History of NASCAR Cup Series in Timeline

The NASCAR Cup Series is the premier racing series of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) in the United States. It represents the highest level of stock car competition. Known for its high speeds and intense competition on oval tracks, the series attracts a large fan base and features prominent drivers and teams, showcasing the pinnacle of stock car racing.

1948: NASCAR Sanctioned Modified and Roadster Division Races

In 1948, NASCAR sanctioned Modified and Roadster division races before introducing the Strictly Stock division in 1949.

June 19, 1949: First NASCAR Strictly Stock Race

On June 19, 1949, the first NASCAR "Strictly Stock" race was held at Charlotte Speedway. Jim Roper was declared the winner after Glenn Dunaway was disqualified.

1949: NASCAR Introduced Strictly Stock Division

In 1949, NASCAR introduced the Strictly Stock division, featuring eight races on dirt ovals and the Daytona Beach street course.

1949: R. Byron wins

In 1949, R. Byron was the winner.

1949: Red Byron wins First NASCAR Cup Series Championship

In 1949, Red Byron was awarded the first NASCAR Cup Series Driver's Championship.

1949: Series Began as Strictly Stock Division

In 1949, the NASCAR Cup Series began as the Strictly Stock Division.

1950: Darlington Raceway Opened

Darlington Raceway, the first completely paved track over one mile long, opened in 1950.

1950: Division Renamed Grand National

For the 1950 season, the Strictly Stock division was renamed "Grand National," reflecting NASCAR's intent to make the sport more professional.

1950: B. Rexford wins

In 1950, B. Rexford was the winner.

1950: Series Renamed Grand National Division

In 1950, the NASCAR Cup Series was renamed the Grand National Division, a name it held until 1970.

1951: H. Thomas wins

In 1951, H. Thomas was the winner.

1951: Herb Thomas wins his first Championship

In 1951, Herb Thomas won his first NASCAR Cup Series Championship.

1952: T. Flock wins

In 1952, T. Flock was the winner.

1953: H. Thomas wins

In 1953, H. Thomas was the winner.

1953: Herb Thomas wins his second Championship

In 1953, Herb Thomas won his second NASCAR Cup Series Championship.

1954: L. Petty wins

In 1954, L. Petty was the winner.

1954: First Road Course Event

The series' first road course event was held in 1954, at Linden Airport in New Jersey.

1955: T. Flock wins

In 1955, T. Flock was the winner.

1956: B. Baker wins

In 1956, B. Baker was the winner.

1956: Race Held in Rain at Road America

Prior to 2020, a 1956 race at Road America was held in rain; Tim Flock won the race.

1957: B. Baker wins

In 1957, B. Baker was the winner.

1957: Chevrolet "Black Widow" Outlawed

In 1957, the fuel injected 150 model Chevrolet, known as "the black widow", was the first car to be outlawed by NASCAR. The 1957 Chevrolet won the most races that year, with 59 wins, more than any car to ever race in the cup series.

1958: L. Petty wins

In 1958, L. Petty was the winner.

1959: L. Petty wins

In 1959, L. Petty was the winner.

1959: Daytona International Speedway Opened

In 1959, when Daytona International Speedway was opened, the schedule still had more races on dirt racetracks than on paved ones.

1960: R. White wins

In 1960, R. White was the winner.

1961: N. Jarrett wins

In 1961, N. Jarrett was the winner.

1962: J. Weatherly wins

In 1962, J. Weatherly was the winner.

1963: J. Weatherly wins

In 1963, J. Weatherly was the winner.

1963: Road Course Every Year Since

Since 1963, the series has raced on at least one road course every year.

1964: R. Petty wins

In 1964, R. Petty was the winner.

1965: N. Jarrett wins

In 1965, N. Jarrett was the winner.

1965: Modified Chassis Introduced

In 1965, modified chassis were introduced to NASCAR, and mid-size cars such as the Ford Fairlane and Plymouth Belvedere became the norm.

1966: D. Pearson wins

In 1966, D. Pearson was the winner.

1967: R. Petty wins

In 1967, R. Petty was the winner.

