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, showcasing intense racing and attracting a large fanbase. Known for high speeds and close competition, the series is a prominent part of American motorsports.
1948: NASCAR sanctioned Modified and Roadster division races
In 1948, NASCAR sanctioned Modified and Roadster division races.
1949: NASCAR Introduced Strictly Stock division
1949: First NASCAR Cup Series Championship Awarded
In 1949, Red Byron was the first driver to be awarded the NASCAR Cup Series Drivers' Championship.
1950: Darlington Raceway opened
Darlington Raceway, opened in 1950, was the first completely paved track on the circuit over one mile long.
1950: Division renamed "Grand National"
For the 1950 season, the division was renamed "Grand National".
1950: Series known as the Grand National Division
From 1950 to 1970, the series was known as the Grand National Division.
1951: Herb Thomas Wins Multiple Championships
In 1951, Herb Thomas became the first driver to win multiple NASCAR Cup Series Championships.
1953: Herb Thomas Wins Multiple Championships
In 1953, Herb Thomas won another NASCAR Cup Series Championship.
1954: First Road Course Event Held
The series' first road course event was held in 1954, at Linden Airport in New Jersey.
1956: Road America Race Held in Rain
Prior to the 2020 and 2021 races, a 1956 race at Road America was held in the rain and Tim Flock won.
1957: "The Black Widow"
The 1957 fuel injected 150 model Chevrolet (known as "the black widow") was the first car to be outlawed by NASCAR.
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: Formula One Points System
Points were scored in a 1960–1990 Formula One system
1963: Road Course Race Every Year
Since 1963, the NASCAR Cup Series has raced on at least one road course every year.
1965: Modified Chassis Adopted
In 1965, mid-size cars with modified chassis, like the Ford Fairlane and Plymouth Belvedere, became common in NASCAR.
August 1970: Restrictor Plate Rule Introduced
Beginning in August 1970, NASCAR started using restrictor plates to handicap engines over 366 cubic inches (6.0 liters).
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.
1970: ABC Sports aired Grand National races
In 1970, ABC Sports aired partial or full live telecasts of Grand National races, but later abandoned live coverage.
1970: End of Grand National Division era
In 1970, the series name Grand National Division ended.
1970: Dirt Racing Ceased
The NASCAR Cup Series ceased racing on dirt tracks for over 50 years after the 1970 season.
1971: Rules Changed, "Aero Warriors" Forced Out
In 1971, NASCAR rewrote the rules, limiting engine size to 305ci (5.0L) to force the Ford and Chrysler "Aero Warriors" cars out of competition.
1971: Winston Cup Series begins
In 1971, NASCAR's premier series was sponsored by Winston, beginning the Winston Cup Series.
1971: End of "Grand National" name
The "Grand National" name retained until 1971.
1972: Beginning of NASCAR's "modern era"
The year 1972 established as the beginning of NASCAR's "modern era".
1973: 1973 Oil Crisis
The 1973 oil crisis coincided with the transition to the reduced engine size.
August 1974: Bob Latford designs new points system
In August 1974, Bob Latford designed a points system with equal points for all races, regardless of length or prize money.
1974: Maximum Engine Displacement Increased
In 1974, NASCAR increased the maximum engine displacement from 430 cubic inches to 433 cubic inches.
1975: Small Block Engine Displacement Reduced
In 1975, NASCAR reduced the maximum small block engine displacement from 366 cubic inches (6.0 liters) to 358 cubic inches (5.9 liters).
1975: New points system implemented
This points system remained unchanged from 1975.
1977: Older GM Models Retained
In 1977, older GM models were retained due to downsizing of American cars.
1977: Transition to Reduced Engine Size Completed
In 1977, the transition to the reduced engine size was completed, coinciding with the end of factory support and the 1973 oil crisis.
1979: Older Models Retained
In 1979, older models for Ford and Dodge were retained due to downsizing of American cars.
1979: Daytona 500 nationally televised live
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: Older Models Retained Through 1980
Through 1980, NASCAR retained the older GM, Ford, and Dodge models because of the downsizing of American cars.
1981: Awards banquet began in New York City
In 1981, an awards banquet began to be held in New York City.
1981: Wheelbase Requirement Reduced
In 1981, the wheelbase requirement was reduced to 110 inches (2,800 mm) to accommodate newer model cars.
1982: Daytona 500 becomes first non-exhibition race of the year
Since 1982, the Daytona 500 has been the first non-exhibition race of the year.
