During the NASCAR Cup Series race at the Bristol Motor Speedway, Kyle Larson seized victory. However, he had to really work hard for it, as a few opponents hounded him. Chief among them was Kevin Harvick, who had already gotten on the bad side of Chase Elliott. Sometime during the race, a recovering Harvick chased after Larson for the race lead. However, that was as far as he got, because the Hendrick Motorsports driver was driving the widest car on the track. The #4 driver even bumped Kyle Larson a couple of times, but the latter refused to give way. In the end, Kyle Larson triumphed ahead of the Stewart-Haas Racing driver. Meanwhile, poor old Harvick was left fuming [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mBay_IWmNQ] after his altercation with Chase Elliott. In his mind, the Elliott run-in hampered his progress and allowed William Byron to overtake him briefly. By the time he cleared the defending champion and reached Byron, Larson was too far ahead. THIS WAS THE BEST CHANCE FOR KEVIN HARVICK All year long, a race win has eluded the #4 driver, and this was one of his best chances. Sadly, thanks to Elliott, it was not to be, and Kevin Harvick will have to try again next time. Apparently, Harvick himself knew how important this win was, and he later confronted Elliott on pit road after the race. Kyle Larson [https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-06-21T004342Z_1689941480_MT1USATODAY16286881_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-ALLY-400.jpg]June 20, Lebanon, TN, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) celebrates with a burnout after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400 race at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 20, 2021. Mandatory Credit: Josie Norris-USA TODAY Sports One thing led to another, and it resulted in a heated spat between the two drivers. It did not help matters that the crowd was mostly on Elliott’s side, since he is hugely popular. Nevertheless, the duo eventually decided to take their discussion inside Chase’s trailer. Whether the two of them have sorted things out and cleared the air, is anybody’s guess. However, they will have to move on from the incident rather quickly. The season is not over yet, and a new Playoff round begins in the coming week. READ MORE: “I’m Going to Stand Up for Myself” – Chase Elliott on His Spat With Kevin Harvick [https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-im-going-to-stand-up-for-myself-chase-elliott-on-his-spat-with-kevin-harvick/] 

At the Bristol Motor Speedway, Kevin Harvick faced a massive obstacle in his
quest for a first win of the season, and its name is Kyle Larson

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

Dhruv George

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

Dhruv George | Senior NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports

EssentiallySports

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

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

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

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

“I’m Going to Stand Up for Myself” – Chase Elliott on His Spat With Kevin
Harvick

NASCAR:  Cup Series Dixie Vodka 400

NASCAR: Cup Series Dixie Vodka 400 - EssentiallySports

NASCAR: Cup Series Dixie Vodka 400

Aayush Majumdar is a NASCAR content strategist, a Tennis Writer, and a sports analyst at EssentiallySports. He is well-tenured as a tennis and NASCAR writer, with over 900 articles across both sports. After pursuing a Post Graduate program in Sports Management, Aayush explored various roles in Sports Media, including a Sports Reporting role at a leading English daily. He is an avid tennis and NASCAR follower even when he is not writing about these sports, and looks up to the likes of Rafael Nadal and Jimmie Johnson.

https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Ayush_Majumdar-removebg-preview-1.png

Aayush Majumdar

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script

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figure

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WATCH: Kyle Larson Pulls Off Incredible Defense Against Kevin Harvick

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Trashes Chase Elliott’s Sufficient Practice Rant

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

[caption id="attachment_600225" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-600225" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20210330165813/2021-03-29T232855Z_1823873570_MT1USATODAY15816921_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-FOOD-CITY-DIRT-RACE.jpg" alt="Joey Logano wins NASCAR Bristol dirt race" width="1920" height="1280" /> Mar 29, 2021; Bristol, TN, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Joey Logano (22) wins the Food City Dirt Race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2>Bristol Motor Speedway- 2021 Latest News, Winners, Qualifying, Track</h2>
Bristol Motor Speedway, previously known as Bristol International Raceway and Bristol Raceway, is a NASCAR short track situated in Bristol, Tennessee. Developed in 1960, it held its first NASCAR race on July 30, 1961.

Bristol is among the most mainstream tracks on the NASCAR plan due to its unmistakable highlights, which incorporate uncommonly steep banking, an all-solid surface, two pit streets, and arena-like seating. It has likewise been named one of the most intense NASCAR tracks.

The track is also known as the "World's Fastest Half-Mile."
<h2>History</h2>
There is a 0.25-mile (0.40 km) dragstrip that has a yearly NHRA occasion every year, the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals.

Before its status as an NHRA public occasion track, the Bristol Dragway was the leader of the rivalry IHRA association; the strip's proprietor Larry Carrier framed the IHRA at the Bristol Dragway in November 1970.

The relationship ended when Bruton Smith assumed control over its possession. The dragstrip has, for quite some time, been nicknamed Thunder Valley because of its area and encompassing view.

Bristol Dragway has each of the three broadly visiting NHRA arrangements in addition to the NHRA Summit Racing Equipment Racing Series - NHRA Jr. Racing League, AHDRA, and the Super Chevy Show.

The speeds are far lower than most NASCAR oval tracks, yet they are exceptionally quick contrasted with other short tracks because of the great banking.

Those highlights make for a lot of vehicle contact at the NASCAR races as the underlying beginning framework of 40 vehicles each in the Cup and Xfinity Series, and 32 in the Truck Series, broadens practically most of the way around the track, which means more slow qualifiers start the race practically a large portion of a lap down. Both NASCAR Cup Series races held at Bristol are for 500 laps.

NASCAR Xfinity Series races frequently draw in excess of 100,000 observers, making it outstanding amongst other drawing Xfinity settings, and brought about Fox broadcasting the race broadly from 2004 to 2006 and ABC doing likewise in 2007 and 2008.
<h2>2021 Race</h2>
Joey Logano took the checkered flag for NASCAR's first Cup Series race at a dirt track in 50 years. He got a jump on Denny Hamlin on the overtime restart to earn his third career victory at Bristol.

Logano became the seventh race winner through seven races this season and gave Team Penske back-to-back victories.
<h2>Quick Facts</h2>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="301">Location</td>
<td width="301">151 Speedway Boulevard Bristol, Tennessee 37620</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Operator</td>
<td width="301">Speedway Motorsports, Inc.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Major Events</td>
<td width="301"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series</strong>

Food City Dirt Race

Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race

<strong>NASCAR Xfinity Series</strong>

Food City 300

<strong>NASCAR Camping World Truck Series</strong>

Pinty's Dirt Truck Race UNOH 200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Length</td>
<td width="301">0.533 mi (0.858 km)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Most Wins</td>
<td width="301">Darrell Waltrip (12)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Most Starts</td>
<td width="301">Richard Petty (60)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Poles</td>
<td width="301">Mark Martin, Cale Yarborough (9)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Bristol Motor Speedway