1968: D. Pearson wins

In 1968, D. Pearson was the winner.

1969: D. Pearson wins

In 1969, D. Pearson was the winner.

August 1970: Engine Handicapping with Restrictor Plate

Beginning in August 1970, NASCAR handicapped engines over 366 cubic inches (6.0 liters) with a restrictor plate.

September 30, 1970: Last Grand National Race on Dirt Track

On September 30, 1970, the last NASCAR Grand National race on a dirt track (until 2021) was held at the State Fairgrounds Speedway in Raleigh, North Carolina. Richard Petty won the race.

1970: End of Dirt Racing Era

Although the series historically raced on dirt tracks, it ceased to do so for more than 50 years after the 1970 season.

1970: Series Known as Grand National Division

From 1950 to 1970, the series was known as the Grand National Division.

1970: ABC Sports Airs Grand National Races

In 1970, ABC Sports aired partial or full live telecasts of Grand National races but abandoned live coverage due to perceived lack of excitement.

1970: B. Isaac wins

In 1970, B. Isaac was the winner.

1971: Rules Rewritten to Limit Specialty Cars

Beginning in 1971, NASCAR rewrote the rules to effectively force the Ford and Chrysler specialty cars (nicknamed the Aero Warriors) out of competition by limiting them to 305ci (5.0L). The cars affected by this rule include the Ford Talladega, Mercury Spoiler II, Dodge Charger 500, Dodge Charger Daytona and the Plymouth Superbird. This rule was so effective in limiting performance that only one car that season ever attempted to run in this configuration.

1971: Winston Cup Series Sponsorship Begins

Between 1971 and 2003, NASCAR's premier series was sponsored by R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company cigarette brand Winston, dubbing it the Winston Cup Series.

1971: R. Petty wins

In 1971, R. Petty was the winner.

1971: Series Renamed NASCAR Winston Cup Series

In 1971, the series began leasing naming rights to R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and was renamed the NASCAR Winston Cup Series.

1971: Grand National Name Retained Until 1971

The Grand National division retained its name until 1971.

1971: Last New Brand Before Toyota Joined NASCAR

The last new brand before Toyota in 2007 was in 1971.

1972: R. Petty wins

In 1972, R. Petty was the winner.

1972: Beginning of NASCAR's "Modern Era"

The changes resulting from RJR's involvement and the reduction in schedule established 1972 as the beginning of NASCAR's "modern era".

1973: B. Parsons wins

In 1973, B. Parsons was the winner.

1973: Transition to Smaller Engine Displacement Coincided with the Oil Crisis

In 1973, The transition to smaller engine displacement coincided with American manufacturers ending factory support of racing and the 1973 oil crisis.

August 1974: France Jr. Asked Latford to Design a Points System

In August 1974, Bill France Jr. asked series publicist Bob Latford to design a points system with equal points being awarded for all races.

1974: R. Petty wins

In 1974, R. Petty was the winner.

1974: Engine Displacement Increased

In 1974, maximum engine displacement was increased from 430 cubic inches to 433 cubic inches.

1975: Points System Remained Unchanged From 1975

Bob Latford's points system remained unchanged from 1975 until the Chase for the Championship was instituted in 2004.

1975: Small Block Engine Displacement Reduced

In 1975, NASCAR reduced the maximum small block engine displacement from 366 cubic inches (6.0 liters) to its present 358 cubic inches (5.9 liters).

1975: R. Petty wins

In 1975, R. Petty was the winner.

1976: C. Yarborough wins

In 1976, C. Yarborough was the winner.

1977: C. Yarborough wins

In 1977, C. Yarborough was the winner.

1977: Older Models Retained

In 1977, older models (1977 for the GM makes) were retained through 1980 due to downsizing of American cars presenting a challenge for NASCAR.

1977: Transition to Smaller Engine Displacement Completed

In 1977, the transition to smaller engine displacement was completed, coinciding with American manufacturers ending factory support of racing.

1978: C. Yarborough wins

In 1978, C. Yarborough was the winner.

1979: R. Petty wins

In 1979, R. Petty was the winner.

