Time after time again, we are reminded just how high the stakes are whenever a driver steps in a racecar. Because while in some sports, the stakes go as high as winning or losing a trophy or a paycheck, in motorsports, on top of those two things, there’s the element of serious danger to life that constantly looms over everyone’s heads. Such was the case in the NASCAR Xfinity race at Daytona when Myatt Snider suffered one of the most horrific crashes in recent memory. And fortunately, the 27-year-old walked out unharmed from the beaten skeleton of a car. During the final lap of the race, Snider was in the midfield. And just like everyone else, he also tried making a move to gain a place or two in the closing stages. However, he went out of control and slammed into the wall. Soon after, he went airborne and ripped through and into the fence as the No.31 quickly disintegrated down to its bare chassis with everyone waiting for some activity, some sign from Snider. Luckily, the Xfinity Series driver walked out of his car, as the entire NASCAR community took a big sigh of relief. This crash, which was replayed several times, was one that took place right in front of the 23XI Racing camp which meant not only was the driver lucky to be unharmed but so were Bubba Wallace [https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/bubba-wallace/] and Michael Jordan from the incredible amount of debris that flew all over the place. WHAT WENT THROUGH THE MIND OF MYATT SNIDER DURING HIS CRASH? Myatt Snider, who suffered some injuries on his left leg, recalled what his thoughts were while he was inside the car that flew into the wall, into the fence, and then landed on the asphalt. “I felt a push, and I started feeling the car go right. And, I’m like ‘Crap, I might be along for a ride here,’” Snider said [https://www.si.com/racing/2022/02/20/myatt-snider-flips-goes-airborne-in-last-lap-crash-at-daytona]. “And sure enough, I was. I got turned around to the side, and then I was facing backwards. I started seeing the racetrack, and I’m like, ‘Hmm, this is getting better as it goes.'” “I’m extremely blessed to be as okay as I am.” Also Read: Kyle Larson’s Crew Chief Cliff Daniels on the Hendrick Motorsports ‘Grey Cloud Over My Head’ Ahead of Daytona 500 [https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-kyle-larsons-crew-chief-cliff-daniels-on-the-hendrick-motorsports-grey-cloud-over-my-head-ahead-of-daytona-500/] 

During the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Daytona International Speedway, driver
Myatt Snider suffered a horrific crash and walked away.

Shaharyar is an experienced Senior NASCAR writer at EssentiallySports.  A journalist by heart and profession, he has been at the ?wheel? for nearly a decade after starting with Formula 1. He has penned over 1,700 articles on the sport. Shaharyar is known for his quick reporting on controversies and feuds in NASCAR and is one of the masterminds behind "NASCAR In and Out", a Reader-Connect Program of EssentiallySports that boasts a weekly reach of fifty thousand subscribers in the US.

Shaharyar believes in the conversational style of journalism, where fans are at the heart of the conversation. As a big fan of Kyle Busch, he maintains a commitment to journalistic neutrality in his coverage. A graduate of journalism from a professional university, Shaharyar blends his love for storytelling with the fast-paced nature of the sport to deliver compelling content that resonates with his readers.

Despite his admiration for Kyle Busch, Shaharyar is now turning his attention to Hendrick Motorsports star Kyle Larson, whom he believes is a legend in the making. He is always looking to bring fresh perspectives and insights to his readers and engages in healthy debates and discussions about the latest developments in NASCAR. In his free time, Shaharyar enjoys watching soccer and taking long walks to unwind.

Shaharyar

Shaharyar is an experienced Senior NASCAR writer at EssentiallySports. A journalist by heart and profession, he has been at the ?wheel? for nearly a decade after starting with Formula 1. He has penned over 1,700 articles on the sport. He is also a graduate of journalism from a professional university.

