In his Dale Jr Download podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr reminisced several stories of his late father. He even had former NASCAR driver Ron Hornaday Jr on the show with him. One of them involved almost missing a call from the NASCAR legend. This was because he was under the impression that it was a prank on him. The thought was not unfounded as they had a colleague who ran a radio show at the time. This colleague was notorious for imitating famous NASCAR drivers and prank-calling them. [https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1138711441.jpg]HAMPTON, GA – NOVEMBER 18: Dale Earnhardt celebrates his 4th NASCAR Winston Cup Championship after the Atlanta Journal 500, NASCAR Winston Cup race, Atlanta Motor Speedway on November 18, 1990 in Hampton, Georgia.. (Photo by Brian Cleary/Getty Images) Hornaday Jr said [https://open.spotify.com/episode/3LtpQEyhVMHnXpTZt09VMt?si=S-kRnIsqTEifkdsK5GvSzA&utm_source=whatsapp&nd=1], “Remember Larry Naston, he passed away recently, he was with mechanized work. He was an announcer, radio type deal. Every Monday, ‘Ron Hornaday! It’s Richard Petty. How did you do this weekend?’. He was like Richard Petty, you know. Driving home, we didn’t have cell phones back then. We’d stop for fuel, call up the shop. Get a phone call and they say, ‘Yeah, Larry Naston keeps calling, pretending he’s Dale Earnhardt. We kept hanging up on him, we’re so busy trying to get this car done before you get back to the shop’. I heard, Dale is supposed to be calling, so he called three times, I hung up on him. They always thought he was Larry Naston.” WHAT ELSE DID HORNADAY JR SAY ABOUT DALE EARNHARDT? Unfortunately, the drama did not end there for Hornaday Jr. When he pulled in, he desperately needed to answer Nature’s Call, and Dale Earnhardt tried calling again. The former Truck driver evidently prioritized his bladder first and put Dale Sr on hold, because it was a long call. Dale Earnhardt [https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-230049.jpg]15 Feb 1996: Dale Earnhardt celebrates his seventh Gatorade125 Qualifying race as he chases the remarkable 500th win, at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. Mandatory Credit: David Taylor/Allsport When he finally got in touch with the NASCAR legend, Dale Sr offered him a Super Truck drive. Though Hornaday accepted, he and Dale Earnhardt haggled a little on where they would meet up. Needless to say, the 7-time Cup Series champion was not taking no for an answer. READ MORE: “You Don’t Tell a 7-Time Winston Cup Champion How to Drive” – Former NASCAR Driver Steve Park Recalls Hilarious Dale Earnhardt-Electric Fence Incident [https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-you-dont-tell-a-7-time-winston-cup-champion-how-to-drive-former-nascar-driver-steve-park-recalls-hilarious-dale-earnhardt-electric-fence-incident/] 

In a recent podcast, Ron Hornaday Jr spoke about a time when he almost ignored a
Dale Earnhardt phone call because he thought it was a prank

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 Motorsports author 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

“You Don’t Tell a 7-Time Winston Cup Champion How to Drive” – Former NASCAR
Driver Steve Park Recalls Hilarious Dale Earnhardt-Electric Fence Incident

Dale Earnhardt File Photos From 1995 - 2000

Dale Earnhardt (Photo by Allen Kee/WireImage)

Dale Earnhardt File Photos From 1995 - 2000 - EssentiallySports

Dale Earnhardt File Photos From 1995 &#8211; 2000

Hailing from Bengaluru, Bhargav is a Marketing and Ops Executive at EssentiallySports. A former F1 and NASCAR author, he is a huge fan of Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing. Bhargav also has an MBA in Sports Management from the Symbiosis School of Sports Sciences, Pune. He is quite a genius in his field, having won the All-India Marketing Case Study Competition conducted by SRCC in 2015. Bhargav also loves to combine his love for marketing and sports by taking part in competitions like Knockout: Sports Marketing Case Study by IIM Ahmedabad. When not engrossed in sports, he likes to play the keyboard and watch some of his favorite sitcoms.