1979: Older Models Retained

In 1979, older models (1979 for Ford and Dodge) were retained through 1980 due to downsizing of American cars presenting a challenge for NASCAR.

1979: Daytona 500 Televised Live on CBS

In 1979, the Daytona 500 became the first stock car race nationally televised live from flag to flag on CBS, increasing its broadcast marketability.

1980: D. Earnhardt wins

In 1980, D. Earnhardt was the winner.

1980: Older Models Retained Through 1980

In 1980, the older models (1977 for the GM makes, and 1979 for Ford and Dodge) were retained through 1980.

1981: D. Waltrip wins

In 1981, D. Waltrip was the winner.

1981: Awards Banquet Began in New York City

In 1981, an awards banquet began to be held in New York City on the first Friday evening in December.

1981: Wheelbase Requirement Reduced

In 1981, the wheelbase requirement was reduced to 110 inches (2,800 mm) to accommodate newer model cars.

1982: D. Waltrip wins

In 1982, D. Waltrip was the winner.

1982: Daytona 500 as First Non-Exhibition Race

Since 1982, the Daytona 500 has been the first non-exhibition race of the year.

1983: B. Allison wins

In 1983, B. Allison was the winner.

1983: Buick Regal and Ford Thunderbird Dominate

In 1983, the Buick Regal and Ford Thunderbird dominated competition, with Chevrolet Monte Carlo and Pontiac Grand Prix adopting bubble back windows to stay competitive.

1984: T. Labonte wins

In 1984, T. Labonte was the winner.

1985: Chrysler Corporation Leaves NASCAR

At the end of the 1985 season, Chrysler Corporation left NASCAR entirely after dropping its poor performing Dodge Mirada and Chrysler Cordoba in 1983.

1985: D. Waltrip wins

In 1985, D. Waltrip was the winner.

1985: Winston Introduced Winston Million Awards Program

In 1985, Winston introduced a new awards program called the Winston Million.

1985: Awards Banquet Moved to Grand Ballroom

In 1985, the awards banquet was moved to the Grand Ballroom.

1986: D. Earnhardt wins

In 1986, D. Earnhardt was the winner.

1986: "Grand National" Dropped From Series Name

In 1986, the series name was originally called the Winston Cup Grand National Series before "Grand National" was dropped.

1987: Bill Elliott Sets Speed Record and Bobby Allison Crash

1987 marked a milestone for NASCAR Cup Series cars. During Winston 500 qualifying, Bill Elliott established a world stock-car record when he posted a speed of 212.809 mph (342 km/h). Then the unfortunate happened; during the 22nd lap of the race, driver Bobby Allison suffered a flat tire which caused a major crash, resulting in injuries to several spectators. In the aftermath, NASCAR mandated the use of a restrictor plate at Talladega Superspeedway and Daytona International Speedway to reduce speeds.

1987: Bill Elliott sets record qualifying lap at Talladega Superspeedway

In 1987, Bill Elliott set a record qualifying lap of 212.809 mph (342.483 km/h) at Talladega Superspeedway, which stands unlikely to be broken.

1987: D. Earnhardt wins

In 1987, D. Earnhardt was the winner.

1988: B. Elliott wins

In 1988, B. Elliott was the winner.

1988: Restrictor plates made mandatory at superspeedways

In 1988, restrictor plates were made mandatory at superspeedways to reduce speeds.

1989: GM Switches to V6 Engines and Front-Wheel-Drive

By 1989, GM had switched its mid-sized models to V6 engines and front-wheel-drive, but the NASCAR racers only kept the body shape, with the old V8 rear-wheel-drive running gear, rendering obsolete the "stock" nature of the cars.

1989: Darrell Waltrip Nearly Won the Winston Million in 1989

Darrell Waltrip nearly won the Winston Million in 1989.

1989: R. Wallace wins

In 1989, R. Wallace was the winner.

1990: D. Earnhardt wins

In 1990, D. Earnhardt was the winner.

1991: D. Earnhardt wins

In 1991, D. Earnhardt was the winner.

1991: GM Used Four Brands in NASCAR

In 1991, General Motors (GM) was still using four different brands in NASCAR.