Shaharyar | NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports

EssentiallySports

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Shaharyar is an experienced Senior NASCAR writer at EssentiallySports. A journalist by heart and profession, he has been at the ?wheel? for nearly a decade after starting with Formula 1. He has penned over 1,700 articles on the sport. Shaharyar is known for his quick reporting on controversies and feuds in NASCAR and is one of the masterminds behind "NASCAR In and Out", a Reader-Connect Program of EssentiallySports that boasts a weekly reach of fifty thousand subscribers in the US. Shaharyar believes in the conversational style of journalism, where fans are at the heart of the conversation. As a big fan of Kyle Busch, he maintains a commitment to journalistic neutrality in his coverage. A graduate of journalism from a professional university, Shaharyar blends his love for storytelling with the fast-paced nature of the sport to deliver compelling content that resonates with his readers. Despite his admiration for Kyle Busch, Shaharyar is now turning his attention to Hendrick Motorsports star Kyle Larson, whom he believes is a legend in the making. He is always looking to bring fresh perspectives and insights to his readers and engages in healthy debates and discussions about the latest developments in NASCAR. In his free time, Shaharyar enjoys watching soccer and taking long walks to unwind.

https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/afc0a65575e79c2dd4b2b19a4e61e9d8?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Shaharyar is an F1 & NASCAR writer at EssentiallySports. A graduate in
Journalism from Amity University, he has been a passionate follower of
motorsports for a better part of the decade. A Max Verstappen and Ferrari
supporter, he dreams of a pairing of the two in future. While his favourite
track is Monza, his favourite F1 car is the MP4/4. He enjoys watching soccer
when the engines are off. Along with being an author, he is also a filmmaker who
believes in the power of storytelling and taking a walk.

Shaharyar Khan Chauhan

Kyle Larson’s Crew Chief Cliff Daniels on the Hendrick Motorsports ‘Grey Cloud
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Myatt Snider's crash - EssentiallySports

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<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>What is the Daytona 500?</strong></h2>
For any NASCAR fan, the Daytona 500 race holds a special place in their hearts. The most prestigious race in the Cup Series, a win at the revered race bestows limitless repute and honor to its victor. Often referred to as the unofficial "birthplace of speed", Daytona Beach, where the race has been held for over six decades, has a long and storied history. Currently, it features on the <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/nascar-cup-series/">NASCAR Cup Series</a> schedule as one of the four crown-jewel races and also features the highest winning prize among all Cup races.

[caption id="attachment_1627382" align="alignnone" width="1"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-1627382" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1024835900h.jpg" alt="Daytona 500" width="1" height="1" /> Daytona International Speedway plays host to the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series for the Daytona 500 in Daytona Beach, FL, USA. Daytona Beach United States of America - ZUMAc04_ 20230219_zaf_c04_386 Copyright: xWalterxGxArcexSrxActionxSportsxPx[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Origins of the Daytona 500</strong></h2>
While many stories about the origin of Daytona races date back to 1903 when two men challenged each other to a race to decide whose horseless carriage was the fastest, the sturdy stock car race at the iconic location came into being in 1959, courtesy of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. And on February 22, in front of 41,000 people, the revered race planted its seed to mega-stardom. The inaugural race was the only instance when both hard top and convertible vehicles were allowed to race. Since then, the Daytona 500 has been much-awaited by stock car racing fans every year.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-2632995 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/DoBedrfXoAAjZ5P-1.jpeg" alt="" width="3000" height="2400" />

And while the Daytona Beach, Florida location is already iconic, the track that hosts the Daytona 500 race is just as well-thought out and executed. Wanting to give fans an edge-of-the-seat thriller, Bill Frances Sr brainstormed alongside engineers to create a track that would have the highest banking, allowing cars to reach topmost speed. And soon the prospect presented itself in the form of a tri-oval with 31 degrees banking at turns and 18 degrees at the start/finish lines. With 2.5 mile in length, today, the race lasts 500 miles/200 laps.

The first-ever Daytona 500, called the <b>1959 First 500 Mile NASCAR International Sweepstakes at Daytona</b> back then, saw 59 cars competing. The winning purse of the inaugural race had a steep value of $53, 050, out of which Lee Petty took home $19,050 for his victory while the runner-up Beauchamp secured $7,650.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><span style="font-weight: 400"><strong>Why is the Daytona 500 called ‘The Great American Race’</strong></span></h2>
As one of the most iconic spectator sports events in America, the Daytona 500 definitely takes the cake when it comes to being NASCAR's crème de la crème. Throughout history, the event has often been compared to the Super-Bowl, the crown jewel of the NFL. However, many NASCAR enthusiasts haven't been too keen about that description and have placed the crown-jewel race way above the Super Bowl.

