In the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season, Aric Almirola currently sits in 14th place in the championship. So for the next four races, the Stewart-Haas Racing driver will have to battle hard to escape elimination. Ahead of the first playoff race at the Darlington Raceway, Almirola revealed his strategy to tackle the season. He said [https://twitter.com/bobpockrass/status/1433414908130074630], “It really boils down to, as simple as, you just have to maximize every single day. “You can never, in the playoffs, have an off weekend and finish 18th or 20th. It’s just not acceptable and it puts you in such a hole that it requires you to win or run Top 5 in the next two races of that round. You can’t have an average finish of 15th in any of the round and expect to go to the next round.” According to the #10 driver, everyone is expected to perform at a high level. For obvious reasons, the playoff drivers need to turn in flawless drives and make minimal mistakes. At this juncture, stage points are hugely important and they have to maximize every race. WHAT ELSE DID ARIC ALMIROLA SAY? He continued, “As you go through the rounds, winning become more and more imperative. When I look at the year, I look at what our strengths are. At Nashville, we qualified on pole and ran in the Top 5. Then we went to Loudon (New Hampshire) with the 750 package, with a car just like we had at Nashville. We started 22nd and drove all the way to the lead and won the race.” Aric Almirola after the race at Michigan Speedway [https://www.staging.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-102017181.jpg]BROOKLYN, MI – JUNE 12: Aric Almirola, driver of the #51 Graceway Pharmaceuticals Toyota, stands on the grid during the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series VFW 200 at Michigan International Speedway on June 12, 2010 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR) For now, Almirola and teammate Kevin Harvick are flying the flag for Stewart-Haas Racing. The duo know that they will be in for a tough battle, with strong and talented opponents. Aric Almirola already has bragging rights over Harvick, as he has one win to none for the latter. Nevertheless, all 16 drivers are starting the playoffs on a clean slate. READ MORE: Aric Almirola Sets Up Epic NASCAR vs F1 Showdown With Sergio Perez [https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-aric-almirola-sets-up-epic-nascar-vs-f1-showdown-with-sergio-perez/] 

Aric Almirola is in a slightly vulnerable position in terms of the playoffs, and
the first race kicks off this weekend at Darlington Raceway.

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, Dhruv 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 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, Dhruv 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

Aric Almirola Sets Up Epic NASCAR vs F1 Showdown With Sergio Perez

NASCAR: Foxwoods Resort Casino 301

Jul 18, 2021; Loudon, New Hampshire, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Aric Almirola (10) enters turn four at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

NASCAR: Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 - EssentiallySports

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“Maximize Every Single Day” – Aric Almirola on His Strategy to Advance in the
Playoffs

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

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

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"><strong>What is Stewart-Haas Racing?</strong></h2>
Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) is an American racing group that contends across multiple NASCAR divisions including the <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/nascar-cup-series/">Cup Series</a> and the <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/nascar-xfinity-series/">Xfinity Series</a>. The team was established in 2002 as Haas CNC Racing. It was after Haas, the sponsor of <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/hendrick-motorsports/">Hendrick Motorsports</a> at that time, chose to compete with their own group. In the NASCAR Cup Series, Stewart-Haas Racing handles four Ford Mustang Dark Horse teams. In the Xfinity Series, the group handles the No. 98 and No. 00 Ford Mustang.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-2707902 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GDV_7DaWMAAqWVr.jpg" alt="" width="2048" height="1364" />
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>The History of Stewart-Haas Racing</strong></h2>
Stewart-Haas Racing was formed in 2022 and debuted in the 2003 Winston Cup. It is owned by CNC machine tools manufacturer Haas Automation's founder and president Gene Haas and former Cup Series driver <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/tony-stewart/">Tony Stewart</a>.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Why is the team named Stewart-Haas Racing?</strong></h2>
When SHR debuted, it used to be known as Haas-CNC Racing. However, ahead of the 2009 season, then <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/joe-gibbs-racing/">Joe Gibbs Racing</a> driver Tony Stewart agreed to join the team as a driver/owner after receiving a 50% stake for it.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Stewart-Haas Racing’s Net Worth 2024</strong></h2>
As a team that has been in the circuit for two decades, SHR has managed to build an empire. As per Forbes' February 2020 update, the team is said to be worth $165 million, out of which $27 million constitutes winnings and $103 million consists of revenue.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Stewart-Haas Racing Drivers</strong></h2>
Currently, SHR has four full-time Cup Series drivers, namely, Josh Berry (#4), Chase Briscoe (#14), Noah Gragson (#10) and Ryan Preece (#41).