1983: Aerodynamic Designs Dominate, Chrysler exits
In 1983, the Ford Thunderbird and other rounded, aerodynamic car designs became popular. Chrysler Corporation left NASCAR after dropping Dodge Mirada and Chrysler Cordoba.
1985: Chrysler Leaves NASCAR
At the end of the 1985 season, Chrysler Corporation left NASCAR entirely.
1985: Winston Million awards program introduced
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: Grand National dropped from Winston Cup Series name
In 1986, "Grand National" was dropped from the series' name.
1987: Bill Elliott Sets Speed Record, Bobby Allison Crash
In 1987, Bill Elliott set a stock-car speed record of 212.809 mph, and Bobby Allison's crash at Talladega injured spectators, leading to restrictor plates.
1987: Bill Elliott Sets Qualifying Record
In 1987, Bill Elliott set the record qualifying lap at Talladega Superspeedway with a speed of 212.809 mph.
1988: Restrictor Plates Made Mandatory
Restrictor plates were made mandatory at superspeedways in 1988 to reduce speeds.
1989: Darrell Waltrip nearly won Winston Million
In 1989, Darrell Waltrip nearly won Winston Million.
1989: GM Switches to V6 Engines
In 1989, GM switched its mid-sized models to V6 engines and front-wheel-drive, but NASCAR racers retained V8 rear-wheel-drive.
1990: Formula One Points System
Points were scored in a 1960–1990 Formula One system
1991: GM Still Using Four Different Brands in NASCAR
In 1991, GM was still using four different brands in NASCAR.
1992: Davey Allison nearly won Winston Million
In 1992, Davey Allison nearly won Winston Million.
1992: Generation 4 Car Introduced
In 1992, the Generation 4 car was introduced, removing stock body panels and replacing steel bumpers with fiberglass.
1994: First Brickyard 400 held
In 1994, NASCAR held the first Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
1995: Chevrolet Monte Carlo Redesign
In 1995, the newly designed Chevrolet Monte Carlo returned to the sport, initiating a trend of rounder body shapes.
1996: Dale Jarrett nearly won Winston Million
In 1996, Dale Jarrett nearly won Winston Million.
1997: Winner's prize money for Daytona 500 tripled
Between 1997 and 1998, the winner's prize money for the Daytona 500 tripled.
1997: End of Winston Million awards program
From 1985 to 1997, any driver who won three of the four most prestigious races in the series was given one million dollars.
1997: Ford Thunderbird Retired, Taurus Introduced
In 1997, the Ford Thunderbird was retired, and the four-door Ford Taurus body was used for racing.
1998: Winner's prize money for Daytona 500 tripled
Between 1997 and 1998, the winner's prize money for the Daytona 500 tripled.
1998: Tobacco Industry Settlement
The 1998 Tobacco Industry Settlement sharply restricted avenues for tobacco advertising, including sports sponsorships.
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 on Cars
The new rules eliminated the asymmetrical bodies on cars, which had run rampant since the 1998 Taurus launch.
1998: Significant 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.
2001: Banquet portion of awards ceremony dropped
For 2001, the banquet portion was dropped in favor of a simpler awards ceremony.
2001: Dodge Brand Returned
In 2001, Chrysler's Dodge brand returned after a 15-year hiatus.
2002: R.J. Reynolds notified NASCAR of sponsorship termination
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: 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.
2003: "Approved Body Configuration" Design Introduced
In 2003, NASCAR introduced the "Approved Body Configuration" (or "common template") design to emphasize parity and address issues with offset cars.
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 introduced
Along with the change in title sponsorship for the series, the 2004 season also introduced a new system for determining the series champion.
2004: Inaugural Chase for the Nextel Cup
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: Series becomes Nextel Cup Series
In 2004 the series became known as the Nextel Cup Series.
2004: Chase for the Championship instituted
In 2004, the Chase for the Championship was instituted.
2004: NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Begins
In 2004, the series was renamed the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series after a deal with Nextel.
2005: Rule Change Affecting Owner's Points
A 2005 rule change in NASCAR's three national series affected how the owner's points are used.
2005: Roush Fires Kurt Busch
In 2005, after owner Jack Roush fired Kurt Busch during the next-to-last race weekend of the season, the No. 97 team finished in eighth place in owner's points, while Busch ended up tenth in driver's points.
