At the Dover International Speedway, the Hendrick Motorsports team ran an absolute riot. Such was their dominance that they finished first, second, third and fourth. While Alex Bowman triumphed, Kyle Larson finished second, much to his disappointment. In all honesty, he had every right to be upset, as he dominated the first two stages. That lasted until the final round of pit stops caused him to lose out in the final 100 laps. When Aric Almirola crashed out, Alex Bowman dove into the pit road first. Needless to say, that pit stop was what made the difference in securing victory for the #48 driver. “I honestly don’t know if there was anything I could have done differently to win the race after we came out second on pit road. I would choose the top (lane) behind him, get to second every time,” Larson said [https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/news/kyle-larson-second-dover-hms-bowman/6510138/]. “Maybe I could have chosen the bottom on (the) restart, but I still don’t think I would have stayed with him until he was inside or anything like that. Probably would have fell back to third or so.” KYLE LARSON LOOKED LIKE THE FAVORITE TO WIN AT DOVER Without a doubt, Larson probably deserved to win as he led the highest number of laps. Unfortunately, once Alex Bowman [https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/alex-bowman/] hit the front after a well-timed pit stop, he could not make inroads on his teammate. Later on, another caution flew because of debris on the track, though Bowman and Larson did not pit again. NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) passes Alex Bowman [https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-05-09T234220Z_1508833220_MT1USATODAY16055970_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-GOODYEAR-400.jpg]May 9, 2021; Darlington, South Carolina, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) passes Alex Bowman (48) during the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports Larson insisted that he was not going to be a gentleman for Bowman just because he was a teammate. According to him, he was not looking to try to intentionally wreck anybody. Finally, Bowman, Larson, Elliott [https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/chase-elliott/] and Byron [https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/william-byron/] created HMS history with their first 1-2-3-4 finish. Additionally, Hendrick Motorsports [https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/hendrick-motorsports/] is one win away from tying with Petty Enterprises for the most wins by an organization. READ MORE: “Help Me, Tom Cruise” – Alex Bowman Jokes After Leading Hendricks Motorsports to a Historic Finish [https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-help-me-tom-cruise-alex-bowman-jokes-after-leading-hendricks-motorsports-to-a-historic-finish/] 

At the Dover International Speedway, Kyle Larson should have won the race, but
it went to Alex Bowman instead in what was an excellent outing for HMS.

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

https://www.staging.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/es_circle_black_logo.png

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

“Help Me, Tom Cruise” – Alex Bowman Jokes After Leading Hendricks Motorsports to
a Historic Finish

NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) leads driver William Byron (24) and driver Kevin Harvick

NASCAR: Drydene 400

May 16, 2021; Dover, Delaware, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) leads driver William Byron (24) and driver Kevin Harvick (4) off of pit road during the Drydene 400 at Dover International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

NASCAR: Drydene 400 - EssentiallySports

figcaption

figure

strong

Kyle Larson Reflects on Finishing 2nd Behind Teammate Alex Bowman

NASCAR Fans Sarcastically Mourn the Loss of Kyle Larson as Talladega Takes a
Hilarious Dig at Taylor Swift’s ‘Leaked’ Album

From Fanboying Kevin Harvick to Inheriting $117 Billion Worth Partner, Ross
Chastain Opens Up on His Rise to Fame

Uncertain “Political Environment” Cause Kyle Busch and Richard Childress Racing
to Take a Major Sponsorship Hit

Dale Jr Unmasks Teresa Earnhardt’s Refusal to Sell Him His Late Father’s Prized
Possession That Forced Relocation Move

Dale Earnhardt Jr Believes Chase Elliott’s Nemesis From Last Season Is Very
Close to Making Texas Whole Again

US Army rides in style & safety! NASCAR champs win acclaim for reinforced Chevy troop carriers 

Hendrick Tech for Army Trucks

Rumors of SHR downsizing fly as sponsorships dry up & Michael Jordan’s team eyes a ‘bargain’


23XI Frontrunners For A Third Car?