The Daytona 500 has also been synonymous with the President's Day weekend in every NASCAR fan's heart. From 1968 to 2011, the race was held on President's Day weekend every year. However, NASCAR decided to change that in 2012 with news of an NFL schedule revamp doing the rounds. As per reports, NFL was planning to expand its 18-game regular season and as per the new roster, the Super Bowl was to be held on the same day as the Daytona 500. Sensing a dent on viewership numbers, the stock car racing organization move the race. However, as the NFL season-expansion plans failed to reach fruition, the Daytona 500 was moved to its original calendar spot. Now, that's definitely a win-win!

While the winning purse of the Daytona 500 is already a stuff of legends, sitting atop with the largest return, the trophy being awarded to the victors isn't any less prized either. Called the Harley J Earl trophy, the prize has been named after legendary automobile designer, Harley Earl, who was also a close friend of Bill France Sr and a General Motors executive back in the day. Earl is most significantly known for being the Father of the Corvette. He has also been credited for designing the Firebird I prototype. The Daytona 500 race is full of prestige and perks for sure.

One other aspect that the race victor gets to experience is their car being showcased at the Daytona 500 experience, for one year in its race-winning condition. For the uninitiated, the Daytona 500 Experience is a museum and gallery situated next to the Daytona International Speedway.

[caption id="attachment_1948603" align="alignnone" width="1800"]<img class="wp-image-1948603 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago0004296892h.jpg" alt="Daytona 500" width="1800" height="1200" /> Teilnehmerfeld der Daytona 500, v.li.: Martin Truex Jr., Tony Stewart, Kurt Busch, Jimmie Johnson, David Ragan, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Clint Bowyer, Carl Edwards, Brian Vickers und David Stremme - (ZUMAse4)[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Highlights of the Daytona 500</strong></h2>
The inaugural Daytona 500 race in 1959 was won by Richard Petty's father, the legendary Lee Petty. The patriarch of the NASCAR royalty family clinched victory driving a 1959 Oldsmobile for Newton Chappell at the inaugural event outperforming Johnny Beauchamp. Charley Griffith, representing Red Bank, finished P3, while Cotton Owens and Joe Weatherly wrapped up the Top-5 positions.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-2491357 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/lee-petty.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1262" />

&nbsp;

Lee Petty's son isn't much far behind on the Daytona 500 record book either. With seven wins, <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/richard-petty/">Richard Petty</a> sits atop the most-wins list at the venue. What makes his feat even more legendary is the fact that Petty managed to clinch four of those titles in a single decade, in 1971, 1973, 1974 and 1979. The rest of his victories came in 1964, 1966 and 1981.

While the initial years of the Daytona 500 didn't see much vehicle policing, it soon became apparent that certain rules and restrictions would have to be put in place. One of the biggest instances of a change came in 1988 when former stock car racing driver and NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Allison's car went airborne and hit the catch fence at 200 mph at Talladega in May, the previous year. As a result, restrictor plates were made mandatory in hopes that they would stunt speed, which in turn would stop vehicles from going airborne.

Speaking of Bobby Allison, he also became the oldest driver to win the race at 50 years, 2 months and 11 days, in 1988. On the other hand, Trevor Bayne is the youngest Daytona 500 winner. Bayne was 20 years and 1 day old when he won the event in 2011.

Another revamp that hit NASCAR and the Daytona 500 was during the 50th anniversary of the Daytona 500 race, when 'Cars of Tomorrow' debuted for the first time in the stock car racing circuit. While the name might throw some people off, 'Cars of Tomorrow' simply entailed that the same roll cage, frame and body would be used in all kinds of race tracks as opposed to how crew members would need to build different cars for different tracks like superspeedways, road courses and short tracks.

The Daytona 500, being such a grand event, has often been associated with high-profile names. In a bid to make the event even more exciting, every year, the organizers bring in popular figures to serve as a Grand Marshal. While 'Captain America' famed Chris Evans graced the event in 2014, Nicholas cage stopped by in 2007. Even former US presidents Donald Trump and George W Busch served as the event's grand marshal in 2020 and 2004, respectively.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong> Qualifying Format of the Daytona 500</strong></h2>
Currently, the Daytona 500 sees 40 cars competing, out of which 36 sports belong to drivers whose teams have their own charters. The rest of the 4 spots, which are referred to as open cars and constitute teams that do not own a charter.