1992: Beginning of the Generation 4 Car

1992 marked the beginning of the generation that stripped all semblance of "stock" from "stock car racing," the Generation 4 car. Stock body panels were removed from the sport, and steel bumpers were replaced by fiberglass to reduce weight.

1992: Davey Allison Nearly Won the Winston Million in 1992

Davey Allison nearly won the Winston Million in 1992.

1992: A. Kulwicki wins

In 1992, A. Kulwicki was the winner.

1993: D. Earnhardt wins

In 1993, D. Earnhardt was the winner.

1993: Wallace Crashes

In 1993, Rusty Wallace's two infamous airborne crashes

1994: D. Earnhardt wins

In 1994, D. Earnhardt was the winner.

1994: First Brickyard 400

In 1994, NASCAR held the first Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

1994: Roof Flaps Added After Wallace Crashes

In 1994, roof flaps were added to all cars after Rusty Wallace's two infamous airborne crashes in 1993.

1995: J. Gordon wins

In 1995, J. Gordon was the winner.

1995: Chevrolet Monte Carlo Returns

In 1995, the newly designed Chevrolet Monte Carlo returned to the sport, which started the trend of rounder body shapes.

1996: Dale Jarrett Nearly Won the Winston Million in 1996

Dale Jarrett nearly won the Winston Million in 1996.

1996: T. Labonte wins

In 1996, T. Labonte was the winner.

1997: Winner's Prize Money for Daytona 500 Tripled Between 1997 and 1998

Between 1997 and 1998, the winner's prize money for the Daytona 500 tripled.

1997: Winston Million Awarded for the Last Time

From 1985 to 1997, the Winston Million awarded one million dollars to any driver who won three of the four most prestigious races in the series.

1997: J. Gordon wins

In 1997, J. Gordon was the winner.

1997: Ford Thunderbird Retired

In 1997, the Ford Thunderbird was retired, and the four-door Ford Taurus body was used (although NASCAR racers actually have no opening doors).

1998: Winner's Prize Money for Daytona 500 Tripled Between 1997 and 1998

Between 1997 and 1998, the winner's prize money for the Daytona 500 tripled.

1998: J. Gordon wins

In 1998, J. Gordon was the winner.

1998: Tobacco Industry Settlement

In 1998, the Tobacco Industry Settlement sharply restricted avenues for tobacco advertising, impacting RJR's sponsorship.

1998: Winston No Bull Five Replaced Winston Million

The Winston Million was replaced with a similar program, the Winston No Bull Five, in 1998.

1998: Asymmetrical Bodies Eliminated

The new rules eliminated the asymmetrical bodies on cars, which had run rampant since the 1998 Taurus launch (and intensified by the final years of the Generation 4 car).

1998: Hood, Roof, and Decklid Modifications Allowed

Until 1998, the hood, roof, and decklid were still required to be identical to their stock counterparts. This was eliminated when NASCAR allowed significant modifications of the Ford Taurus decklid so the car would fit the required templates.

1999: D. Jarrett wins

In 1999, D. Jarrett was the winner.

1999: New Agreement with Fox Broadcasting, Turner Broadcasting, and NBC

In 1999, NASCAR made a new agreement with Fox Broadcasting, Turner Broadcasting, and NBC valued at $2.4 billion.

2000: B. Labonte wins

In 2000, B. Labonte was the winner.

2001: Dodge Returned to NASCAR

In 2001, Chrysler's Dodge brand returned to NASCAR after a 15-year hiatus.

2001: J. Gordon wins

In 2001, J. Gordon was the winner.

2001: Pixar Visited NASCAR Tracks for 'Cars' Research

In 2001, Pixar visited NASCAR tracks as research for the 2006 animated film Cars, which included the voices of Petty and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

2001: Banquet Portion Dropped in Favor of Awards Ceremony

In 2001, the banquet portion of the awards was dropped in favor of a simpler awards ceremony.

2002: R.J. Reynolds Notified NASCAR They Would Terminate Title Sponsorship

During the 2002 season, R.J. Reynolds notified NASCAR leadership that they would terminate their title sponsorship prematurely at the conclusion of the 2003 season.