We remember a racing legend whose name isn't as widely known as the brand he helped build.

Forgotten Brother Behind Chevrolet’s Legacy

Delving into the business intricacies of the sports world ft. Chloe V. Mitchell

Exclusive unheard NBA stories with dunk master Austin Fritts

3 Time Mr. Olympia Frank Zane- The Chemist who made Arnold Schwarzenegger cry


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

[caption id="attachment_385243" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-385243" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20200921180336/Matt-Kenseth.jpg" alt="NASCAR Cup Series" width="1920" height="1280" /> Aug 22, 2020; Dover, Delaware, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Austin Dillon (3) and NASCAR Cup Series driver Matt Kenseth (42) lead a restart during the NASCAR Cup Series at Dover International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2>Dover International Speedway- 2021 Latest News, Winners, Qualifying, Track</h2>
Dover International Speedway (once in the past Dover Downs International Speedway) is a race track in Dover, Delaware, United States.

The track has facilitated one NASCAR Cup Series race every year since 1969, including two every year from 1971 to 2020. Notwithstanding NASCAR, the track has likewise facilitated races for USAC and the Indy Racing League.

The track highlights one format, a 1 mile (1.6 km) solid oval, with 24? banking in the turns and 9? banking on the straights. The speedway is possessed and worked by Dover Motorsports.
<h2>History</h2>
Nicknamed "The Monster Mile," the track was built in 1969 by Melvin Joseph of Melvin L. Joseph Construction Company, Inc., with asphalt; however, it was supplanted with concrete in 1995.

After six years in 2001, the track's ability expanded to 135,000 seats, giving the track the biggest seating limit of any games setting in the mid-Atlantic district. In 2002, the name changed to Dover International Speedway from Dover Downs International Speedway after Dover Downs Gaming and Entertainment split, forming Dover Motorsports.

From 2007 to 2009, the speedway chipped away at an improvement project called "The Monster Makeover," which extended offices at the track and also embellished it. Contingent upon design, the track's ability is at 95,500 seats. Its total seating capacity was at 135,000.

In 1966, Melvin L. Joseph Construction Company, Inc. started development on Dover Downs International Speedway for horse and auto racing. The race track was finished three years after the fact, and would have its first race on July 6, 1969. The debut race, known as the Mason-Dixon 300, was won by Richard Petty.

During the 1971 dashing season, the speedway eliminated all the events not authorized by NASCAR to help keep center around the two NASCAR Winston Cup Series races, which were 500 miles each. After eleven years, Dover Downs International Speedway added a NASCAR Budweiser Late Model Sportsman Series (presently Xfinity Series) race, the Sportsman 200.

In 1986, the speedway added 3,200 seats to its 10,333 seat show-off. Dover Downs International Speedway kept adding seats every year until 2001. A second Xfinity Series race was likewise added to the speedway's timetable during the 1986 season.
<h2>Miles the Monster</h2>
The speedway's mascot is called "Miles the Monster," which is a beast generated from the track's moniker, "The Monster Mile." The beast is included on the champ's trophy, the track's tickets, memorabilia, site, and the 46-foot (14 m) Monster Monument.

A past epithet that the track had was "White Lightning," utilized in the underlying years after the track surface changed from asphalt to concrete.
<h2>Quick Facts</h2>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="301">Location</td>
<td width="301">1131 North Dupont Highway, Dover, Delaware, 19901</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Operator</td>
<td width="301">Dover Motorsports</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Former Names</td>
<td width="301">Dover Downs Int'l Speedway (1969?2002)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Major Events</td>
<td width="301"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series</strong>

Drydene 400

<strong>NASCAR Xfinity Series</strong>

Drydene 200

<strong>ARCA Menards Series East</strong>

General Tire 125</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Length</td>
<td width="301">1 mi (1.6 km)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Most Wins</td>
<td width="301">Jimmie Johnson (11)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Most Poles</td>
<td width="301">David Pearson (6)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Dover International Speedway