In its 65 year history, the Daytona 500 has had many revamps to its qualifying format. From two timed laps, the better of two laps, to the average of two laps, the crown jewel race has explored several avenues to decide its starting grid. However, what stuck and is currently in place is a two-race qualifying. The first race is a single-car qualifying where each driver takes up one lap. The Top 10 drivers from that round advance to the second round where their order in the main event starting grid is determined. The single-car runs decide the front row of the Daytona 500. They also decide the lineup for the qualifying races also referred to as <em>"the duels". </em>The starting grid is eventually decided on the basis of the duels.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>The Black Sunday of the Daytona 500</strong></h2>
The Daytona 500 was perhaps one of <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/dale-earnhardt/">Dale Earnhardt</a>'s greatest achievements. After chasing an elusive win at the track for about two decades of his career, the driver finally succeeded in finish P1 in 1998. However, just three years later, the same race would claim his life. It all happened on February 18, 2001, when the driver was competing in the final lap of the race. <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-nerve-wracking-crashes-that-changed-nascar-forever-edition-five-dale-earnhardt/">The driver slammed head-first into the retaining wall</a> after contact with Ken Schrader and Sterling Marlin. The driver had suffered from a basilar skull fracture and had died instantly upon contact. Earnardt's death triggered a wave of safety improvements in stock cars and are seen even today.

[caption id="attachment_2105958" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-2105958 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1029986512h-e1699811493626.jpg" alt="Dale Earnhardt Sr" width="1920" height="1080" /> US PRESSWIRE Sports-Historical Unknown date Daytona Beach, FL, USA: FILE PHOTO NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Winston Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Sr 3 waits in his car in the garage area at the Daytona International Speedway. Daytona Beach Florida UNITED STATES, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xUSAxTODAYxSportsx 5145564<br />Image Credits - Imago[/caption]

&nbsp;
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>The changes of the name of the Daytona 500</strong></h2>
The Daytona 500 has seen a plethora of name changes till date. While the first-ever edition of the race was called the 1959 First 500 Mile NASCAR International Sweepstakes at Daytona, the name was changed the very next year to the Inaugural 500 Mile International Sweepstakes. The race, then, went on to be known as the Daytona 500 by STP from 1991 to 1993. On the year of Dale Earnhardt's passing in 2001, it was known as the Daytona 500 by Dodge. In 2007, a new name was coined yet again and this time, the race was called Daytona 500 by Toyota. From 1961 to 1990, 1994 to 2000 and from 2002 to 2006, the race was called Daytona 500 and since 2008, that's the very name that has stuck around.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Daytona 500

Read on to know all about the glorious history, origins and lesser know facts about the crown-jewel race of NASCAR, the Daytona 500.

Daytona 500: Origins, Past Winners, Race Results

Daytona 500 Archives

NASCAR

NASCAR Archives

LatestNASCAR - EssentiallySports News | EssentiallySports

<h1 style="text-align: center"><b>NASCAR Xfinity Series: Origin, Teams and More</b></h1>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>What is the NASCAR Xfinity Series?</strong></h2>
NASCAR's Xfinity Series needs no introduction. Touted as the second-tier division of the stock car racing organization, the tourney has been a long-time contributor to thrilling races. The minor league of NASCAR, the Xfinity Series is considered a stage for young drivers to venture up to the association's high-level hustling, the Cup Series. The Xfinity Series races are held as a feeder race on the day preceding a Cup Series occasion planned for the end of that week.

Currently, the series hosts races at the same locations as the NASCAR Cup Series which include Intermediate tracks, Superspeedways, Short Tracks, and Road Courses.

[caption id="attachment_1923435" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1923435 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-07-15T202651Z_201246696_MT1USATODAY21040681_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-XFINITY-SERIES-AMBETTER-HEALTH-200.jpg" alt="DGM Racing NASCAR Xfinity Series" width="1920" height="1280" /> Jul 15, 2023; Loudon, New Hampshire, USA; NASCAR Xfinity Series driver John Hunter Nemechek (20) takes the lead during the Ambetter 200 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Xfinity Series Origin</strong></h2>
The Series' inaugural session took place in 1982 when long-time NASCAR sponsor Anheuser-Busch decided to back a newly reformed late-model sportsman series with its Budweiser brand. The first-ever race in the division was held at the Daytona International Speedway, and the iconic legend Dale Earnhardt was the race winner.