2002: T. Stewart wins

In 2002, T. Stewart was the winner.

2003: End of Winston Cup Series Sponsorship

Between 1971 and 2003, NASCAR's premier series was sponsored by R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company cigarette brand Winston, dubbing it the Winston Cup Series.

2003: R.J. Reynolds Terminated Title Sponsorship

During the 2002 season, R.J. Reynolds notified NASCAR leadership that they would terminate their title sponsorship prematurely at the conclusion of the 2003 season.

2003: Brian France CEO of NASCAR

From 2003 to 2018, NASCAR's CEO Brian France has become a prime target for criticism among fans.

2003: M. Kenseth wins

In 2003, M. Kenseth was the winner.

2003: "Approved Body Configuration" Design Introduced

In 2003, NASCAR introduced the "Approved Body Configuration" (also known as "common template") design due to the notorious manner of the Ford Taurus race car and how the manufacturer turned the car into an "offset" car to put more emphasis on parity.

2003: Deal Made with Nextel

In 2003, a deal similar to the one with R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company was made with Nextel.

2003: Banquet Format Reinstated

In 2003, the festivities returned to the Waldorf's Grand Ballroom, and the banquet format was reinstated.

2004: New System for Determining Series Champion

Along with the change in title sponsorship for the series, the 2004 season also introduced a new system for determining the series champion.

2004: Series Renamed NASCAR Nextel Cup Series

From 2004 to 2007, after a deal with Nextel, the series became the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series.

2004: Inaugural Chase

From the inaugural Chase in 2004 to the 2006 Chase, the drivers were seeded based on points position at the end of the regular season.

2004: Pontiac Left NASCAR

In 2004, Pontiac left NASCAR, leaving only Chevrolet.

2004: Chase for the Championship Instituted

The Chase for the Championship was instituted in 2004, replacing the points system designed by Bob Latford in 1975.

2005: Sprint Acquired Nextel

In 2005, Sprint acquired Nextel.

2005: T. Stewart wins

In 2005, T. Stewart was the winner.

2006: Chase Points Seeding

From the inaugural Chase in 2004 to the 2006 Chase, the drivers were seeded based on points position at the end of the regular season.

2006: 'Cars' Released

In 2001, Pixar visited NASCAR tracks as research for the 2006 animated film Cars, which included the voices of Petty and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

2006: J. Johnson wins

In 2006, J. Johnson was the winner.

2006: Jimmie Johnson wins his first Championship

In 2006, Jimmie Johnson won his first NASCAR Cup Series Championship.

2006: Merger Between Sprint and Nextel

The 2006 merger between Sprint and Nextel resulted in the Cup Series being renamed the Sprint Cup, beginning with the 2008 season.

March 2007: Car of Tomorrow Debuts

In March 2007, NASCAR introduced the "Car of Tomorrow" (CoT) at Bristol Motor Speedway.

October 2007: Russ Wicks Sets Speed Record in Modified Dodge Charger

In October 2007, Russ Wicks drove a modified Dodge Charger stock car, built to NASCAR's specifications, 244.9 mph during a speed record attempt at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

2007: Series Known as NASCAR Nextel Cup Series

From 2004 to 2007, the series was known as the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series.

2007: J. Johnson wins

In 2007, J. Johnson was the winner.

2007: Toyota Joined NASCAR

In 2007, Japanese manufacturer Toyota joined NASCAR, marking the first new brand since 1971.

2007: Number of Teams Increased to 12 in 2007

The Chase increased to 12 teams in 2007.

2008: J. Johnson wins

In 2008, J. Johnson was the winner.

2008: Series Renamed NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

In 2008, after Sprint acquired Nextel, the series was renamed the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and continued to be named so until 2016.

2008: CoT Used in Every Race

In 2008, the date was changed to the start of the 2008 season for the CoT to be used in every race.

2008: Cup Series Renamed the Sprint Cup

The 2006 merger between Sprint and Nextel resulted in the Cup Series being renamed the Sprint Cup, beginning with the 2008 season.