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Bhargav Gopal

figcaption

figure

strong

Ron Hornaday Jr Recalls When He Almost Mistook Dale Earnhardt’s Call as a Prank

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

Kevin Harvick Reveals His Deliberately Reckless Move to See Out $228 Billion
Sponsor

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

“They’re a Bunch of Morons”: Dale Earnhardt Jr Baffled by His Employees’ Texas
Hypocrisy Post Their “Entertaining” Verdict

Chase Elliott Dissects NASCAR’s Double Edged Sword, Reignites Denny Hamlin’s
Horsepower Rant With Harsh Reality Check

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

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

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In a recent podcast, Ron Hornaday Jr spoke about a time when he almost ignored a Dale Earnhardt phone call because he thought it was a prank

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Ron Hornaday Jr Recalls When He Almost Mistook Dale Earnhardt's Call as a Prank

https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-ron-hornaday-jr-recalls-when-he-almost-mistook-dale-earnhardts-call-as-a-prank/

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[caption id="attachment_423971" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-423971" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20201026191536/GettyImages-78605405.jpg" alt="Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr." width="1920" height="1376" /> DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 4: Dale Earnhardt Sr. &amp; Dale Earnhard, Jr. pose together at the raceway in Daytona Beach, Florinda on February 4, 2001. The Earhnardts and Andy Pilgram earned second in the GTS category during the 2001 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. (Photo by ISC Archives/CQ-Roll Call Group via Getty Images)[/caption]
<h3>Dale Earnhardt: 2021 Net Worth, Salary, and Endorsements</h3>
Dale Earnhardt Sr. was the most prominent driver in American stock car racing. Even though he always did things the way they suited him, he was remarkable in the NASCAR world.

Beyond etching his name as a legendary driver in the history books of NASCAR, he was also popular as his own Brand name. Outside his remarkable career in the racing field, Earnhardt Sr. also raved in business. He named it Dale Earnhardt Inc. -? the team his son raced with.
<h3>Dale Earnhardt Sr.: Stats and Championships</h3>
Earnhardt began his racing career in NASCAR, participating in the Winston Cup Series in 1975. He bagged the 1979 Winston Cup Series Rookie of the Year. Following this, he earned seven titles of the Winston Cup Series Champion for the NASCAR Cup Series.

In the NASCAR Cup Series, Earnhardt Sr. raced for 27 consecutive years. In the record of 676 races he subsequently achieved 76 victories, 22 Pole finishes, and 428 Top Tens.

At the NASCAR Xfinity Series, the maestro drove in 136 races. In the tenure of 13 years, he clinched 21 trophies, 7 pole positions, and 75 top ten finishes.

He won the IROC Championship four times and also won the 1998 Daytona 500.

Furthermore, Earnhardt Sr. triumphed over the Southern 500 three times; he has the same record at the Coca-Cola 600.

He was the winner of the maiden Budweiser Late Model Sportsman Series race as well as the Busch Series.

Dale Earnhardt also claimed the 2001 Winston Cup Series Most Popular Driver. He received the award of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers too.

In 2002, Motorsports Hall of Fame Inductee; 2006, International Motorsports Hall of Fame Inductee; 2010, NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductee; all three awards are under his collection.
<h3>Dale Earnhardt Sr: 2021 Net Worth</h3>
The accurate worth of Earnhardt Sr. is not available. However, at the time of his death, his approximate <a href="https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-athletes/race-car-drivers/dale-earnhardt-net-worth/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">net worth</a> was $70 million. If calculated at present, his net Worth will rise more than $100 million.

He has a long list of assets and properties along with his firm left for his kins.
<h3>Dale Earnhardt Sr: Foundations and Charity</h3>
Earnhardt Sr. has profoundly contributed to the field of philanthropy.

He helped in preserving wildlife and the environment. He further participated in lending help to the unprivileged children and their education.

The Dale Earnhardt Foundation still runs in his name to continue the legacy. It supports the needy through funds and sponsorships too.
<h3>Dale Earnhardt Sr.: Family</h3>
Earnhardt Sr. was born on April 29, 1951. He was the third child of Martha and Ralph Earnhardt. His father was a racer in NASCAR too.

At the early age of 17, Dale tied the knot with Latane Brown for the first time in 1968. The couple conceived their first child, Kerry, in the following year.

After his first divorce, he got married to Brenda Gee. The couple further gave birth to two children - Kelley King Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Soon after their son was born, the couple split. Wedding bells rang for the last time in 1982 as he read vows to Teresa Houston. The couple had their daughter in 1982, Taylor Nicole Earnhardt.