Josh Berry's inclusion to the team came ahead of the 2024 season as he stepped in to fill the position vacated by retired veteran Kevin Harvick. <em>“I can’t imagine a better opportunity for me — to get in a car that’s been as successful and iconic as the No. 4. </em><em>Kevin is a future NASCAR Hall of Famer, and it’s going to be a challenge trying to come after someone so successful. But I know I’m going to have an amazing group of people around me, led by Rodney Childers, to where we can hit the ground runnin</em>g,” Berry said, according to RACER.

<img class="size-medium wp-image-1584972" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1025172722h.jpg" alt="" width="1" height="1" />

[caption id="attachment_618744" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-618744 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1311988712.jpg" alt="Josh Berry celebrates winning in NASCAR Xfinity Series" width="1920" height="1315" /> MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA - APRIL 11: Josh Berry, driver of the #8 Chevrolet Accessories Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series Cook Out 250 at Martinsville Speedway on April 11, 2021 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)[/caption]

Current driver of the #10 at SHR, Noah Gragson's transition to his new team, wasn't as smooth, perhaps. In mid-2023, a screenshot showing him liking a racially insensitive post went viral. Soon after, he was suspended by his then-team Legacy Motor Club for reportedly violating NASCAR's code of conduct. However, the driver was reinstated on the condition of completing a program conducted by RISE, the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality.

And then, a few months later, <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-why-noah-gragson-is-the-right-pick-for-tony-stewart-desperate-stewart-haas-racing-image-refresh/">Gragson joined Stewart-Haas Racing</a>. <em>“Noah deserves to be in the NASCAR Cup Series and we’re very happy to have him as the driver of our No. 10 Ford Mustang. Noah has performed at every level where he’s competed and has regularly been in championship contention. That’s the kind of driver we need at Stewart-Haas and that’s why Noah is a part of our team, ”</em> Tony Stewart shared.

[caption id="attachment_2687804" align="alignnone" width="4268"]<img class="wp-image-2687804 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-02-16T011330Z_1385945347_MT1USATODAY22532136_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-BLUEGREEN-VACATIONS-DUEL-1-AT-DAYTONA.jpg" alt="Noah Gragson" width="4268" height="2845" /> Feb 15, 2024; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Noah Gragson (10) before the Bluegreen Vacations Duel 1 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

As for <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/ryan-preece/">Ryan Preece</a>, he first joined the team in 2022 as a reserve driver who was to substitute for any of the team's full-time drivers in their absence. He was then promoted to a full-time role for the 2o23 season. The #41 that Preece drives used to be Kurt Busch and Daniel Suarez.

[caption id="attachment_781894" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-781894 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1339749626.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1280" /> RICHMOND, VIRGINIA - SEPTEMBER 11:Ryan Preece, driver of the #37 Kroger/Crest Chevrolet, waves to fans during pre-race ceremonies prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Federated Auto Parts 400 Salute to First Responders at Richmond Raceway on September 11, 2021 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)[/caption]