2009: End of Popularity Boom and Stagnant Television Ratings

By 2009, the popularity boom of the 1990s had ended, and television ratings over the previous ten years had become more or less stagnant.

2009: J. Johnson wins

In 2009, J. Johnson was the winner.

2009: Original Plan to Use CoT in Every Race

NASCAR had originally planned to wait until the start of the 2009 season to use the CoT in every race, but the date was changed.

2009: Carl Edwards' High-Speed Spin

The rear wing was accused of forcing cars to become airborne in high-speed spins such as the one experienced by Carl Edwards during the 2009 Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway.

2010: Chase Points Reset

From 2007 to 2010, the points totals of each driver who made the Chase were reset to 5,000 points, plus ten additional points for each race victory during the first 26 races.

2010: Wing Replaced with Spoiler

In 2010 NASCAR decided to replace the wing with the original spoiler. The switch began with the 2010 Goody's Fast Pain Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway.

2010: J. Johnson wins

In 2010, J. Johnson was the winner.

2010: Jimmie Johnson wins his fifth Championship

In 2010, Jimmie Johnson won his fifth NASCAR Cup Series Championship.

November 20, 2011: Tony Stewart wins 2011 NASCAR Cup Series Championship

On November 20, 2011, Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards ended the season in a points tie. Stewart won the 2011 NASCAR Cup Series Championship due to his five season wins over Edwards' one win.

2011: Increased Leeway for Branding - Xfinity Series

Changes were made so the cars would resemble their street counterparts more closely, as was done in the Xfinity Series in 2011.

2011: Nose of the Car Altered

In 2011, NASCAR altered the nose of the car once more, with the splitter being reduced in size and the braces being replaced by a solid front valence.

2011: T. Stewart wins

In 2011, T. Stewart was the winner.

2011: Initially Planned Transition to Fuel Injection Delayed

Initially NASCAR indicated that it would transition to fuel injection midway through the 2011 season but decided before that season to put off the change until 2012.

2012: Introduction of Fuel Injection Technology

A major engine change occurred in 2012 with NASCAR's introduction of fuel injection technology.

2012: B. Keselowski wins

In 2012, B. Keselowski was the winner.

2012: Dodge Departed from NASCAR

In 2012, Dodge departed from NASCAR, leaving just Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota.

July 2013: SoftBank Acquired Sprint

In July 2013, Japanese telecommunications corporation SoftBank acquired Sprint.

2013: J. Johnson wins

In 2013, J. Johnson was the winner.

2013: Increased Leeway for Branding

In 2013, manufacturers were given increased leeway for branding their NASCAR Cup Series cars, creating the Generation 6 race car. These changes were made so the cars would resemble their street counterparts more closely.

2014: K. Harvick wins

In 2014, K. Harvick was the winner.

2014: Race Team Alliance Formed

In 2016, NASCAR announced the creation of a charter system (in association with the Race Team Alliance, formed in 2014), which would guarantee 36 teams' entry to all 36 races.

2015: Ky. Busch wins

In 2015, Ky. Busch was the winner.

December 1, 2016: NASCAR Announces Partnership with Monster Energy

On December 1, 2016, NASCAR announced it had reached an agreement with Monster Energy to become the new sponsor of NASCAR's premier series, replacing Sprint.

December 2016: Monster Energy Announced as New Title Sponsor

In December 2016, it was announced that Monster Energy would become the new title sponsor of the series.

December 19, 2016: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Announced

On December 19, 2016, NASCAR announced the new name for the series, Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, along with a new series logo and a new NASCAR logo.

2016: J. Johnson wins

In 2016, J. Johnson was the winner.

2016: Creation of Charter System

In 2016, NASCAR announced the creation of a charter system that would guarantee 36 teams' entry to all 36 races.

2016: Digital Dash Introduced

In 2016, all NASCAR Cup Series cars began utilizing a digital dash sold by McLaren. This dash includes sixteen customizable preset screens, allowing the driver to monitor all the previous info with several additional elements such as lap time and engine diagnostics, for a total of twenty-four data elements.