As to when the series actually emerged, we will have to go back to 1950 when the NASCAR's Sportsman Division, the fourth series after the Modified, Roadster and Strictly Stock division, was formed as the organization's short track race division.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-2830827 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/E4vejC3WEAgod-2.jpeg" alt="" width="2920" height="3156" />
<h2 style="text-align: center"><span style="font-weight: 400"><strong>Why is it named Xfinity Series?</strong> </span></h2>
Today, what is known as the NASCAR Xfinity Series has had quite a few name changes over the decades. After its official debut in 1982 with Budweiser as a partner, in 1984, the series moved to being sponsored by Anheuser-Busch's Busch Beer brand instead. It is then that it came to be known as the Busch Grand National Series. However, the brewing company dropped the sponsorship in 2007 until subsequently, in 2008, insurance and financial services company Nationwide Insurance took the vacant spot and renamed the tourney the 'Nationwide Series'.
<p style="text-align: left">After the end of the insurance company's 7-year contract, in 2014, Comcast announced that it was going to serve as a sponsor for the series through its cable television and internet brand Xfinity, renaming it the <b>Xfinity Series.</b></p>

<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>What is the format of the Xfinity Series?</strong></h2>
The Playoff format was introduced in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2016. While it is similar to that of the Cup Series, the second-tier division uses a three-round playoff format instead of four, with 12 drivers in contention. At the end of the first two rounds, four drivers with the lowest season points of the 12 (and then 8) drivers, are eliminated. In the 2024 Xfinity Series season, there are a total of 33 races, consisting of seven playoff races and 26 regular season races.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Xfinity Series Teams</strong></h2>
Reportedly, more than 35 drivers participate in the NASCAR Xfinity Series every year, with three OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturer), namely, Toyota, Ford and Chevrolet.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Xfinity Series Venue</strong></h2>
The first-ever championship race back in the Xfinity Series inaugural season in 1982 was held at the Martinsville Speedway on October 31. The speedway is a short track and is 0.526-mile in length. Currently, the Xfinity Series championship race is held at Phoenix Raceway at Avondale, Arizona. In 2024, it is scheduled to take place on November 9.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship</strong></h2>
1982 was a good year for NASCAR driver Jack Ingram. Nicknamed 'The Iron Man', Ingram was the first-ever championship title holder in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, then called the <b>Budweiser Late Model Sportsman Series. </b>As for the defending champion, Stewart-Haas Racing's Cole Custer clinched the championship in 2023, beating JR Motorsports' Justin Allgaier and Sam Mayer.

There are several drivers who have shown their dominance in the Xfinity Series. However, unlike the Cup Series where icons like Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson left others behind with seven championship wins each, NASCAR's second-division has had a more even field when it comes to title wins. Drivers like Tyler Reddick, Ricky Stenhouse Jr, Kevin Harvick, Martin Truex Jr, Dale Earnhardt Jr, Randy LaJoie, Larry Pearson, Jack Ingram and Sam Ard have each won two championships each, with the latest two-time champion being Tyler Reddick, in 2018 and 2019.

However, when it comes to Xfinity Series race wins, the balance is clearly tipped toward one side. With a staggering 102 race wins (with the latest victory coming at Atlanta in February, 2024) Kyle Busch sits atop leaving behind Mark Martin at 49 and Kevin Harvick at 47.
<div class="mceTemp"></div>