Earnhardt Sr. passed away on February 18, 2001, in an accident.
<h3>Dale Earnhardt Sr: Quick Facts</h3>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="206">DATE OF BIRTH</td>
<td width="142">April 29, 1951</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="206">EXPIRED</td>
<td width="142">February 18, 2001 (49)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="206">CAUSE OF DEATH</td>
<td width="142">Basilar Skull Fracture (in an accident while racing)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="206">HEIGHT</td>
<td width="142">6?1??</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="206">NATIONALITY</td>
<td width="142">German-American</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="206">MARITAL STATUS</td>
<td width="142">Married (thrice)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="206">SPOUSE</td>
<td width="142">Latane Brown (M-1968)

Brenda Gee (M-1971)

Teresa Houston (M-1982)

&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="206">KIDS</td>
<td width="142">4-Kerry, Kelley King Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Taylor Nicole Earnhardt</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="206">CHAMPIONSHIPS</td>
<td width="142">7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="206">NET WORTH</td>
<td width="142">Above $70 Million</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Dale Earnhardt

DAYTONA BEACH, FL &#8211; FEBRUARY 4: Dale Earnhardt Sr. &amp; Dale Earnhard, Jr. pose together at the raceway in Daytona Beach, Florinda on February 4, 2001. The Earhnardts and Andy Pilgram earned second in the GTS category during the 2001 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. (Photo by ISC Archives/CQ-Roll Call Group via Getty Images) Dale Earnhardt: 2021 Net Worth, Salary, and Endorsements Dale Earnhardt Sr. was the most prominent driver in American stock car racing. Even though he always did things the way they suited him, he was remarkable in the NASCAR world. Beyond etching his name as a legendary driver in the history books of NASCAR, he was also popular as his own Brand name. Outside his remarkable career in the racing field, Earnhardt Sr. also raved in business. He named it Dale Earnhardt Inc. -? the team his son raced with. Dale Earnhardt Sr.: Stats and Championships Earnhardt began his racing career in NASCAR, participating in the Winston Cup Series in 1975. He bagged the 1979 Winston Cup Series Rookie of the Year. Following this, he earned seven titles of the Winston Cup Series Champion for the NASCAR Cup Series. In the NASCAR Cup Series, Earnhardt Sr. raced for 27 consecutive years. In the record of 676 races he subsequently achieved 76 victories, 22 Pole finishes, and 428 Top Tens. At the NASCAR Xfinity Series, the maestro drove in 136 races. In the tenure of 13 years, he clinched 21 trophies, 7 pole positions, and 75 top ten finishes. He won the IROC Championship four times and also won the 1998 Daytona 500. Furthermore, Earnhardt Sr. triumphed over the Southern 500 three times; he has the same record at the Coca-Cola 600. He was the winner of the maiden Budweiser Late Model Sportsman Series race as well as the Busch Series. Dale Earnhardt also claimed the 2001 Winston Cup Series Most Popular Driver. He received the award of NASCAR&#8217;s 50 Greatest Drivers too. In 2002, Motorsports Hall of Fame Inductee; 2006, International Motorsports Hall of Fame Inductee; 2010, NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductee; all three awards are under his collection. Dale Earnhardt Sr: 2021 Net Worth The accurate worth of Earnhardt Sr. is not available. However, at the time of his death, his approximate net worth was $70 million. If calculated at present, his net Worth will rise more than $100 million. He has a long list of assets and properties along with his firm left for his kins. Dale Earnhardt Sr: Foundations and Charity Earnhardt Sr. has profoundly contributed to the field of philanthropy. He helped in preserving wildlife and the environment. He further participated in lending help to the unprivileged children and their education. The Dale Earnhardt Foundation still runs in his name to continue the legacy. It supports the needy through funds and sponsorships too. Dale Earnhardt Sr.: Family Earnhardt Sr. was born on April 29, 1951. He was the third child of Martha and Ralph Earnhardt. His father was a racer in NASCAR too. At the early age of 17, Dale tied the knot with Latane Brown for the first time in 1968. The couple conceived their first child, Kerry, in the following year. After his first divorce, he got married to Brenda Gee. The couple further gave birth to two children &#8211; Kelley King Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Soon after their son was born, the couple split. Wedding bells rang for the last time in 1982 as he read vows to Teresa Houston. The couple had their daughter in 1982, Taylor Nicole Earnhardt. Earnhardt Sr. passed away on February 18, 2001, in an accident. Dale Earnhardt Sr: Quick Facts  DATE OF BIRTH April 29, 1951  EXPIRED February 18, 2001 (49)  CAUSE OF DEATH Basilar Skull Fracture (in an accident while racing)  HEIGHT 6?1??  NATIONALITY German-American  MARITAL STATUS Married (thrice)  SPOUSE Latane Brown (M-1968) Brenda Gee (M-1971) Teresa Houston (M-1982) &nbsp;  KIDS 4-Kerry, Kelley King Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Taylor Nicole Earnhardt  CHAMPIONSHIPS 7  NET WORTH Above $70 Million

Ron Hornaday Jr Recalls When He Almost Mistook Dale Earnhardt’s Call as a Prank

What else did Hornaday Jr say about Dale Earnhardt?