NASCAR Cup Series

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The NASCAR Cup Series is the top racing series of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR). It is considered the premier level of professional stock car racing in the United States. The series was founded in 1949 and has undergone several name changes over the years, reflecting various title sponsors.

History

The NASCAR Cup Series was originally known as the Strictly Stock Division in 1949. The name was changed to the Grand National Division in 1950. In 1971, the series became known as the Winston Cup Series after R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company's Winston brand became the title sponsor. This sponsorship lasted until 2003, when Nextel took over, and the series was renamed the Nextel Cup Series. In 2008, following a merger between Sprint and Nextel, the series was renamed the Sprint Cup Series. In 2017, Monster Energy became the title sponsor, and the series was known as the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. As of 2020, the series is simply known as the NASCAR Cup Series.

Format

The NASCAR Cup Series season consists of a series of races held at various tracks across the United States. The season is divided into two segments: the regular season and the playoffs. The regular season typically consists of 26 races, and the playoffs consist of 10 races. The playoffs are also known as the Chase for the NASCAR Cup, and they determine the series champion.

Points System

The points system in the NASCAR Cup Series has evolved over the years. Currently, drivers earn points based on their finishing position in each race, as well as bonus points for winning stages within the race. The driver with the most points at the end of the playoffs is crowned the series champion.

Notable Drivers

Many legendary drivers have competed in the NASCAR Cup Series, including:

• Richard Petty
• Dale Earnhardt
• Jeff Gordon
• Jimmie Johnson
• Tony Stewart

Tracks

The NASCAR Cup Series races at a variety of tracks, including:

• Daytona International Speedway
• Talladega Superspeedway
• Bristol Motor Speedway
• Charlotte Motor Speedway
• Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Teams and Manufacturers

Several teams and manufacturers compete in the NASCAR Cup Series. Notable teams include:

• Hendrick Motorsports
• Joe Gibbs Racing
• Team Penske
• Stewart-Haas Racing

The primary manufacturers in the series are:

• Chevrolet
• Ford
• Toyota

Champions

The NASCAR Cup Series has crowned many champions over the years. Some of the most successful drivers include:

• Richard Petty (7 championships)
• Dale Earnhardt (7 championships)
• Jimmie Johnson (7 championships)

See Also

• NASCAR Xfinity Series
• NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
• List of NASCAR Cup Series champions
• List of NASCAR tracks