Mar 29, 2021; Bristol, TN, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Joey Logano (22) wins the Food City Dirt Race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports Bristol Motor Speedway- 2021 Latest News, Winners, Qualifying, Track Bristol Motor Speedway, previously known as Bristol International Raceway and Bristol Raceway, is a NASCAR short track situated in Bristol, Tennessee. Developed in 1960, it held its first NASCAR race on July 30, 1961. Bristol is among the most mainstream tracks on the NASCAR plan due to its unmistakable highlights, which incorporate uncommonly steep banking, an all-solid surface, two pit streets, and arena-like seating. It has likewise been named one of the most intense NASCAR tracks. The track is also known as the &#8220;World&#8217;s Fastest Half-Mile.&#8221; History There is a 0.25-mile (0.40 km) dragstrip that has a yearly NHRA occasion every year, the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals. Before its status as an NHRA public occasion track, the Bristol Dragway was the leader of the rivalry IHRA association; the strip&#8217;s proprietor Larry Carrier framed the IHRA at the Bristol Dragway in November 1970. The relationship ended when Bruton Smith assumed control over its possession. The dragstrip has, for quite some time, been nicknamed Thunder Valley because of its area and encompassing view. Bristol Dragway has each of the three broadly visiting NHRA arrangements in addition to the NHRA Summit Racing Equipment Racing Series &#8211; NHRA Jr. Racing League, AHDRA, and the Super Chevy Show. The speeds are far lower than most NASCAR oval tracks, yet they are exceptionally quick contrasted with other short tracks because of the great banking. Those highlights make for a lot of vehicle contact at the NASCAR races as the underlying beginning framework of 40 vehicles each in the Cup and Xfinity Series, and 32 in the Truck Series, broadens practically most of the way around the track, which means more slow qualifiers start the race practically a large portion of a lap down. Both NASCAR Cup Series races held at Bristol are for 500 laps. NASCAR Xfinity Series races frequently draw in excess of 100,000 observers, making it outstanding amongst other drawing Xfinity settings, and brought about Fox broadcasting the race broadly from 2004 to 2006 and ABC doing likewise in 2007 and 2008. 2021 Race Joey Logano took the checkered flag for NASCAR&#8217;s first Cup Series race at a dirt track in 50 years. He got a jump on Denny Hamlin on the overtime restart to earn his third career victory at Bristol. Logano became the seventh race winner through seven races this season and gave Team Penske back-to-back victories. Quick Facts  Location 151 Speedway Boulevard Bristol, Tennessee 37620  Operator Speedway Motorsports, Inc.  Major Events NASCAR Cup Series Food City Dirt Race Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race NASCAR Xfinity Series Food City 300 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Pinty&#8217;s Dirt Truck Race UNOH 200  Length 0.533 mi (0.858 km)  Most Wins Darrell Waltrip (12)  Most Starts Richard Petty (60)  Poles Mark Martin, Cale Yarborough (9)

Bristol Motor Speedway Archives

LatestBristol Motor 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

<h2><b>NASCAR Playoff Schedule</b></h2>
The 2023 <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/nascar-cup-series/">NASCAR Cup Series</a> regular season finished off in emphatic fashion after a thrilling race at Daytona. Now, the much-awaited playoffs begin for this year's campaign with 16 drivers challenging for the title. While the competition only gets intense, it only gets tricky with the venues involved for the remaining 10 races.

Kickstarting with the Round of 16, the first race takes place on 3rd September with the Southern 500 at <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/darlington-raceway/">Darlington Raceway</a>. It is then followed by the race at Hollywood Casino 4000 at <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/kansas-speedway/">Kansas Speedway</a> on 10th September. After that, the round of 16 ends with the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/bristol-motor-speedway/">Bristol Motor Speedway</a> on 16th September.

Once that's done, then begins the round of 12. It starts with the Autotrader Echopark Automotive 400 race at <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/texas-motor-speedway/">Texas Motor Speedway</a> on 24th September. Following that, the Cup Series moves to the Yellawood 500 at <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/talladega-superspeedway/">Talladega Superspeedway</a> on 1st October. Finally, the round ends with the Bank of America Roval 400 race on 8th October at <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/charlotte-motor-speedway/">Charlotte Motor Speedway</a> Roval.

[caption id="attachment_2069888" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-2069888" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-08-27T035119Z_812682395_MT1USATODAY21286511_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-COKE-ZERO-SUGAR-400.jpg" alt="NASCAR Cup Series" width="1920" height="1280" /> Aug 26, 2023; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) leads the field during the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

After the six races begin the Round of 8, first with the South Point 400 race at <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/las-vegas-motor-speedway/">Las Vegas Motor Speedway</a> on 15th October. The second race of the round will be carried out on 22nd October at <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/homestead-miami-speedway/">Homestead-Miami Speedway</a>. Once that's done, the penultimate race of the 2023 season will be the Xfinity 500 race at <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/martinsville-speedway/">Martinsville Speedway</a> on 29th October.

Eventually, the final race of the campaign will be at <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/phoenix-raceway/">Phoenix Raceway</a>, bringing curtains to this year's action on 5th November. While these 10 races will be conducted on different tracks, the format of the playoffs makes it an exciting affair.
<table width="602">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong>Round of 16</strong></td>
<td><strong>Round of 12</strong></td>
<td><strong>Round of 8</strong></td>
<td><strong>Championship race</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sun., Sept. 3 - Southern 500 - Darlington Raceway <strong>(Winner: Kyle Larson)</strong></td>
<td>Sun., Sept. 24 - Texas Motor Speedway <strong>(Winner: William Byron)</strong></td>
<td>Sun., Oct. 15 - Las Vegas Motor Speedway <strong>(Winner: Kyle Larson)</strong></td>
<td>Sun., Nov. 5 - Phoenix Raceway</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sun., Sept. 10 - Kansas Speedway <strong>(Winner: Tyler Reddick)</strong></td>
<td>Sun., Oct. 1 - Talladega Superspeedway? <strong>(Winner: Ryan Blaney)</strong></td>
<td>Sun., Oct. 22 - Homestead-Miami Speedway <strong>(Winner: Christopher Bell)</strong></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sat., Sept. 16 - Bristol Motor Speedway <strong>(Winner: Denny Hamlin)</strong></td>
<td>Sun., Oct. 8 - Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval <strong>(Winner: AJ Allmendinger)</strong></td>
<td>Sun., Oct. 29 - Martinsville Speedway</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<b>NASCAR Cup Series playoff format</b>

The current playoff format isn't as difficult as it looks to understand. The Cup Series playoff uses an elimination-style format possessing four rounds in total. It starts with the Round of 16 where all the 16 drivers in the playoff compete in three races.

However, at the end of those three races, the four drivers below the cut-off line get eliminated. Then begins the Round of 12 which also contains competing in three races. Again, the four drivers below the cut-off line get eliminated, leaving 8 of them.

With the same logic and rules applied in the Round of 8, it all comes down to the last four remaining drivers. It goes down to the wire at Phoenix Raceway with the Championship 4 race where the best four drivers in the competition battle for the title in Arizona. Interestingly, the points system involved makes the competition more wild with time.
<h2><b>NASCAR Cup Series points system</b></h2>
The regular season gave a glimpse of how the desperation of winning points could prompt drivers to their limits. Despite his best efforts, <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/chase-elliott/">Chase Elliott</a> failed to make it to the playoffs this season, the first time ever he did that in his career. While points weren't enough to help his cause, the same could not be said for the final 16 drivers in the playoffs.

Without a doubt, every driver would be fighting to finish as high as possible in every race. The 10 races would see 36 to 40 drivers competing depending on the event or the track. The race winner would get 40 points, the second-place finisher would get 35 points, the third-place finisher would get 34 points, and so on. Notably, drivers who finish between the 36th and 40th position would get a single point.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">To be good is one thing.</p>
To be great is another.

The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NASCARPlayoffs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NASCARPlayoffs</a> begin Sunday. <a href="https://t.co/QF7nWIDGlJ">pic.twitter.com/QF7nWIDGlJ</a>

? NASCAR (@NASCAR) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASCAR/status/1696681733523918871?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
Another mode of earning points would be through stage wins. 10 points would be awarded for winning each stage. Since the race is divided into three stages, 10 points each will be awarded for Stage 1 and Stage 2 wins. Not only that, while these 10 points are for the winner, the second place gets nine, the third place gets eight, and so on until the 10th place gets a single point.