Currently, the team's longest-remaining driver is <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/Chase-briscoe/">Chase Briscoe</a>, who joined the team in 2021. He also clinched Rookie of the Year title with the team. Perhaps that explains why he drives the #14, which was once a part of Tony Stewart and Clint Bowyer's teams. After all, being the oldest member of the team has got to come with its own set of perks.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-319025 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20200719185151/Chase-Briscoe-1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" />
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Team Penske Partnerships and Endorsements</strong></h2>
As per Stewart-Haas Racing's official website, the team has more than two dozen official partners as of now. The list includes popular names such as Haas Automation, Sony, Mahindra Tractors, Ford Performance and Mobil 1, besides 3D Systems, Andy's Frozen Yogurt, Autodesk, Caymus Vineyards, Code 3 Associates, Cummins, Fanttik, Highpoint, Mohawk, Monster Energy, Morton Buildings, Production Alliance Group, Rinnai, Roushyates Engines, Rush Truck Centers, Sunny D, Terrible's and United Rentals.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Stewart-Haas Racing Major Achievements and Awards</strong></h2>
The team has clinched two Cup Series championships till date. The first came in 2011 with Tony Stewart, who was also the team owner. The second was clinched by retired Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick in 2014. As for race wins in NASCAR's top division, the team has had 89 victories as compared to 26 in the Xfinity Series. Additionally, SHR has also won one race in the Camping World Truck Series.

And not just in real life, the Tony Stewart-owned team has also shown its dominance on virtual tracks. In the eNASCAR iRacing World Championship Series, Stewart-Haas Gaming won the inaugural eNASCAR Heat Pro League Championship in 2019.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Stewart-Haas Racing Sponsorship Woes</strong></h2>
In motorsport, the relationship between a team and their sponsors is sacrosanct. It's common knowledge that sponsors play the backbone of racers and their teams and without the presence of a financier, the future prospects for a team might as well be over. And the situation is not new for SHR who have had to let go of multiple decorated sponsors and <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-tony-stewart-woes-pile-up-as-seven-one-billion-dollar-sponsor-delays-pending-decision/">face a precarious situation in 2023.</a>

When former SHR driver Kevin Harvick retired from the Cup Series at the end of the 2023 season,<a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-can-tony-stewart-fill-one-twenty-billion-dollar-hole-after-sponsors-and-veterans-departure/"> it not only marked the end of his journey but also pushed Harvick's longtime sponsor Anheuser-Busch out of the picture</a>. The brewing company decided to quit from the team and move to Trackhouse Racing team's driver Ross Chastain.

And not just them, even Hunt Brothers Pizza took the same route when they parted ways with the team post Harvick's retirement. For the 2024 season, the pizza restaurant chain moved to Team Penske to sponsor the #22 of Joey Logano.

https://twitter.com/hbpizza/status/1733676973094764722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1733676973094764722%7Ctwgr%5E792114a26e8461a719be4f6bf9385dcd7e7eed2b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.on3.com%2Fpro%2Fnews%2Fkevin-harvick-passes-hunt-brothers-pizza-sponsorship-to-joey-logano-team-penske%2F

Same for the case when another veteran racer and SHR driver, Aric Almirola, decided to hang up his helmet from NASCAR's top tourney. And with his exit, his longtime sponsor Smithfield also decided to close the curtain. However, unlike Anheuser-Busch, Smithfield decided to leave the stock car racing series altogether.

