Overview
The NASCAR Cup Series is the premier stock-car racing championship in the United States, sanctioned by the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR). Since the first “Strictly Stock” season in 1949 it has grown into a roughly 36-race championship contested largely on oval speedways, with road and street courses added in recent years.
The modern season is decided by a playoff: stage points accumulate through the year, sixteen drivers advance to elimination rounds, and four contenders settle the title in a winner-takes-all season finale. The Daytona 500 opens each year as the sport's crown-jewel event.
Championship
Live NASCAR 2026 standings sync from the data layer. Recent champions below.
Drivers & Teams
Legendary & current drivers
Richard PettyDale EarnhardtJimmie JohnsonJeff GordonKyle LarsonChase ElliottDenny HamlinKyle Busch
Leading teams
Hendrick MotorsportsJoe Gibbs RacingTeam PenskeRichard Childress Racing23XI RacingTrackhouse Racing
Records
7
Most Cup Titles
1949
First Season
36
Races / Season
Most championships
Richard Petty7 titles
Dale Earnhardt7 titles
Jimmie Johnson7 titles
Jeff Gordon4 titles
Cale Yarborough3 titles
History
1948
NASCAR founded by Bill France Sr. in Daytona Beach.
1949
First “Strictly Stock” (Cup) season.
1959
Inaugural Daytona 500.
2004
Playoff “Chase for the Cup” format introduced.
2014
Elimination-style playoffs adopted.
2022
Next Gen car debuts.