For example, if a driver wins one of the first two stages and fails to finish the race, he would still end the race with 10 points. At the same time, if a driver wins both the first two stages and the race, he could go on to win 60 points in total. What this does is give every racer an incentive to strongly compete in every phase of the playoff race.

It is worth mentioning that drivers who have accumulated playoff points in the regular season will be carried forward in the playoffs. This would give them a small advantage and a slight leeway in case things go wrong in a race. Having said that, surviving in the playoffs is as difficult as qualifying for it.
<h2><b>What makes a driver qualify for the NASCAR playoffs?</b></h2>
It is no secret that qualifying for the NASCAR playoffs is no less than an achievement. Despite his best efforts, it took <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/bubba-wallace/">Bubba Wallace</a> six years to get into the playoff for the first time. In fact, the introduction of Next-Gen cars has only made it more tricky.

Mathematically, a win in the regular season doesn't assure a place in the playoffs. However, more often than not a victory has almost secured a place in the playoffs. Since the current playoff format was introduced in 2014, the Cup Series hasn't witnessed more than 16 different winners in a regular season.

So practically, a win does help in making it to the playoffs. In the event there is more than one driver without a win competing for the spot, the drivers with the most overall points make the cut. In fact, it is with this logic that Wallace and two other drivers made it to the playoffs in 2023.
<h2><b>Who are the NASCAR drivers in the playoffs?</b></h2>
During the course of 26 races in the regular season, there have been some remarkable performances, to say the least. While a few of them were unexpected, it has certainly brought a different flavor to NASCAR's top-tier racing. Both <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/william-byron/">William Byron</a> and <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/martin-truex-jr/">Martin Truex Jr</a> have raced incredibly well to cement their place at the top.

While the <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/joe-gibbs-racing/">Joe Gibbs Racing</a> driver won the regular season championship, Byron would hope to go all the way in the playoffs. Another <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/hendrick-motorsports/">Hendrick Motorsports</a> star who has done well this season is <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/kyle-larson">Kyle Larson</a>. While he won two races in the regular season, he could have easily won more had it not been for some unfortunate events.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In his final season, <a href="https://twitter.com/KevinHarvick?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KevinHarvick</a> will be racing for his second championship. ?</p>
The No. 4 clinches a spot in the 2023 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NASCARPlayoffs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NASCARPlayoffs</a> on points. <a href="https://t.co/1nipRDyQ8v">pic.twitter.com/1nipRDyQ8v</a>

? NASCAR (@NASCAR) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASCAR/status/1693375004472152498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
It must not have been easy for <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/rick-hendrick/">Rick Hendrick</a> given how they only have two drivers in the playoffs this campaign. However, that's not the case with <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/joe-gibbs/">Joe Gibbs</a> as along with Truex Jr, <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/denny-hamlin/">Denny Hamlin</a> and <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/christopher-bell/">Christopher Bell</a> have also made it to the final 16. While Hamlin's contract situation at JGR remains uncertain, it is a massive opportunity for him to win his first-ever championship.

Speaking of JGR and contracts, <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/richard-childress/">Richard Childress Racing</a> driver <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/kyle-busch/">Kyle Busch</a> also made it to the playoffs with three wins this season. One of the biggest surprises of the final 16 would be <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/chris-buescher/">Chris Buescher</a>. His late surge in the regular season saw him register three wins in the last five weeks.

The playoffs will also see <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/ross-chastain/">Ross Chastain</a>, Tyler Reddick, Joey Logano, <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/ryan-blaney/">Ryan Blaney</a>, Michael McDowell, and <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/ricky-stenhouse-jr/">Ricky Stenhouse Jr</a>, who all made it through a single win in the first 26 races of the season. However, the ones to make it without a win are Bubba Wallace, the retiring <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/kevin-harvick/">Kevin Harvick</a>, and <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/brad-keselowski/">Brad Keselowski</a>. It is certainly interesting to see if there's a new winner this time around.
<h2><b>What playoff drivers have won the NASCAR Cup Series championship before?</b></h2>
Winning the NASCAR Cup Series hasn't been an easy task. Despite his terrific experience and skills, Denny Hamlin has struggled to win it once in 19 years. Having said that, he has had drivers alongside him who have won it before. In fact, even the current bunch of drivers in the playoff know what it is like to be a title winner.

Out of the 16 drivers, 6 of them have already won it previously. This year's regular season champion, Martin Truex Jr has already won the Cup Series back in 2017. With his incredible form this campaign, he is undoubtedly one of the front-runners to repeat the feat.

Along with Truex Jr lies Kyle Busch who has also known the amazing feeling of being a Cup Series champion. Having won it twice, the RCR driver would be inching to win it with his new team. Other former championship winners include Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, Brad Keselowski, and Kevin Harvick. While all of these drivers have the potential to double their tally, it would take a wild effort for them to go all the way this season.
<h2><b>NASCAR Cup Series playoff standings</b></h2>
Clearly, winning the championship will be the agenda for all the final 16 drivers involved. While it is easier said than done, there is no discounting anyone involved. Currently, William Byron and Martin Truex Jr lead the charts with 36 playoff points to their name each.

They are followed by Denny Hamlin and Chris Buescher who have 25 and 21 playoff points respectively. All the next four names are some of the brightest names in the sport. Kyle Busch, Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, and Ross Chastain take up the next four spots with 19, 17, 14, and 11 playoff points respectively.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Appreciate all the kind notes this week from fans, media, friends, partners and my teammates.</p>
After all we?ve been through, I?m still standing; hungry and ready for the 2023 nascar playoffs to begin<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/6neverQuits?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#6neverQuits</a> <a href="https://t.co/Uu38wIjECI">pic.twitter.com/Uu38wIjECI</a>

? Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) <a href="https://twitter.com/keselowski/status/1696307508241944861?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
While the list only gets more spicy, the outcome only gets more unpredictable race after race. Brad Keselowski and Tyler Reddick have 10 and nine playoff points to their name so far. With eight points to their name, Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney occupy the two spots just above the cutoff line going into the Round of 16.

The final four before the race at Darlington sees Michael McDowell in the 13th place with seven playoff points. Ricky Stenhouse Jr and Kevin Harvick have five and four points to their name respectively. Last but not least, Bubba Wallace has failed to win a playoff point in the regular season. It is interesting to see how he does in his playoff debut, especially how he deals with the non-playoff drivers.

<span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>Latest Standings:</strong></span>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400"><strong>Driver</strong>?</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">?Points</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">#24 William Byron</span></td>
<td>
<p style="text-align: center">4126</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">#20 Christopher Bell</span></td>
<td>
<p style="text-align: center">4110</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>#12 Ryan Blaney</td>
<td style="text-align: center">4106</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>#5 Kyle Larson</td>
<td style="text-align: center">4105</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>#45 Tyler Reddick</td>
<td style="text-align: center">4096</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>#11 Denny Hamlin</td>
<td style="text-align: center">4089</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>#19 Martin Truex Jr</td>
<td style="text-align: center">4089</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>#17 Chris Buescher</td>
<td style="text-align: center">4063</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>#6 Brad Keselowski</td>
<td style="text-align: center">2263</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>#1 Ross Chastain</td>
<td style="text-align: center">2219</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>#23 Bubba Wallace</td>
<td style="text-align: center">2216</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>#8 Kyle Busch</td>
<td style="text-align: center">2210</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>#22 Joey Logano</td>
<td style="text-align: center">2198</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>#4 Kevin Harvick</td>
<td style="text-align: center">2170</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>#34 Michael McDowell</td>
<td style="text-align: center">2145</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>#47 Ricky Stenhouse Jr</td>
<td style="text-align: center">2136</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2><b>Do non-playoff drivers also compete in Playoffs?</b></h2>
Unlike other sports, NASCAR interprets elimination differently. Despite not making it to the final 16, the non-playoff drivers remain part of the balance 10 races in the 2023 season. Most notably, they would hope to win and help their team gather more points.