Aug 22, 2020; Dover, Delaware, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Austin Dillon (3) and NASCAR Cup Series driver Matt Kenseth (42) lead a restart during the NASCAR Cup Series at Dover International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports Dover International Speedway- 2021 Latest News, Winners, Qualifying, Track Dover International Speedway (once in the past Dover Downs International Speedway) is a race track in Dover, Delaware, United States. The track has facilitated one NASCAR Cup Series race every year since 1969, including two every year from 1971 to 2020. Notwithstanding NASCAR, the track has likewise facilitated races for USAC and the Indy Racing League. The track highlights one format, a 1 mile (1.6 km) solid oval, with 24? banking in the turns and 9? banking on the straights. The speedway is possessed and worked by Dover Motorsports. History Nicknamed &#8220;The Monster Mile,&#8221; the track was built in 1969 by Melvin Joseph of Melvin L. Joseph Construction Company, Inc., with asphalt; however, it was supplanted with concrete in 1995. After six years in 2001, the track&#8217;s ability expanded to 135,000 seats, giving the track the biggest seating limit of any games setting in the mid-Atlantic district. In 2002, the name changed to Dover International Speedway from Dover Downs International Speedway after Dover Downs Gaming and Entertainment split, forming Dover Motorsports. From 2007 to 2009, the speedway chipped away at an improvement project called &#8220;The Monster Makeover,&#8221; which extended offices at the track and also embellished it. Contingent upon design, the track&#8217;s ability is at 95,500 seats. Its total seating capacity was at 135,000. In 1966, Melvin L. Joseph Construction Company, Inc. started development on Dover Downs International Speedway for horse and auto racing. The race track was finished three years after the fact, and would have its first race on July 6, 1969. The debut race, known as the Mason-Dixon 300, was won by Richard Petty. During the 1971 dashing season, the speedway eliminated all the events not authorized by NASCAR to help keep center around the two NASCAR Winston Cup Series races, which were 500 miles each. After eleven years, Dover Downs International Speedway added a NASCAR Budweiser Late Model Sportsman Series (presently Xfinity Series) race, the Sportsman 200. In 1986, the speedway added 3,200 seats to its 10,333 seat show-off. Dover Downs International Speedway kept adding seats every year until 2001. A second Xfinity Series race was likewise added to the speedway&#8217;s timetable during the 1986 season. Miles the Monster The speedway&#8217;s mascot is called &#8220;Miles the Monster,&#8221; which is a beast generated from the track&#8217;s moniker, &#8220;The Monster Mile.&#8221; The beast is included on the champ&#8217;s trophy, the track&#8217;s tickets, memorabilia, site, and the 46-foot (14 m) Monster Monument. A past epithet that the track had was &#8220;White Lightning,&#8221; utilized in the underlying years after the track surface changed from asphalt to concrete. Quick Facts  Location 1131 North Dupont Highway, Dover, Delaware, 19901  Operator Dover Motorsports  Former Names Dover Downs Int&#8217;l Speedway (1969?2002)  Major Events NASCAR Cup Series Drydene 400 NASCAR Xfinity Series Drydene 200 ARCA Menards Series East General Tire 125  Length 1 mi (1.6 km)  Most Wins Jimmie Johnson (11)  Most Poles David Pearson (6)

Dover International Speedway Archives

LatestDover International Speedway - EssentiallySports News | EssentiallySports

Hendrick Motorsports

Read to find out all about the winningest NASCAR Cup Series team Hendrick Motorsports' Net Worth, Achievements, Awards, Stats and more!

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

Hendrick Motorsports Archives

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

title

At the Dover International Speedway, Kyle Larson should have won the race, but it went to Alex Bowman instead in what was an excellent outing for HMS.

description

link

https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-kyle-larson-reflects-on-finishing-2nd-behind-teammate-alex-bowman/

https://www.facebook.com/essentiallysports

https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-05-16T223233Z_1291838344_MT1USATODAY16096353_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-DRYDENE-400.jpg

Kyle Larson Reflects on Finishing 2nd Behind Teammate Alex Bowman

Kyle Larson looked like the favorite to win at Dover