<em>“Smithfield Foods congratulates Aric Almirola on his excellent run with Stewart-Haas Racing. With Aric’s decision to explore new opportunities, the time has come for Smithfield to end our NASCAR partnership. We’ve been with Aric since the beginning. We were his first sponsor in 2012, his first full year in the NASCAR Cup Series, and we’ve enjoyed great success with him over the years,” </em>the brand said in a statement at the time, according to Motorsportswire.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Stewart-Haas Racing social media</strong></h2>
<table style="width: 54.3108%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 17.7384%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Website</span></td>
<td style="width: 136.635%"><a href="https://www.stewarthaasracing.com/">https://www.stewarthaasracing.com/</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 17.7384%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Instagram</span></td>
<td style="width: 136.635%"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stewarthaasracing/">https://www.instagram.com/stewarthaasracing/</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 17.7384%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Facebook</span></td>
<td style="width: 136.635%"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/stewarthaasracing">https://www.facebook.com/stewarthaasracing</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 17.7384%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Twitter</span></td>
<td style="width: 136.635%"><a href="https://twitter.com/stewarthaasrcng">https://twitter.com/stewarthaasrcng</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<table style="width: 54.4564%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 25.7206%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Name</span></td>
<td style="width: 126.608%">Stewart-Haas Racing</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 25.7206%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Owners</span></td>
<td style="width: 126.608%">Tony Stewart, Gene Haas</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 25.7206%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Base</span></td>
<td style="width: 126.608%">Kannapolis, North Carolina</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 25.7206%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Series</span></td>
<td style="width: 126.608%">NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 25.7206%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Race Drivers</span></td>
<td style="width: 126.608%">Chase Briscoe, Josh Berry, Ryan Preece, Noah Gragson, Cole Custer, Riley Herbst</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 25.7206%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Sponsors</span></td>
<td style="width: 126.608%">Haas Automation, Sony, Mahindra Tractors, Ford Performance, Mobil 1, 3D Systems, Andy's Frozen Yogurt, Autodesk, Caymus Vineyards, Code 3 Associates, Cummins, Fanttik, Highpoint, Mohawk, Monster Energy, Morton Buildings, Production Alliance Group, Rinnai, Roushyates Engines, Rush Truck Centers, Sunny D, Terrible's, United Rentals.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 25.7206%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Manufacturer</span></td>
<td style="width: 126.608%">Ford</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 25.7206%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Founded</span></td>
<td style="width: 126.608%">2002</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 25.7206%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Last Race</span></td>
<td style="width: 126.608%">2024 Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 25.7206%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Championships</span></td>
<td style="width: 126.608%"><b>Cup Series</b>: 2 (2011, 2014)
<b>Xfinity Series</b>: 1 (2023)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 25.7206%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Race Victories</span></td>
<td style="width: 126.608%"><b>Cup Series</b>: 69
<b>Xfinity Series</b>: 26<sup id="cite_ref-1" class="reference"></sup>
<b>Camping World Truck Series</b>: 1
<b>ARCA Menards Series West</b>: 2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 25.7206%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Net Worth</span></td>
<td style="width: 126.608%">$165 million (as of February 2020)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2></h2>

Stewart-Haas Racing

Read to find out all about Stewart-Haas Racing's Net Worth, Drivers, Sponsorship Woes, Stats, Achievements and Awards and more!

Title: Stewart-Haas Racing: 2024 Net Worth, Stats, Owners and More

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Aric Almirola is in a slightly vulnerable position in terms of the playoffs, and the first race kicks off this weekend at Darlington Raceway.

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"Maximize Every Single Day" - Aric Almirola on His Strategy to Advance in the Playoffs

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<h3>Aric Almirola- Net Worth, Salary, and Endorsements</h3>
Aric Michael Almirola is a stock car racing driver, currently competing for Stewart-Haas Racing in the No. 10 Ford Mustang cockpit.

[caption id="attachment_368266" align="alignnone" width="620"]<img class="wp-image-368266 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20200908121012/Aric-Almirola.jpg" alt="NASCAR- Aric Almirola" width="620" height="349" /> NASCAR Cup Series driver Aric Almirola<br />COURTESY: GETTY[/caption]
<h3>Aric Almirola Stats and Championships</h3>
Aric set his foot for racing at the tender age of 14. He made his NASCAR debut in 2002 and was ranked second in the Rookie of the Year. He bagged five pole position in the following year.

In 2004, he became the first driver to compete in the Drive for Diversity Program of NASCAR. Furthermore, he competed at the Ace Speedway, where he achieved two victories and also ranked 11th in the points chart.

In 2005, he clinched on five triumphs and began his term in Morgan- Dollar Motorsports in the Truck Series.

In the NASCAR Gander RV and Outdoors Truck Series, Almirola raced for eight years competing in 78 races. In 2010, Dover 200, he grabbed his maiden prize. However, his last victory was the the 2010 VFW 200.

In the entire tenure, Almirola has two wins, 38 Top Tens, and 0 poles under his belt.

In his 11-year tenure at NASCAR Xfinity Series, Almirola competed in 102 races. He recorded his best finish as fourth in 2011. Following that, his account holds three victories, 38 top tens, and five poles.

While his first win was at the?2007 AT&amp;T 250, his last win was at the 2017 Sparks Energy 300.