2005: Rules Reverted to a System more Similar to the Pre-2005 Rules
In 2013, the rules reverted to a system more similar to the pre-2005 rules.
2006: End of First Chase for the Nextel Cup Points System
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: Jimmie Johnson's Consecutive Championships Begin
In 2006, Jimmie Johnson began his streak of five consecutive NASCAR Cup Series Championships.
2006: Release of Pixar's 'Cars'
In 2006, the animated film Cars, which included the voices of Petty and Dale Earnhardt Jr., was released. "Piston Cup" served as Pixar's allusion to the Winston Cup.
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: Speed Record Attempt at Bonneville Salt Flats
In October 2007, Russ Wicks drove a modified Dodge Charger stock car to 244.9 mph during a speed record attempt at the Bonneville Salt Flats.
2007: Toyota Joined NASCAR
2007: Bonus Award for Highest Finishing Non-Chase Driver
In 2007, NASCAR started awarding a bonus to the highest-finishing driver outside of the Chase for the Cup, encouraging competition among all drivers.
2007: End of Nextel Cup Series
In 2007, the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series concluded.
2007: Chase participants increased to 12 teams
In 2007, the number of Chase participants increased to 12 teams.
2008: Series renamed the Sprint Cup
Beginning with the 2008 season, Cup Series was renamed the Sprint Cup.
2008: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Begins
In 2008, the series was renamed the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
2008: CoT Used in Every Race
The date was changed to the start of the 2008 season for the CoT to be used in every race.
2009: End of popularity boom of the 1990s
By 2009, the popularity boom of the 1990s had ended, and television ratings had become more or less stagnant.
2009: Carl Edwards Crash
During the 2009 Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway, Carl Edwards experienced a high-speed spin.
2009: Original Plan to use CoT in Every Race
NASCAR originally planned to use the CoT in every race starting at the beginning of the 2009 season.
2010: Previous System of Allocating Owner's Points
Before a major change to the points system was implemented in 2011, there was a slightly different addition to the system of allocating owner's points.
2010: End of Chase points reset system
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: Rear Wing Replaced with Spoiler
In 2010 NASCAR replaced the rear wing with the original spoiler.
2010: Jimmie Johnson's Fifth Consecutive Championship
In 2010, Jimmie Johnson won his fifth consecutive NASCAR Cup Series Championship, setting a record.
November 20, 2011: Tony Stewart wins championship in points tiebreaker
On November 20, 2011, Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards ended the season in a first-ever points tie, with Stewart winning the championship due to more wins.
2011: New points system takes effect
As part of a major change in the points system that took effect in 2011, the qualifying criteria and the points reset were changed as well.
2011: Nose of 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: Implementation of New Rule for Drivers' Points
In 2011, NASCAR implemented a new rule restricting drivers from earning drivers' points in more than one of NASCAR's three national series. Trevor Bayne's Daytona 500 win exemplified this, as he earned owner's points but not drivers' points.
2011: New System of Allocating Owner's Points
In 2011, a new system was implemented to allocate owners' points. Only cars that actually start in a given race earn owner's points.
2011: Initial plan to transition to fuel injection midway
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: Fuel Injection Introduced
In 2012 NASCAR introduced fuel injection technology.
2012: Top Teams Awarded Exemptions for Next Race
Through the 2012 season, the top 35 (NASCAR Cup Series) or top 30 (other series) full-time teams in owner points are awarded exemptions for the next race, guaranteeing them a position in that race.
July 2013: SoftBank acquired Sprint
In July 2013, Japanese telecommunications corporation SoftBank acquired Sprint.
2013: Rules Reverted to a System more Similar to the Pre-2005 Rules
Beginning in 2013, the rules reverted to a system more similar to the pre-2005 rules. In the NASCAR Cup Series, the first 36 places in the field are determined strictly by qualifying speed.
2013: Qualifying criteria and points reset
From 2011 to 2013, the ten drivers with the most points automatically qualified for the Chase.
2013: Rule Revoked Affecting Owner's Points
In 2013, a rule change in NASCAR's three national series, revoked from 2013 onward, affects how the owner's points are used.
2013: Generation 6 Car Introduced
In 2013, manufacturers were given increased leeway for branding their NASCAR Cup Series cars with the introduction of the Generation 6 race car.
2013: Bonus Award for Highest Finishing Non-Chase Driver
In 2013, the highest finishing non-chase driver was awarded a bonus of approximately one million dollars and was originally given a position on stage at the post-season awards banquet.