With not much at stake, many opt to try out different tactics and setups during these races. The best a non-playoff driver can finish at the end of the season would be with a 17th-placed finish. Other than that, some of the drivers also tend to use this opportunity to help their playoff-qualified drivers in their bid to win the title.

Having said that, it is worth noting that NASCAR tends to take strict actions on any mala fide act or intent on track indicating in this direction. Some even do it with revenge in their mind due to past duels earlier in the campaign. So, there's plenty for even the non-playoff drivers to make the final 16 an entertaining affair.

NASCAR Playoffs

NASCAR Playoff Schedule The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series regular season finished off in emphatic fashion after a thrilling race at Daytona. Now, the much-awaited playoffs begin for this year&#8217;s campaign with 16 drivers challenging for the title. While the competition only gets intense, it only gets tricky with the venues involved for the remaining 10 races. Kickstarting with the Round of 16, the first race takes place on 3rd September with the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. It is then followed by the race at Hollywood Casino 4000 at Kansas Speedway on 10th September. After that, the round of 16 ends with the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on 16th September. Once that&#8217;s done, then begins the round of 12. It starts with the Autotrader Echopark Automotive 400 race at Texas Motor Speedway on 24th September. Following that, the Cup Series moves to the Yellawood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on 1st October. Finally, the round ends with the Bank of America Roval 400 race on 8th October at Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval. Aug 26, 2023; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) leads the field during the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports After the six races begin the Round of 8, first with the South Point 400 race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on 15th October. The second race of the round will be carried out on 22nd October at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Once that&#8217;s done, the penultimate race of the 2023 season will be the Xfinity 500 race at Martinsville Speedway on 29th October. Eventually, the final race of the campaign will be at Phoenix Raceway, bringing curtains to this year&#8217;s action on 5th November. While these 10 races will be conducted on different tracks, the format of the playoffs makes it an exciting affair.  Round of 16 Round of 12 Round of 8 Championship race  Sun., Sept. 3 &#8211; Southern 500 &#8211; Darlington Raceway (Winner: Kyle Larson) Sun., Sept. 24 &#8211; Texas Motor Speedway (Winner: William Byron) Sun., Oct. 15 &#8211; Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Winner: Kyle Larson) Sun., Nov. 5 &#8211; Phoenix Raceway  Sun., Sept. 10 &#8211; Kansas Speedway (Winner: Tyler Reddick) Sun., Oct. 1 &#8211; Talladega Superspeedway? (Winner: Ryan Blaney) Sun., Oct. 22 &#8211; Homestead-Miami Speedway (Winner: Christopher Bell)  Sat., Sept. 16 &#8211; Bristol Motor Speedway (Winner: Denny Hamlin) Sun., Oct. 8 &#8211; Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval (Winner: AJ Allmendinger) Sun., Oct. 29 &#8211; Martinsville Speedway   NASCAR Cup Series playoff format The current playoff format isn&#8217;t as difficult as it looks to understand. The Cup Series playoff uses an elimination-style format possessing four rounds in total. It starts with the Round of 16 where all the 16 drivers in the playoff compete in three races. However, at the end of those three races, the four drivers below the cut-off line get eliminated. Then begins the Round of 12 which also contains competing in three races. Again, the four drivers below the cut-off line get eliminated, leaving 8 of them. With the same logic and rules applied in the Round of 8, it all comes down to the last four remaining drivers. It goes down to the wire at Phoenix Raceway with the Championship 4 race where the best four drivers in the competition battle for the title in Arizona. Interestingly, the points system involved makes the competition more wild with time. NASCAR Cup Series points system The regular season gave a glimpse of how the desperation of winning points could prompt drivers to their limits. Despite his best efforts, Chase Elliott failed to make it to the playoffs this season, the first time ever he did that in his career. While points weren&#8217;t enough to help his cause, the same could not be said for the final 16 drivers in the playoffs. Without a doubt, every driver would be fighting to finish as high as possible in every race. The 10 races would see 36 to 40 drivers competing depending on the event or the track. The race winner would get 40 points, the second-place finisher would get 35 points, the third-place finisher would get 34 points, and so on. Notably, drivers who finish between the 36th and 40th position would get a single point. To be good is one thing. To be great is another. The #NASCARPlayoffs begin Sunday. pic.twitter.com/QF7nWIDGlJ ? NASCAR (@NASCAR) August 30, 2023 Another mode of earning points would be through stage wins. 10 points would be awarded for winning each stage. Since the race is divided into three stages, 10 points each will be awarded for Stage 1 and Stage 2 wins. Not only that, while these 10 points are for the winner, the second place gets nine, the third place gets eight, and so on until the 10th place gets a single point. For example, if a driver wins one of the first two stages and fails to finish the race, he would still end the race with 10 points. At the same time, if a driver wins both the first two stages and the race, he could go on to win 60 points in total. What this does is give every racer an incentive to strongly compete in every phase of the playoff race. It is worth mentioning that drivers who have accumulated playoff points in the regular season will be carried forward in the playoffs. This would give them a small advantage and a slight leeway in case things go wrong in a race. Having said that, surviving in the playoffs is as difficult as qualifying for it. What makes a driver qualify for the NASCAR playoffs? It is no secret that qualifying for the NASCAR playoffs is no less than an achievement. Despite his best efforts, it took Bubba Wallace six years to get into the playoff for the first time. In fact, the introduction of Next-Gen cars has only made it more tricky. Mathematically, a win in the regular season doesn&#8217;t assure a place in the playoffs. However, more often than not a victory has almost secured a place in the playoffs. Since the current playoff format was introduced in 2014, the Cup Series hasn&#8217;t witnessed more than 16 different winners in a regular season. So practically, a win does help in making it to the playoffs. In the event there is more than one driver without a win competing for the spot, the drivers with the most overall points make the cut. In fact, it is with this logic that Wallace and two other drivers made it to the playoffs in 2023. Who are the NASCAR drivers in the playoffs? During the course of 26 races in the regular season, there have been some remarkable performances, to say the least. While a few of them were unexpected, it has certainly brought a different flavor to NASCAR&#8217;s top-tier racing. Both William Byron and Martin Truex Jr have raced incredibly well to cement their place at the top. While the Joe Gibbs Racing driver won the regular season championship, Byron would hope to go all the way in the playoffs. Another Hendrick Motorsports star who has done well this season is Kyle Larson. While he won two races in the regular season, he could have easily won more had it not been for some unfortunate events. In his final season, @KevinHarvick will be racing for his second championship. ? The No. 4 clinches a spot in the 2023 #NASCARPlayoffs on points. pic.twitter.com/1nipRDyQ8v ? NASCAR (@NASCAR) August 20, 2023 It must not have been easy for Rick Hendrick given how they only have two drivers in the playoffs this campaign. However, that&#8217;s not the case with Joe Gibbs as along with Truex Jr, Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell have also made it to the final 16. While Hamlin&#8217;s contract situation at JGR remains uncertain, it is a massive opportunity for him to win his first-ever championship. Speaking of JGR and contracts, Richard Childress Racing driver Kyle Busch also made it to the playoffs with three wins this season. One of the biggest surprises of the final 16 would be Chris Buescher. His late surge in the regular season saw him register three wins in the last five weeks. The playoffs will also see Ross Chastain, Tyler Reddick, Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, Michael McDowell, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr, who all made it through a single win in the first 26 races of the season. However, the ones to make it without a win are Bubba Wallace, the retiring Kevin Harvick, and Brad Keselowski. It is certainly interesting to see if there&#8217;s a new winner this time around. What playoff drivers have won the NASCAR Cup Series championship before? Winning the NASCAR Cup Series hasn&#8217;t been an easy task. Despite his terrific experience and skills, Denny Hamlin has struggled to win it once in 19 years. Having said that, he has had drivers alongside him who have won it before. In fact, even the current bunch of drivers in the playoff know what it is like to be a title winner. Out of the 16 drivers, 6 of them have already won it previously. This year&#8217;s regular season champion, Martin Truex Jr has already won the Cup Series back in 2017. With his incredible form this campaign, he is undoubtedly one of the front-runners to repeat the feat. Along with Truex Jr lies Kyle Busch who has also known the amazing feeling of being a Cup Series champion. Having won it twice, the RCR driver would be inching to win it with his new team. Other former championship winners include Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, Brad Keselowski, and Kevin Harvick. While all of these drivers have the potential to double their tally, it would take a wild effort for them to go all the way this season. NASCAR Cup Series playoff standings Clearly, winning the championship will be the agenda for all the final 16 drivers involved. While it is easier said than done, there is no discounting anyone involved. Currently, William Byron and Martin Truex Jr lead the charts with 36 playoff points to their name each. They are followed by Denny Hamlin and Chris Buescher who have 25 and 21 playoff points respectively. All the next four names are some of the brightest names in the sport. Kyle Busch, Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, and Ross Chastain take up the next four spots with 19, 17, 14, and 11 playoff points respectively. Appreciate all the kind notes this week from fans, media, friends, partners and my teammates. After all we?ve been through, I?m still standing; hungry and ready for the 2023 nascar playoffs to begin#6neverQuits pic.twitter.com/Uu38wIjECI ? Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) August 28, 2023 While the list only gets more spicy, the outcome only gets more unpredictable race after race. Brad Keselowski and Tyler Reddick have 10 and nine playoff points to their name so far. With eight points to their name, Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney occupy the two spots just above the cutoff line going into the Round of 16. The final four before the race at Darlington sees Michael McDowell in the 13th place with seven playoff points. Ricky Stenhouse Jr and Kevin Harvick have five and four points to their name respectively. Last but not least, Bubba Wallace has failed to win a playoff point in the regular season. It is interesting to see how he does in his playoff debut, especially how he deals with the non-playoff drivers. Latest Standings:  Driver? ?Points  #24 William Byron 4126  #20 Christopher Bell 4110  #12 Ryan Blaney 4106  #5 Kyle Larson 4105  #45 Tyler Reddick 4096  #11 Denny Hamlin 4089  #19 Martin Truex Jr 4089  #17 Chris Buescher 4063  #6 Brad Keselowski 2263  #1 Ross Chastain 2219  #23 Bubba Wallace 2216  #8 Kyle Busch 2210  #22 Joey Logano 2198  #4 Kevin Harvick 2170  #34 Michael McDowell 2145  #47 Ricky Stenhouse Jr 2136  Do non-playoff drivers also compete in Playoffs? Unlike other sports, NASCAR interprets elimination differently. Despite not making it to the final 16, the non-playoff drivers remain part of the balance 10 races in the 2023 season. Most notably, they would hope to win and help their team gather more points. With not much at stake, many opt to try out different tactics and setups during these races. The best a non-playoff driver can finish at the end of the season would be with a 17th-placed finish. Other than that, some of the drivers also tend to use this opportunity to help their playoff-qualified drivers in their bid to win the title. Having said that, it is worth noting that NASCAR tends to take strict actions on any mala fide act or intent on track indicating in this direction. Some even do it with revenge in their mind due to past duels earlier in the campaign. So, there&#8217;s plenty for even the non-playoff drivers to make the final 16 an entertaining affair.

