we had any tools, any cars, or even a race shop. He is part of the fabric of this race team so it’s hard to put into words what his commitment means to T.J. (co-owner T.J. Puchyr) and I. He made a very thoughtful and deliberate decision to return to Spire Motorsports. He had plenty of other opportunities and chose to stay the course. We’re excited that Corey will continue to anchor this team and we’re ready to keep making meaningful progress every time we unload,”</em> team owner Jeff Dickerson said in an official statement.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-349617 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20200822000618/Corey-LaJoie.jpg" alt="Corey LaJoie" width="1500" height="1000" />

As for Zane Smith, his place in the team is a bit more unique. The driver is actually signed to Trackhouse Racing in a multi-year contract, announced in September 2023. However, he is currently on a loan to Spire for the 2024 Cup Season, driving the #71.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-2724571 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GFh6VTZXwAI3bFa.jpeg" alt="" width="4096" height="2304" />

The team's third driver Carson Hoecevar, also joined the same year as Zane Smith. He inked a multiyear deal with the team to drive the #77 Chevy starting in 2024, which is his full-time debut season in the Cup Series. While, for most NASCAR drivers, their journey to the Cup Series is subject to participating in the Truck Series and then the <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/nascar-xfinity-series/">Xfinity Series</a>, Hocevar made a unique jump when he headed to the top division after having been a Truck Series driver. Even the driver himself realized how big of a deal that was. According to an official statement from Spire Motorsports, Carson Hocevar said, "<em>For what we've been able to do from the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series to the Cup is pretty crazy. I know it seems like a big jump</em>. <em>With all the tools and resources, and everybody at Spire Motorsports, they have put a lot of faith in me, and I have a lot of faith in them. We all have faith in the whole program. I feel like we can come out of the gate like we’ve done this for years.”</em>

[caption id="attachment_2704506" align="alignnone" width="5287"]<img class="wp-image-2704506 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-2024261048.jpg" alt="" width="5287" height="3525" /> DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 19: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Gainbridge/Zeigler Auto Group Chevrolet, enters his car for the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 19, 2024 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)[/caption]

As for the Truck Series, the team currently fields two teams in the Truck Series, the No. 71 with Rajah Caruth and No. 77 with Chase Purdy. Caruth joined the team ahead of the 2024 season on a full-time basis with HendrickCars.com backing the driver as a sponsor for 10 races. However, the racer had prior experience with the team, driving in select races.

As for Chase Purdy, the driver was originally signed to <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/kyle-busch-motorsports/">Kyle Busch Motorsports</a>. However, after Spire's acquisition of KBM, Purdy was also offered a contract.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Hendrick Motorsports Partnerships and Endorsements</strong></h2>
Backed by Chevrolet, the Cup Series team enjoys multiple partnerships that include Gainbridge, Auto Group Zeigler, HendrickCars.com, Garner Trucking Inc, Celsius, Premier Security Solutions, Bama Buggies, Schluter Systems, NationsGuard, Ben Secours, Rev Racing, Bluegreen Vacations, Chili's (<a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-corey-lajoie-and-spire-motorsports-announce-his-sponsor-for-daytona/">who served as a primary sponsor for Corey LaJoie for the 2024 Daytona 500</a>), Circle Diecast, Diamond Creek, Dorman, Graphic Finishing Partners, Safety-Kleen, Mutoh, Usana, Star Brite, Sherwin Williams, Cometic Gasket, WIX Filters, Mechanix Wear, Sparco and GGT Energy Solutions.

In addition to that, <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-spire-motorsports-joins-hands-with-focused-health-for-zane-smith-for-the-current-season/">Focused Health also joined as a primary sponsor for Zane Smith for the 2024 season</a>.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Spire Motorsports Investments</strong></h2>
When it comes to the team's investments, it was announced in late September 2023 that the team has bought Cup Series veteran <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/kyle-busch/">Kyle Busch</a>'s Truck Series team Kyle Busch Motorsports and Rowdy Manufacturing in an unspecified but massive transaction.

https://twitter.com/KBMteam/status/1707061995466367311?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1707061995466367311%7Ctwgr%5E085cf5c8d37b21233909d48fb12a0d703e683099%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fmotorsportswire.usatoday.com%2F2023%2F09%2F27%2Fkyle-busch-motorsports-announces-sale-to-spire-motorsports-in-2024%2F

Additionally, the team also bought a third charter for the Cup Series from Live Fast Motorsports for around $40 million in September 2023, in alliance with Justin Marks-owned Trackhouse Racing. <em>“Spire Motorsports will acquire a NASCAR charter from Live Fast Motorsports prior to the 2024 season and we’re thrilled to offer our support to Trackhouse Racing, a key member of the Chevrolet family. Spire has a longstanding relationship with Justin Marks and we are proud of everything he and all the men and women at Trackhouse have accomplished in a relatively short time, "</em> team owner Jeff Dickerson said at the time.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Spire Motorsports Major Achievements and Awards</strong></h2>
Till date, Spire Motorsports has participated in 213 races and won in one Cup Series race and four Truck Series races. It has also won one pole position in the Truck Series.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Spire Motorsports Technical Alliances</strong></h2>
Spire Motorsports and NASCAR's winningest team, <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/hendrick-motorsports/">Hendrick Motorsports</a> enjoys a partnership that sees the latter also supplying engines to Spire. Apart from that, the team's Truck driver Rajah Caruth also enjoys a sponsorship from HendrickCars.com. In the 2024 season alone, the organisation backed Caruth for 10 races. In addition to that, Spire's full-time Cup Series driver Corey LaJoie also served as a replacement for HMS racer <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/chase-elliott/">Chase Elliott</a> in 2023. The decision came after the #9 driver received a one-race suspension for intentionally wrecking <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/denny-hamlin/">Denny Hamlin</a> during the Coca-Cola 600 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. LaJoie finished the race in P17.