[caption id="attachment_1242752" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1242752 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-614903518.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1280" /> KANSAS CITY, KS - OCTOBER 15: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 NOS Energy Drink Toyota, celebrates in Victory Lane with wife Samantha and son Brexton after winning the NASCAR XFINITY Series Kansas Lottery 300 at Kansas Speedway on October 15, 2016 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/NASCAR via Getty Images)[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Track Types</strong></h2>
The NASCAR Xfinity 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 class="jsx-5fbc0b8734eedfa8">
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Atlanta Motor Speedway (1.540-mile, Quad-Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Charlotte Motor Speedway (1.500-mile Quad-Oval, including a 2.280 miles Road Course)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Darlington Raceway (1.366-mile, Egg-Shaped Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Dover Motor Speedway (1.000-mile, Concrete Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Homestead-Miami Speedway (1.500-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Kansas Speedway (1.500-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Las Vegas Motor Speedway (1.500-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Michigan International Speedway (2.000-mile, D-Shaped Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Nashville Superspeedway (1.333-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">New Hampshire Motor Speedway (1.058-mile, Paperclip Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Phoenix Raceway (1.000-mile, Dogleg Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Texas Motor Speedway (1.500-mile, Quad-Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">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 class="jsx-5fbc0b8734eedfa8">
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Auto Club Speedway (2.000-mile, D-Shaped Oval; Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Chicagoland Speedway (1.500-mile, D-Shaped Oval; Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Daytona International Speedway (2.500-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Kentucky Speedway (1.500-mile, D-Shaped Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Pocono Raceway (2.500-mile, Triangular Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">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 class="jsx-5fbc0b8734eedfa8">
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Bristol Motor Speedway (0.533-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Eldora Speedway (0.500-mile, Oval; Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Iowa Speedway (0.875-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Knoxville Raceway (0.500-mile, Oval</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park (0.686-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Martinsville Speedway (0.526-mile, Paperclip Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Milwaukee Mile Speedway (1.015-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">North Wilkesboro Speedway (0.625-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Richmond Raceway (0.750-mile, D-shaped Oval)</li>
</ul>
As for Road Courses, NASCAR makes use of the following race tracks:
<ul class="jsx-5fbc0b8734eedfa8">
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (2.459-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Chicago Street Race (2.14 miles)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Circuit of the Americas (3.426-mile)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">DAYTONA Road Course (4.170-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (2.400-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Portland International Raceway (1.967-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Road America(4.048-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Sebring Raceway (3.741 mi, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Sonoma Raceway (1.99-mile)</li>
 	<li class="jsx-1942bf53bf64336">Watkins Glen International (2.45-mile)</li>
</ul>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Xfinity Series Cars</strong></h2>
Just like the NASCAR Cup Series, the organization's second division has also seen many changes when it comes to its racing vehicles. Among them was the Gen 4 car, that made its debut in the division in 1992 and stayed for almost two decades, till 2010. The Gen 4 car was evidently different from all the other cars used as the model removed all "stock" aspects from stock car racing and made it aerodynamically sensitive.

As per reports, the <em>"Generation 4 cars feature highly modified bodies with teams spending hours in the wind tunnel to gain aerodynamics.<sup id="cite_ref-:1_3-0" class="reference"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_4_(NASCAR)#cite_note-:1-3">[3]</a></sup> The bumpers, nose and tail are composed of molded fiberglass based on production counterparts".</em>

Another notable model was the 'Car of Tomorrow' that ran in the Xfinity Series since 2010-full time. This model flaunts prominent front splitters under the bumpers and larger rear wings. Apart from that, according to NASCAR, the car also has <em>"significant safety advancements and a return to symmetrical bodies". </em><em> </em>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>How are Cup Series cars different from Xfinity Series cars?</strong></h2>
Just like the two divisions are distinctly different, even the vehicles used differ in various aspects. Unlike the Cup Series that currently uses the 'Next Gen' car, the Xfinity Series car uses a vehicle that five lug nuts holding the wheels in place, as opposed to the Cup Series car that uses wider tires with a single lug nut. Apart from that, the Cup Series cars have a power output of 670 hp as compared to the Xfinity's 650 hp.

When it comes to the gearbox, the Next Gen cars have a 5-speed sequential shifter in use, whereas Xfinity vehicles have a traditional H-Pattern 4-speed shifter.
<div class="mceTemp"></div>

[caption id="attachment_819539" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-819539 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-11-07T034119Z_856063720_MT1USATODAY17112225_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-XFINITY-SERIES-CHAMPIONSHIP.jpg" alt="Daniel Hemric" width="1920" height="1280" /> Nov 6, 2021; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Xfinity Series driver Daniel Hemric (18) beats Xfinity Series driver Austin Cindric (22) to the finish line to win the Xfinity Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>How is the Xfinity Series different from the Cup Series?</strong></h2>
The NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series don't just differ in their names but also the way they operate among several other things. While NASCAR's top divisions has 39 races in a season. the Xfinity season has 33. As for the vehicles used for racing purposes, Xfinity uses the Chevrolet Camaro while the Cup Series makes use of the Chevrolet Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Toyota also has two different models for the Cup and Xfinity with the Camry and Supra respectively. Ford also manufactures two different types of Mustangs for the two series.