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<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

Stewart-Haas Racing Archives

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At Bristol Motor Speedway, Kevin Harvick faced a massive obstacle in his quest for a first win of the season, and its name is Kyle Larson.

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<h1 style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Harvick: 2024 Net Worth, Stats, Salary, Wife and More</b></h1>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Who is Kevin Harvick?</strong></h2>
Kevin Harvick is a stock car racing driver, who will perhaps always be known as the guy that succeeded <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/dale-earnhardt/">Dale Earnhardt</a>. However, he has made sure that's not the only thing he's known for after churning out more than two decades of what everybody will definitely call an iconic career.

[caption id="attachment_2070221" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-2070221 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-08-12T160152Z_773590676_MT1USATODAY21192103_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-CUP-PRACTICE-QUALIFYING.jpg" alt="Kevin Harvick" width="1920" height="1280" /> Aug 12, 2023; Speedway, Indiana, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick (4) during practice for the Verizon 200 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Harvick’s Early Life</b></h2>
Kevin Harvick was born on December 8, 1975, to Mike Harvick and JoNell Harvick. He has a younger sister named Amber, who prefers to stay away from the limelight.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Kevin Harvick’s Wife and Children</strong></h2>
Talking about Kevin Harvick is incomplete without mentioning his partner in crime, <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-who-is-delana-harvick-meet-nascar-driver-kevin-harvicks-wife/">DeLana Harvick</a>. The couple first met in the year 2000, when DeLana was working in the Public Relations department for NASCAR driver, Randy LaJoie. The couple, smitten with each other, tied the knot just a year later, shortly after Harvick's Cup Series debut and have been going strong since then. They have <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-meet-kevin-harvicks-children-keelan-harvick-and-piper-grace/">two children together</a>, a son Keelan Paul Harvick, born on July 8, 2012, and a daughter Piper Harvick, his daughter, born on December 8, 2017.

[caption id="attachment_2312873" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-2312873 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/275072737_500811668067352_3858581679021431527_n-e1698862461270.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1142" /> Source: Kevin Harvick's Facbook Page[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Harvick’s Net Worth 2024</b></h2>
Having been a Cup Series driver for over twenty years, Kevin Harvick has reportedly amassed an approximately $70 million net worth. He was reportedly being paid $10.9 million at Stewart-Haas Racing before he retired and was reportedly one of the highest paid drivers in his last full-time season in 2023. While the retired veteran has taken up new duties as a full-time FOX TV Analyst, his salary hasn't been disclosed.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Harvick’s Career Timeline  </b></h2>
Kevin Harvick's relation with the race-track dates back to his toddler days. Little Harvick was reportedly gifted a go-kart by his parents as a kindergarten graduation gift. And since that day, the racer hasn't had to look back. The driver soon started participating in go-karting events, and notably won two Grand National championships and seven national championships. However, Harvick didn't stop there as he began racing in late models on a part-time basis during his teenage days. And just three years later, in 1995, Harvick made his <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/nascar-truck-series/">NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series</a> debut at Mesa Marin Raceway, where he finished P27.

Then in 1999, he made his Xfinity Series (then called the NASCAR Busch Series) debut at Rockingham Speedway. Unfortunately, due to an engine failure, the racer had to finish at a dismal P42, despite having started at P24.