He has been racing in the NASCAR Cup Series?13 consecutive years and has 353 races under his name. His best finish is in 2018, ranking fifth.
<h3>Aric Almirola Charity and Foundation</h3>
Almirola has been very active in the realm of Charity and Foundations. He supports Operation Homefront vastly with funding and philanthropy.

He and his wife Janice have a foundation too - the Almirola Family Fund, which collects a fund for the Levine Children Hospital.
<h3>Aric Almirola Family</h3>
Aric Almirola is the youngest child of Ralph Almirola Jr. and Bobbi Almirola. His grandfather, Sam Rodriguez, was a racer too; he competed as a dirt sprint car driver.

Church Bells rang for Aric and Janice Almirola in 2010.
<h3>How to contact</h3>
To contact Aric Almirola, there is a <a href="https://aricalmirola.com/">website</a> of him along with a <a href="web@aricalmirola.com">mail</a> address. He shares his opinions and thoughts through <a href="https://twitter.com/Aric_Almirola?s=08">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://instagram.com/aric_almirola?igshid=vn4zl9dmjtj5">Instagram</a>.
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="301">AGE</td>
<td width="301">36</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">HEIGHT</td>
<td width="301">6 ft 0 in</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">MARITAL STATUS</td>
<td width="301">Married</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">SPOUSE</td>
<td width="301">Janice Almirola</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">KIDS</td>
<td width="301">2-Alex and Abby Almirola</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">NATIONALITY</td>
<td width="301">American-Cuban</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">SALARY</td>
<td width="301">$2.5 Million</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">ACHIEVEMENTS</td>
<td width="301">2014 Coke Zero 400</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Aric Almirola

Aric Almirola- Net Worth, Salary, and Endorsements Aric Michael Almirola is a stock car racing driver, currently competing for Stewart-Haas Racing in the No. 10 Ford Mustang cockpit. NASCAR Cup Series driver Aric AlmirolaCOURTESY: GETTY Aric Almirola Stats and Championships Aric set his foot for racing at the tender age of 14. He made his NASCAR debut in 2002 and was ranked second in the Rookie of the Year. He bagged five pole position in the following year. In 2004, he became the first driver to compete in the Drive for Diversity Program of NASCAR. Furthermore, he competed at the Ace Speedway, where he achieved two victories and also ranked 11th in the points chart. In 2005, he clinched on five triumphs and began his term in Morgan- Dollar Motorsports in the Truck Series. In the NASCAR Gander RV and Outdoors Truck Series, Almirola raced for eight years competing in 78 races. In 2010, Dover 200, he grabbed his maiden prize. However, his last victory was the the 2010 VFW 200. In the entire tenure, Almirola has two wins, 38 Top Tens, and 0 poles under his belt. In his 11-year tenure at NASCAR Xfinity Series, Almirola competed in 102 races. He recorded his best finish as fourth in 2011. Following that, his account holds three victories, 38 top tens, and five poles. While his first win was at the?2007 AT&amp;T 250, his last win was at the 2017 Sparks Energy 300. He has been racing in the NASCAR Cup Series?13 consecutive years and has 353 races under his name. His best finish is in 2018, ranking fifth. Aric Almirola Charity and Foundation Almirola has been very active in the realm of Charity and Foundations. He supports Operation Homefront vastly with funding and philanthropy. He and his wife Janice have a foundation too &#8211; the Almirola Family Fund, which collects a fund for the Levine Children Hospital. Aric Almirola Family Aric Almirola is the youngest child of Ralph Almirola Jr. and Bobbi Almirola. His grandfather, Sam Rodriguez, was a racer too; he competed as a dirt sprint car driver. Church Bells rang for Aric and Janice Almirola in 2010. How to contact To contact Aric Almirola, there is a website of him along with a mail address. He shares his opinions and thoughts through Twitter and Instagram.  AGE 36  HEIGHT 6 ft 0 in  MARITAL STATUS Married  SPOUSE Janice Almirola  KIDS 2-Alex and Abby Almirola  NATIONALITY American-Cuban  SALARY $2.5 Million  ACHIEVEMENTS 2014 Coke Zero 400

“Maximize Every Single Day” – Aric Almirola on His Strategy to Advance in the Playoffs

What else did Aric Almirola say?