Spire Motorsports also has an alliance with fellow Cup Series team Trackhouse Racing. In September 2023, news surfaced that Spire had bought a charter from the Live Fast Motorsports in partnership with Trackhouse. The alliance also extends to stock car racing driver Zane Smith, who was loaned to Spire for the 2024 Cup Series season, despite being originally signed to the Justin Marks-owned team.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Spire Motorsports and Spotters</strong></h2>
In motorsports, the importance of a spotter is unparalleled. Serving as the eyes and ears for a driver during a racer, spotters play a critical role in the team's success. Just like it is important for a team to add talented drivers to its lineup, scouting for a good spotter is also of paramount importance. Keeping that exact point in mind, Spire Motorports has added some revered names in the industry to its spotter lineup. The team, in January 2024, announced that it had added 2023 Cup Series champion <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/ryan-blaney/">Ryan Blaney</a>'s spotter to the #71 team of Zane Smith.

They also hired Wood Brothers Racing's Harrison Burton's crew chief Tyler Green as a spotter #77 driver Carson Hocevar. As for the team's other spotters, Corey LaJoie partners with T.J Bell.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Spire Motorsports Social Media</strong></h2>
<table style="width: 44.4186%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 18.4932%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Website</span></td>
<td style="width: 108.957%"><a href="https://www.spire-motorsports.com/">https://www.spire-motorsports.com/</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 18.4932%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Instagram</span></td>
<td style="width: 108.957%"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/spiremotorsport/?hl=en">https://www.instagram.com/spiremotorsport/</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 18.4932%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Facebook</span></td>
<td style="width: 108.957%"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/spiremotorsport/">https://www.facebook.com/spiremotorsport/</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 18.4932%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Twitter</span></td>
<td style="width: 108.957%"><a href="https://twitter.com/SpireMotorsport?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">https://twitter.com/SpireMotorsport/</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="width: 45.0615%;height: 672px">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 56px">
<td style="width: 106.889px;height: 56px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Name</span></td>
<td style="width: 457.444px;height: 56px">Spire Motorsports</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 56px">
<td style="width: 106.889px;height: 56px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Owners</span></td>
<td style="width: 457.444px;height: 56px">Jeff Dickerson, Thaddeus "T.J." Puchyr</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 56px">
<td style="width: 106.889px;height: 56px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Base</span></td>
<td style="width: 457.444px;height: 56px"><a class="fl" href="https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=7479081811d2e948&amp;rlz=1C1UEAD_enIN1076IN1076&amp;sxsrf=ACQVn09z-AAgZPkWFzZPlTIvM3R6M-Kz1w:1710252536483&amp;q=Mooresville&amp;stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAONgVuLQz9U3qMywNFvEyu2bn1-UWlyWmZOTCgCcWgYAGgAAAA&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiI36aX8-6EAxVk4DgGHZFIAakQmxMoAXoECGEQAw" data-ved="2ahUKEwiI36aX8-6EAxVk4DgGHZFIAakQmxMoAXoECGEQAw">Mooresville</a>, North Carolina</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 56px">
<td style="width: 106.889px;height: 56px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Series </span></td>
<td style="width: 457.444px;height: 56px">NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 56px">
<td style="width: 106.889px;height: 56px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Race Drivers</span></td>
<td style="width: 457.444px;height: 56px">Cup Series: Corey LaJoie, Zane Smith and Carson Hocevar.
Truck Series:</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 56px">
<td style="width: 106.889px;height: 56px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Sponsors</span></td>
<td style="width: 457.444px;height: 56px">Rajah Caruth, Chase Purdy</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 56px">
<td style="width: 106.889px;height: 56px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Manufacturer</span></td>
<td style="width: 457.444px;height: 56px">Chevrolet</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 56px">
<td style="width: 106.889px;height: 56px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Founded</span></td>
<td style="width: 457.444px;height: 56px">2018</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 56px">
<td style="width: 106.889px;height: 56px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Latest Race</span></td>
<td style="width: 457.444px;height: 56px">United Rentals Work United 500 at Phoenix Raceway</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 56px">
<td style="width: 106.889px;height: 56px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Championship</span></td>
<td style="width: 457.444px;height: 56px"> -</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 56px">
<td style="width: 106.889px;height: 56px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Race Victories</span></td>
<td style="width: 457.444px;height: 56px">Cup Series: 1
Truck Series: 4</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 56px">
<td style="width: 106.889px;height: 56px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Net Worth</span></td>
<td style="width: 457.444px;height: 56px"> -</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Spire Motorsports

Here's everything you need to know about Cup Series team Spire Motorsports' Owners, Stats, Net Worth, Achievements and more!

Spire Motorsports: 2024 Net Worth, Stats, Owners and More

Spire Motorsports Archives

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For the 2021 NASCAR season, Jamie McMurray is temporarily coming out of retirement to race at the iconic Daytona 500 with Spire Motorsports.

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Jamie McMurray Reveals Interesting Incident That Led to His NASCAR Return for 2021 Daytona 500 - EssentiallySports

https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-jamie-mcmurray-reveals-interesting-incident-that-led-to-his-nascar-return-for-2021-daytona-500/

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Jamie McMurray Reveals Interesting Incident That Led to His NASCAR Return for 2021 Daytona 500

Jamie McMurray finally relented and agreed to make his NASCAR return