Subsequently, Kevin Harvick was scheduled to make a full-time <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/nascar-cup-series/">Cup Series</a> in 2002 with <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/richard-childress-racing/">Richard Childress Racing</a>. However, the Intimidator Dale Earnhardt's tragic death during the 2001 Daytona 500 changed all plans and Kevin Harvick had to fill in for Earnhardt for the rest of the season, starting with the Dura Lube 400 at Rockingham Speedway, where he finished P14. And 13 years later, Harvick finally won the Cup Series in 2014.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Kevin Harvick’s Partnerships and Endorsements</strong></h2>
According to Kevin Harvick's official website, he is backed by brands like RealTree, Busch Beer, Hunt Brothers Pizza, Pristine Auction.com, Ezgo and Treetop.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Harvick’s NASCAR Stats</b></h2>
In his elaborate Cup career, Kevin Harvick has clinched 60 wins, 444 Top-10s and 31 pole positions in 826 races. In the <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/nascar-xfinity-series/">Xfinity Series</a>, in 349 races, the driver has 47 wins, 261 Top-10s and 25 poles. As for NASCAR's third division, the Craftsman Truck Series, Harvick has four pole positions, 62 top-10s and 14 wins in 124, to his name.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Harvick’s Major Achievements and Awards</b></h2>
There's hardly anything the driver has yet to clinch in his NASCAR career. From championship wins to iconic race wins, Harvick has it all! He won the 2014 Cup Series championship, besides being named as one of NASCAR's 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023. Apart from that, Harvick is also tops the list for wins at the <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/phoenix-raceway/">Phoenix Raceway</a> with nine victories.

He is also the 2011 and 2013 Coca-Cola 600 winner, the 2007 NEXTEL All-Star Challenge winner, the 2009, 2010 and  2013 Sprint Unlimited winner, the 2014 and 2020 Cook Out Southern 500 winner and the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race winner, among others.

[caption id="attachment_423928" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-423928 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20201026190316/GettyImages-1124983304.jpg" alt="Kevin Harvick celebrates his win at Daytona" width="1920" height="1280" /> DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 14: Kevin Harvick, driver of the #4 Busch Beer Car2Can Ford, celebrates in victory lane after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Gander RV Duel At DAYTONA #1 at Daytona International Speedway on February 14, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Harvick and Dale Earnhardt </b></h2>
Kevin Harvick's foray into the Cup Series will always be a part of the history books. Initially, after showing blistering performances in other NASCAR divisions, Harvick was roped in to make his Cup debut in 2002 on a full-time basis, for Richard Childress Racing. However, that plan didn't see the light of day as, in 2001, during the Daytona 500, Dale Earnhardt met his tragic end. Now, left with a vacant No. 29 Chevrolet, Richard Childress decided to field Harvick on an immediate basis that saw him compete the rest of the season, 35 races to be precise, in place of the Intimidator.

Kevin Harvick and Dale Earnhardt shared a camaraderie like no other. Being a part of the same team back then saw the duo form a friendship where Dale Earnhardt reportedly also took up a mentorship role for Harvick, who was in his early 20s back then.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Harvick Controversies</b></h2>
While Kevin Harvick has made some memorable friendships in the circuit during his long career, feuds have also followed him on quite some occasions. One of the most memorable ones date back to 2014 when Kevin Harvick, despite not being involved in a fight directly, decided to stir the pot. The incident unfolded during the final playoff elimination round at the AAA Texas 500. Keselowski seemingly squeezed between the No. 48 of <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/jimmie-johnson/">Johnson</a> and the No. 24 of <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/jeff-gordon/">Gordon</a> in a bid to steal the win but instead bumped Gordon, which ended up spinning him to the back of the field and finish at a dismal P29.

Later, after the conclusion of the race, Gordon stormed over to pit road to confront <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/brad-keselowski/">Keselowski</a>, who didn't seem too interested in a feud. However, things took a turn when Kevin Harvick suddenly came up from behind Keselowski and pushed him toward Jeff Gordon. What followed was a massive fistfight. While Harvick, at the time, may have instigated the fight, he later expressed his regret for the shove.

https://twitter.com/NASCARONFOX/status/1190282849276104704

<em>“I know what I was thinking when I pushed him into the fight and then it caused the chaos. For me, my mind was, ‘Man, we didn’t win tonight. We need chaos'…We needed the story to go elsewhere other than us and being out of contention. It did exactly what I wanted it to do, but it’s not the best thing for your kids to find on YouTube, starting the fight,” </em>Harvick had later shared on 'Stacking Pennies With Corey LaJoie'.

One other driver that the 2014 Cup Series Champion was seen locking horns with was <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/joey-logano/">Joey Logano</a>. The duo was often seen racing hard against each other and even engaging in multiple run-ins. In 2010, at the Pocono Raceway, Harvick had nudged Logano from behind, which sent him spinning. And later, during a post-race interview, Logano didn't holf back from firing shots at both Harvick and his wife DeLana.<em> “I don’t know what his deal is with me, but it’s probably not his fault, you know, his wife wears the firesuit in the family and tells him what to do. I don’t know what I’ve ever done to piss him off, but he’s apparently stupid,”</em> Logano had said. That's not the end of it, though. Again, in 2015, a similar incident took place, but this time it was Logano who nudged Harvick during the Sprint Unlimited at Daytona International Speedway.

https://twitter.com/NASCARONFOX/status/1134497767089303552

While the feud seemed like it would have no end, the duo have let of the bad blood, and are even good friends today.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Harvick Retirement and Fox booth analyst</b></h2>
A saddening news hit the NASCAR circuit in January 2023, when Kevin Harvick announced that he would retire after the 2023 season.

<em>“There is absolutely nothing else in the world that I enjoy doing more than going to the race track, and I’m genuinely looking forward to this season. But as I’ve gone through the years, I knew there would come a day where I had to make a decision. When would it be time to step away from the car? I’ve sought out people and picked their brains. When I asked them when they knew it was the right time, they said it’ll just happen, and you’ll realize that’s the right moment. You’ll make a plan and decide when it’s your last year. It’s definitely been hard to understand when that right moment is because we’ve been so fortunate to run well. But sometimes there are just other things going on that become more important and, for me, that time has come,”</em> Harvick had said in an official press release.

And just a month later, it was announced that the veteran would be joining the FOX Sports Broadcast Booth for the Cup Series in 2024. He was roped in as a part of a three-member team alongside Mike Joy and Clint Bowyer.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Harvick Social Media </b></h2>
Kevin Harvick is active on all major social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
<table style="width: 691px">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 76.9028px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Facebook</span></td>
<td style="width: 599.431px">https://www.facebook.com/KevinHarvick/</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 76.9028px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Instagram</span></td>
<td style="width: 599.431px"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/kevinharvick/?hl=en">https://www.instagram.com/kevinharvick/</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 76.9028px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Twitter</span></td>
<td style="width: 599.431px"><a href="https://twitter.com/KevinHarvick?">https://twitter.com/KevinHarvick/</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="width: 54.3473%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Full Name</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">Kevin Michael Harvick</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Popular Name</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">Kevin Harvick, The Closer, Happy Harvick</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Birthdate</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">December 8, 1975</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Birthplace</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">Bakersfield, California, U.S.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Age </span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">48 (as of March 2024)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Height </span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">1.78 m</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Weight</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">175 lb (79 kg)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Parents</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">Mike, Harvick, JoNell Harvick</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Siblings</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">Amber</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Nationality </span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">American</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Ethnicity</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">Caucasian</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Salary</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">Approx. $10.9 million at SHR before retirement</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Net Worth</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">Approx. $70 millon</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Relationship/ Marital Status</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">Married</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Spouse</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">DeLana Harvick</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Children</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%"> 2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Profession</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">Retired stock car racing driver, Fox Analyst</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Team</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">Stewart-Haas Racing at the time of retirement</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Kevin Harvick

Here's everything you need to know about retired Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick's Early Life, Family, Net Worth, Stats, Achievements and so much more!