The two divisions also have a significant difference when it comes to the prize money. If we look at the 2024 Talladega Superspeedway race that took place on April 21, 2024, the Xfinity race had race winning prize of <b> $1,479,274</b>, while the Cup Series winning driver was slated to receive <b>$8,234,125. </b>

Similarly, the 2023 Cup series champion purse was reportedly a hefty amont of <b>$11,143,232. </b>As for the Xfinity Series champion purse, while no official figures have surfaced, it has been deemed to less than that of the Cup Series prize pool.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Xfinity Series Outside the United States of America</strong></h2>
As an organization, NASCAR has always pushed towards globalization by hosting its races in different places around the world. One such effort came in 2005 when the Xfinity Series (then called the Busch Series) hosted their first-ever Mexico City race. And like the true champion that Martin Truex Jr was, he grabbed the race win expertly.

And just two years later, retired Cup Series veteran Kevin Harvick claimed another overseas win when the Busch Series went to Canada. The driver even beat hometown star Patrick Carpentier to claim the series' first-ever race in the country
<table style="width: 63.8839%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 35.1055%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Full Name</span></td>
<td style="width: 251.82%">NASCAR Xfinity Series</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 35.1055%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Place of Origin</span></td>
<td style="width: 251.82%">Daytona Beach, Florida</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 35.1055%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Year of Origin</span></td>
<td style="width: 251.82%">1982</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 35.1055%"><span style="font-weight: 400">First Race</span></td>
<td style="width: 251.82%">Daytona International Speedway, 1982</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 35.1055%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Last Race</span></td>
<td style="width: 251.82%">2024 Ag-Pro 300 at the Talladega Superspeedway</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 35.1055%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Crown Jewel Race</span></td>
<td style="width: 251.82%"> <span role="tooltip"><span class="c5aZPb" role="button" data-enable-toggle-animation="true" data-extra-container-classes="ZLo7Eb" data-hover-hide-delay="1000" data-hover-open-delay="500" data-send-open-event="true" data-theme="0" data-width="250" data-ved="2ahUKEwjvsKe7t9OFAxXc-jgGHVUuCI0QmpgGegQIFRAD"><span class="JPfdse" data-bubble-link="" data-segment-text="Daytona 500">Daytona 500 (Daytona International Speedway)</span></span></span>, Coca-Cola 600 (Charlotte Motor Speedway), Southern 500 (Darlington Raceway), <span role="tooltip"><span class="c5aZPb" role="button" data-enable-toggle-animation="true" data-extra-container-classes="ZLo7Eb" data-hover-hide-delay="1000" data-hover-open-delay="500" data-send-open-event="true" data-theme="0" data-width="250" data-ved="2ahUKEwjvsKe7t9OFAxXc-jgGHVUuCI0QmpgGegQIFRAI"><span class="JPfdse" data-bubble-link="" data-segment-text="Brickyard 400">Brickyard 400 (Indianapolis Motor Speedway)</span></span></span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 35.1055%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Drivers with the most Championships</span></td>
<td style="width: 251.82%">-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 35.1055%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Team with the most Championships</span></td>
<td style="width: 251.82%">-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 35.1055%"><span style="font-weight: 400">First Champion</span></td>
<td style="width: 251.82%">Jack Ingram</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 35.1055%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Defending Champion</span></td>
<td style="width: 251.82%">Cole Custer</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 35.1055%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Defending Team</span></td>
<td style="width: 251.82%">Stewart-Haas Racing</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

NASCAR Xfinity Series

Read on to find out everything about the NASCAR's second division, the Xfinity Series and its origin, teams, drivers, tracks, history and more!

NASCAR Xfinity Series: Origin, Teams and More

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During the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Daytona International Speedway, driver Myatt Snider suffered a horrific crash and walked away.

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