2013: Points Scored in a 1960–1990 Formula One System
Up to the 2013 season, points were scored in a 1960–1990 Formula One system
2014: Changes to the Chase format announced
For 2014, NASCAR announced wide-ranging changes to the Chase format.
2014: Potential Change to Bonus Award for Highest Finishing Non-Chase Driver
In 2014, NASCAR might have changed the position for the bonus award for highest finishing non-chase driver potentially anywhere from fifth to 17th place.
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.
2014: System to Mimic the Owner's Championship
Starting in 2014, NASCAR changed the system to mimic the Owner's Championship.
December 1, 2016: NASCAR Announces Agreement with Monster Energy
On December 1, 2016, NASCAR announced an agreement with Monster Energy to become the new sponsor of NASCAR's premier series, replacing Sprint.
December 2016: Monster Energy Named New Title Sponsor
In December 2016, Monster Energy was announced as the new title sponsor, renaming the series the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
December 19, 2016: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Name and Logo Announced
On December 19, 2016, NASCAR announced the new name for the series, the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, along with a new series logo and a new NASCAR logo.
2016: NASCAR announced creation of a charter system
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.
2016: Digital Dash Introduced
In 2016, all NASCAR Cup Series cars began utilizing a digital dash sold by McLaren.
2017: Introduction of Stage Racing
In 2017, stage racing was introduced to the NASCAR Cup Series, dividing races into three stages (four for the Coca-Cola 600) with bonus championship points awarded to the top-10 finishers in the first two stages.
2017: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Begins
In 2017, the series was renamed the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
April 11, 2018: Monster Energy Sponsorship Extended
On April 11, 2018, Monster Energy announced an extension of their sponsorship of the NASCAR Cup Series through the end of the 2019 season.
2018: Chevrolet Switched to Camaro
In 2018, Chevrolet switched to the Chevrolet Camaro in the Cup Series.
2019: End of Monster Energy Sponsorship
In 2019, Monster Energy's sponsorship of the NASCAR Cup Series ended.
2019: Monster Energy Deal Ends
In 2019, NASCAR rejected Monster's offer to extend the naming rights deal beyond the end of the season.
2019: Tapered Spacers Replaced Restrictor Plates
In 2019, tapered spacers replaced restrictor plates to reduce horsepower and prevent cars from exceeding 205 mph.
2019: Daytona 500 TV Audience
In 2019, the Daytona 500 had a television audience of about 9.17 million U.S. viewers.
2020: NASCAR Schedule Includes Tracks Around the U.S.
As of 2020, the NASCAR Cup Series schedule includes tracks from around the United States.
2020: NASCAR Cup Series with Premier Partners Begins
In 2020, NASCAR moved to a new tiered sponsorship model, becoming the NASCAR Cup Series with 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: Windshield Wiper
Cup cars are required to have at least one working windshield wiper installed on the car for the road courses (Sonoma, Watkins Glen, Circuit of the Americas, and the road course layout at the Charlotte Motor Speedway and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, as well at Daytona in 2021) as part of the road racing rules package.
2021: Dirt Racing Returns
In 2021, dirt racing returned to the NASCAR Cup Series schedule with an event at Bristol Motor Speedway.
2021: Dirt track race after 1970
The NASCAR Grand National race was held on September 30, 1970 (until 2021) at the State Fairgrounds Speedway in Raleigh, North Carolina
2021: Second in-race use of rain tires
The second in-race use of rain tires in the Cup Series were at the 2021 Texas Grand Prix.
2022: Next Gen Car Introduced
In 2022, NASCAR introduced the Next Gen car with improved aero and new technologies.
2023: Chevrolet Most Successful Manufacturer
As of 2023, Chevrolet has been the most successful manufacturer with 851 race wins and 42 manufacturers championships.
2023: Next Gen Camaro Enters 24 Hours of Le Mans
In 2023, a modified Next Gen Camaro entered the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
2023: Chase Elliot Injured
In 2023, after Chase Elliott was injured, his No. 9 car continued to earn owner points during his absence, which ultimately culminated in a playoff berth in owners points, though Elliott himself didn’t make the playoffs as a driver. The team finished 10th and Elliott finished 17th.
2024: Cup Series Schedule
In 2024, the NASCAR Cup Series included 31 races at oval tracks and 5 at road courses.