Kevin Harvick: 2024 Net Worth, Stats, Salary, Wife and More

Kevin Harvick Archives

<h1 style="text-align: center">Kyle Larson: Net Worth 2024, Relationships, NASCAR and More</h1>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Who is Kyle Larson?</b></h2>
Kyle Miyata Larson is one of the most prolific and successful motorsports drivers in NASCAR today. The Hendrick Motorsports star is a former Cup Series champion and is one of the most consistent drivers in the Cup Series. However, stock car racing is not the only thing Larson is prolific in. He is a master sprint car racer and will be trying his hand at IndyCar in 2024. Larson is also the co-owner of the fast-rising sprint car racing competition, High Limit Racing.

<img class="wp-image-2075684 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1599038101.jpg" alt="Kyle Larson" width="1920" height="1280" />

BROOKLYN, MICHIGAN - AUGUST 07: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, laughs on the grid prior to a weather delayed restart of the NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on August 07, 2023 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b> Kyle Larson's early life</b></h2>
Kyle Larson was born on June 31, 1992, in Elk Grove, California. The HMS star was educated at Pleasant Grove High School in Elk Grove itself. Racing and school are difficult to balance but Larson had a lot of help from his mother who was a teacher. It's safe to say that the 2021 Cup Series champion was kind of an all-rounder when he was in school.

The HMS driver was born into a family of racers. His father, Mike Larson, was a racer as well. His mother, Janet Larson, is Japanese-American and both of his grandparents spent time in an internment camp during World War II. His middle name is Miyata which is a common surname in several regions in Japan. He has a sister whose name is Andrea.

Early on in his career in motorsports, Kyle Larson was a prolific dirt-track racer with several prestigious wins in the King's Royal, Knoxville Nationals, and the Chili Bowl Nationals. He also won the 2011 4-Crown Nationals at Eldora Speedway. This saw him win three types of USAC races at a go in a single night, becoming only the second driver to achieve so. The following year saw him earn six victories in USAC National Midget races, which included the Turkey Night Grand Prix.

His achievements caught the eye of the teams in NASCAR and Kyle Larson made his full-time debut in the 2013 Nationwide Series with Turner Scott Motorsports. He had run a few races in the Truck Series in 2012 with the same team.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kyle Larson’s wife and children</b></h2>
The Hendrick Motorsports star married Katelyn Sweet on September 26, 2018. The couple has 3 children together, Owen Miyata Larson, Audrey Layne Larson, and Cooper Donald Larson. Cooper is the youngest and was born on the last day of 2022. However, when it comes to Audrey, the family shares some bad news. <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-same-quote-kyle-larsons-wife-reveals-daughter-suffers-from-the-same-horrific-disease-as-jada-pinkett-smith/">The parents revealed how their daughter has been impacted by Alopecia</a> since she was 18 months old, in honor of Alopecia Awareness Month. Since then, she has had hair loss, but they delayed going public with the news.

<img class="aligncenter wp-image-1192530 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Kyle-Larson-wife-Katelyn-Larson-son-Owen-and-daughter-Audrey-NASCAR-trophy-768x512-1.jpg" alt="" width="768" height="512" />
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kyle Lason's net worth 2024 </b></h2>
As of 2023, Kyle Larson has amassed a net worth of $12 million as per Celebrity Net Worth including his race earnings, endorsements, and other ventures. The Hendrick Motorsports star's current contract with the team runs until 2026 and as per reports, he makes an estimated $10 million each year as part of that deal. He also has several sponsorship deals with Target, Chevrolet, Oakley, Credit One Bank, iRacing, and Alpinestars.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kyle Larson’s career timeline</b></h2>
Making his racing debut in outlaw karts at the age of seven, Kyle Larson has always been a talented multitasker trying his hands in various tourneys. Throughout his childho0d and adolescence, the driver started his professional racing career with open wheel-cars in the United States Auto Club (USAC) and the Silver Crown, among others. He also participated in the World of Outlaws and racked up his first win in the division at the Placerville Speedway, as one of the youngest drivers to ever compete. After winning Rookie of the Year in 2011, the racer then divulged his attention toward the NASCAR K &amp; N Pro Series and the ARCA Series.

In 2012, he was signed as a developmental driver for Earnhardt Ganassi Racing. In June of the same year, Larson won his first NASCAR K &amp; N Pro Series East race at Gresham Motorsports Park. He also went on to win the 2012 NASCAR K&amp;N Pro Series East Championship beating the likes of <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/corey-lajoie/">Corey LaJoie</a>. On the other hand, his ARCA career took some time to take off as his first win in the division came two years after his debut, in 2014, at Pocono Raceway.

Larson's NASCAR Truck Series debut came in 2012 and he won his first race the next year, at Rockingham Speedway, driving for Turner Scott Motorsports. And it is around the same time that his Xfinity And <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/nascar-cup-series/">Cup Series</a> career took off as well. Debuting the top faction for <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/chip-ganassi-racing/">Chip Ganassi Racing</a> in 2014, the driver finished 17th in the points standings in his first year. As for his <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/nascar-xfinity-series/">Xfinity</a> Series career debut in 2013, the driver finished 8th in the final standings while driving for Turner Scott Motorsports.

[caption id="attachment_521629" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-521629 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20210120200820/GettyImages-1150194779.jpg" alt="Kyle Larson" width="1920" height="1281" /> CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 18: Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Advent Health Chevrolet, celebrates winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kyle Larson’s partnerships and endorsements</b></h2>
One of Kyle Larson's earliest sponsor after he moved to <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/hendrick-motorsports/">Hendrick Motorsports</a> from Chip Ganassi Racing in 2021 was HendrickCars.com. The Hendrick Automotive Group, via the HendrickCars.com brand, became a majority sponsor for the #5 driver for the 2022 and 2023 Cup Series seasons. Backing Larson for some 35 races in his NASCAR schedule, the brand also committed itself to sponsoring the racer in all non-NASCAR events.

As the division's first Japanese-American driver, Larson also paid an ode to his heritage when, in 2023, he landed an official restaurant partner in the form of JINYA Ramen Bar. In this extensive agreement, according to an official press release by Hendrick Motorsports, the brand was set to feature on the driver's post-race hat, firesuit and even his team apparel.

Expressing his excitement, JINYA Founder and CEO Tomo Takahashi said at the time, <em>"Not only is Kyle a NASCAR star because of his supreme talent on the track, but he’s also the sport’s first-ever Asian-American driver, so we are thrilled to partner with him. Kyle has already picked up two wins this season and we can’t wait to see him make many more trips to victory lane while wearing the JINYA logo!"</em>

Additionally, ahead of the 2024 Cup season, automotive services and lubricant brand, Valvoline also announced its bid to back Kyle Larson along with his teammate William Byron. <em>“Valvoline will be the primary sponsor for Kyle Larson in three races (Phoenix, Sonoma and the Chicago Street Race) for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season,” </em>an official press release said.

In another exciting development, Kyle Larson is also set to drive for McLaren Racing for the 2024 Indianapolis 500 as he attempts the revered 'Double Duty' on May 26. Apart from that, tool manufacturer, Cincinnati Inc also joined hands with him ahead of his HMS debut.