2017: Series Renamed Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series

From 2017 to 2019, the series was renamed the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series after Monster Energy became the title sponsor.

2017: M. Truex Jr. wins

In 2017, M. Truex Jr. was the winner.

April 11, 2018: Monster Energy Extends Sponsorship

On April 11, 2018, Monster Energy announced an extension of their sponsorship of the series through the end of the 2019 season.

2018: Brian France CEO of NASCAR

From 2003 to 2018, NASCAR's CEO Brian France has become a prime target for criticism among fans.

2018: Chevrolet Switches to Camaro

In 2018, Chevrolet switched to the Chevrolet Camaro in the Cup Series.

2018: J. Logano wins

In 2018, J. Logano was the winner.

2019: Ky. Busch wins

In 2019, Ky. Busch was the winner.

2019: NASCAR Rejected Monster's Offer to Extend Naming Rights Deal

In 2019, NASCAR rejected Monster's offer to extend the naming rights deal beyond the end of the season.

2019: Restrictor plates replaced by tapered spacers

In 2019, restrictor plates were replaced by tapered spacers at superspeedways. These spacers still reduced enough horsepower to prevent cars from exceeding speeds of 205 mph.

2019: Daytona 500 Television Audience

In 2019, the Daytona 500 had a television audience of about 9.17 million U.S. viewers.

2020: Schedule Includes Tracks Around the United States

As of 2020, the NASCAR Cup Series schedule includes tracks from around the United States.

2020: C. Elliott wins

In 2020, C. Elliott was the winner.

2020: Move to Tiered Sponsorship Model

In 2020, NASCAR announced its move to a new tiered sponsorship model, and the series was known as the NASCAR Cup Series, with sponsors being called Premier Partners.

2020: First In-Race Use of Rain Tires

The first in-race use of rain tires in the Cup Series were at the 2020 Bank of America Roval 400.

2021: K. Larson wins

In 2021, K. Larson was the winner.

2021: Windshield Wipers Required for Road Courses

In 2021, NASCAR Cup Series cars were required to have at least one working windshield wiper installed for road courses, including Sonoma, Watkins Glen, Circuit of the Americas, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and Daytona, as part of the road racing rules package.

2021: Return of Dirt Racing

In 2021, dirt racing returned to the schedule with a March event at Bristol Motor Speedway.

2021: In-Race Use of Rain Tires at Texas Grand Prix

In 2021, rain tires were used at the Texas Grand Prix in the Cup Series.

2021: Last Grand National Race on a Dirt Track until 2021

The last NASCAR Grand National race on a dirt track was on September 30, 1970, at the half mile State Fairgrounds Speedway in Raleigh, North Carolina, until 2021.

2022: J. Logano wins

In 2022, J. Logano was the winner.

2022: Next Gen Car Introduced

In 2022, NASCAR introduced an all new, seventh-generation car named the Next Gen. This car features improved aero and downforce packages while introducing new technologies and is meant to lower costs and attract new original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

2022: NASCAR Next Gen Car Debut

In 2022, the NASCAR Next Gen Car debuted at the Busch Lite Clash at the Coliseum, featuring fully independent front and rear suspensions with double wishbones and adjustable inboard shocks.

2023: Chevrolet Leads Manufacturers in Wins and Championships as of 2023

As of 2023, Chevrolet has been the most successful manufacturer with 851 race wins and 42 manufacturers championships.

2023: R. Blaney wins

In 2023, R. Blaney was the winner.

2023: Next Gen Camaro Enters 24 Hours of Le Mans

In 2023, a heavily modified Next Gen Camaro fielded by Hendrick Motorsports entered the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it finished 39th out of the 62 cars entered in the event.

2024: J. Logano wins

In 2024, J. Logano was the winner.

2024: 2024 Season Track Overview

The 2024 season included 31 races at oval tracks and 5 at road courses. The lap length of the oval tracks vary from .526 miles (0.847 km) at Martinsville Speedway to 2.66 miles (4.28 km) at Talladega Superspeedway. The majority of the oval tracks are paved with asphalt, while 3 tracks are wholly or partially paved with concrete.