One thing's for sure. The driver sure knows how to attract sponsors!
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kyle Larson's investments</b></h2>
Just like any other multi-talented personality, Kyle Larson has time and again shown how easy it is to dabble in multiple things at once. From competing to owning, the driver knows how to do it all. Merely at the age of 21, in 2013, Kyle Larson started exploring his entrepreneurial side which saw the formation of his sprint car and midget racing team, in association with fellow driver Justin Marks, named Larson Marks Racing. Primarily competing in the World of Outlaws, the team has had its highs and lows. The team had a fairly successful run with driver Shane Stewart who won at the team's second-ever start at the Eldora Speedway. Apart from that, the driver was also the 2015 Kings Royal victor at the Eldora Speedway yet again. Stewart was also won the Winter Heat Sprint Car Showdow during the 2015-16 off-season, besides finish second in the WoO points standings in 2015.

But, things soon went downhill. While Kyle Larson taking over the sole ownership of the team in 2017 and renaming it Kyle Larson Racing seemed promising, the COVID-19 pandemic proved to be an adversity. In October of 2020, it was announced that the team would cease operations after the season was over.

While the closure might be disheartening, it didn't dampen his spirit. Soon after, in 2021, the driver announced the formation of a sprint car series, with his brother-in-law and five-time WoO champion Brad Sweet. The first season in 2023, saw 12 races. Kyle Larson won the inaugural season of the series. As for High Limit Racing's 2024 plans, the series has expanded the schedule to a staggering 60 races. It will also offer $5.8 million in prize money. Now that's what we can call an epic comeback!

[caption id="attachment_677288" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-677288 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-06-14T153502Z_1823926688_16251805_RTRMADP_3_MOTOR-NASCAR.jpg" alt="Kyle Larson NASCAR" width="1920" height="1368" /> Jun 13, 2021; Fort Worth, TX, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) shoots his six shooter guns as he celebrates winning the NASCAR All-Star Race at Texas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kyle Larson’s NASCAR career stats</b></h2>
For a driver of Kyle Larson's stature, the numbers speak for themselves. The driver boasts an average finish of 14.23 and an average start of 11.9. He has a total of 23 race wins in his Cup series career with 164 top 10s and 16 pole positions. As for the other two NASCAR divisions, the driver has 14 wins, 80 Top 10s, and six poles in his Xfinity Series career, and three wins, 11 Top 10s, and two poles in his Truck Series stint. The driver also boasts a total of 7,556 laps led in his NASCAR.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kyle Larson's  major achievements and awards</b></h2>
Kyle Larson, at his age, has already earned more accolades than several racing veterans and even legends of the sport. The HMS star is the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion, the 2012 NASCAR K&amp;N Pro Series East Champion, the 2010 King of the West Sprint Car Series Champion, the 2018 United Truck Parts International Midget Series Champion, the 2020 Pennsylvania Speedweek Champion, 2015 Rolex 24 at Daytona Overall Winner, 2019, 2021, 2023 NASCAR All-Star Race Winner, 2021 Coca-Cola 600 Winner and countless more.

As for his sprint car racing career, the driver won the inaugural season of his High Limit Racing series, thereby cementing his place as a formidable racer. This year, too, he'll be looking to visit the podium as the series takes a new turn with charter introductions akin to NASCAR and schedule expansion.

The 31-year-old is also set to expand his racing horizon when he makes his IndyCar debut with Arrow McLaren in 2024 in the Indy 500 on May 26. The HMS did race go-karts when he was younger and that knowledge will come in handy. The race will be a part of the revered 'Double Duty' attempt which him see him compete in the Indianapolis 500 and the almost 600 miles way <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/coca-cola-600/">Coca-Cola 600</a> on the same day.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kyle Larson's merchandise</b></h2>
Being as popular as he is, Kyle Larson's merchandise sells out like hotcakes. He has his own merch store online with several products embroidered with the KL logo. Caps, beanies, hoodies, t-shirts, and even gift cards are the products sold by the driver's team on <a href="https://shopkylelarson.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://shopkylelarson.com/</a>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kyle Larson's controversies</b></h2>
He may come across as a civil sportsperson today but Kyle Larson was the center of attention for all the wrong reasons back when he was racing for Chip Ganassi Racing in 2020. The now-Hendrick Motorsports driver uttered a racial slur during a video game stream in April that year. He was swiftly dropped from his team and he lost his sponsors. Before long, NASCAR suspended the driver. Larson was reinstated in October after which he joined HMS.

The 2021 Cup Series champion has had run-ins with the outspoken <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/denny-hamlin/">Denny Hamlin</a>. The two drivers had a moment in the 2023 Cup Series season in Kansas. Hamlin nudged Larson into the wall to take the victory of the race. The two drivers expressed their disappointment with one another and even the <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/stewart-haas-racing/https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/joe-gibbs-racing/">Joe Gibbs Racing</a> driver's comments on the Actions Detrimental podcast frustrated his rival.

<em>“I don’t think there’s a reason to be mad at him,”</em> Larson had said on an episode of the High Limit Room podcast. <em>“We were racing aggressively on the last lap for a win, and he was way faster than me. Just the only thing that I guess I get frustrated with is on his deal, his podcast, he says, ‘I race a certain way, but I’ve never had to reach out to him to apologize about anything.'"</em>

[caption id="attachment_780514" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-780514 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-09-27T033921Z_1662942844_MT1USATODAY16837811_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-SOUTH-POINT-400.jpg" alt="NASCAR Denny Hamlin Kyle Larson" width="1920" height="1290" /> Sep 26, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) driver Kyle Larson (5) and driver Kyle Busch (18) race for position during the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kyle Larson's social media</b></h2>
Kyle Larson is fairly active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. While he shares a lot of promotional content on the first 2, his Instagram account holds several moments of his personal life.
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<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Facebook</span></td>
<td><a href="https://www.facebook.com/KyleLarsonRacing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.facebook.com/KyleLarsonRacing</a></td>
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<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Instagram</span></td>
<td><a href="https://twitter.com/KyleLarsonRacin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://twitter.com/KyleLarsonRacin</a></td>
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<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Twitter</span></td>
<td><a href="https://www.instagram.com/kylelarsonracin/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.instagram.com/kylelarsonracin/</a></td>
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<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Full Name</span></td>
<td>Kyle Larson</td>
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<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Popular Name</span></td>
<td>Yung Money</td>
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<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Birth Place </span></td>
<td>Elk Grove, California, U.S.</td>
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<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Birth Date</span></td>
<td>July 31, 1992</td>
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<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Age</span></td>
<td>31</td>
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<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Height</span></td>
<td>5 ft 6 in</td>
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<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Weight (in pounds)</span></td>
<td>135 lb</td>
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<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Parents </span></td>
<td>Mike Larson, Janet Larson</td>
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<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Siblings</span></td>
<td>Andrea Larson</td>
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<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Nationality</span></td>
<td>American</td>
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<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Ethnicity</span></td>
<td>Japanese-American</td>
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<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Net Worth</span></td>
<td>$12 million</td>
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<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Salary</span></td>
<td>$10 million</td>
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<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Relationship/Marital Status</span></td>
<td>Married</td>
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<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Spouse</span></td>
<td>Katelyn Sweet</td>
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<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Children</span></td>
<td>Owen Miyata Larson, Audrey Layne Larson, and Cooper Donald Larson</td>
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<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Profession </span></td>
<td>Motorsports athlete</td>
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<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Team</span></td>
<td>Hendrick Motorsports</td>
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<h2 style="text-align: center"></h2>

Kyle Larson

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