History of NASCAR Cup Series in Timeline
The NASCAR Cup Series is the premier racing series sanctioned by the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR). It represents the highest level of stock car competition in the United States, featuring intense races and skilled drivers. The series is known for its high speeds, close competition, and passionate fan base, solidifying its position as a prominent force in American motorsports.
1 day ago : NASCAR at Darlington: Hendrick's Vintage Performance, Weekend Schedule, and Xfinity Race Details.
NASCAR anticipates Hendrick's vintage performance at Darlington. The weekend includes the Cup Series and Xfinity races. Details on how to watch the Xfinity race and the weather forecast are available.
1948: NASCAR Sanctioned Modified and Roadster Division Races
In 1948, NASCAR sanctioned Modified and Roadster division races.
1950: Series Renamed Grand National Division
From 1950 to 1970, the NASCAR Cup Series was known as the Grand National Division.
1950: Darlington Raceway Opened
In 1950, Darlington Raceway opened and became the first completely paved track on the circuit over one mile long.
1956: Race Held in Rain at Road America
In 1956, a race at Road America was held in the rain, with Tim Flock winning.
1957: Chevrolet "Black Widow" Outlawed
In 1957, the fuel injected 150 model Chevrolet, known as "the black widow", became the first car to be outlawed by NASCAR. Despite this, the 1957 Chevrolet achieved 59 wins, the most of any car in the Cup Series.
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.
1965: Modified Chassis Introduced
In 1965, modified chassis were introduced to NASCAR, leading to the adoption of mid-size cars like the Ford Fairlane and Plymouth Belvedere as the new standard.
September 30, 1970: Last NASCAR Grand National Race on a Dirt Track
On September 30, 1970, the last NASCAR Grand National race on a dirt track (until 2021) was held at the half mile State Fairgrounds Speedway in Raleigh, North Carolina. Richard Petty won the race.
1970: Dirt Racing Ceased
After the 1970 season, NASCAR ceased racing on dirt tracks for more than 50 years.
1970: ABC Sports Aired Grand National Races
In 1970, ABC Sports aired partial or full live telecasts of Grand National races from Talladega, North Wilkesboro, Darlington, Charlotte, and Nashville.
1970: End of Grand National Division Era
In 1970, the NASCAR Cup Series was still known as the Grand National Division.
1971: Rules Changed 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.
1971: Winston Cup Series Sponsorship
In 1971, NASCAR's premier series was sponsored by R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company cigarette brand Winston, dubbing it the Winston Cup Series and the Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act banned television advertising of cigarettes.
1971: Series Renamed NASCAR Winston Cup Series
In 1971, the series began leasing its naming rights to the R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and was referred to as the NASCAR Winston Cup Series.
1971: Grand National Name Retained Until 1971
The name "Grand National" was retained until 1971.
1972: Beginning of NASCAR's "Modern Era"
In 1972, the changes that resulted from RJR's involvement in the series as well as from the reduction in schedule from 48 to 31 races per year established 1972 as the beginning of NASCAR's "modern era".
1973: Oil Crisis
In 1973 the Oil Crisis occurred, causing American manufacturers to end factory support of racing and the transition to reduced engine sizes.
August 1974: New Points System Designed by Bob Latford
In August 1974, Bill France Jr. asked series publicist Bob Latford to design a points system with equal points being awarded for all races regardless of length or prize money.
1974: Engine Displacement Increased
In 1974, maximum engine displacement was increased 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 its present 358 cubic inches (5.9 liters).
1975: Latford Points System Implemented
In 1975, the new points system remained unchanged until the Chase for the Championship was instituted in 2004.
1977: Older GM Models Retained
In 1977, the older models were retained for the GM makes through 1980.
1977: Transition to Reduced Engine Size Complete
In 1977, the transition to reduced engine sizes was completed, coinciding with American manufacturers ending factory support of racing and the 1973 oil crisis.
1979: Older Ford and Dodge Models Retained
In 1979, older Ford and Dodge models were retained through 1980 due to downsizing of American cars.
1979: Daytona 500 Televised Live on CBS
In 1979, the Daytona 500 became the first stock car race that was nationally televised live from flag to flag on CBS.
1980: Older Models Retained Through 1980
In 1980, older models (1977 for GM, and 1979 for Ford and Dodge) were retained due to the challenge presented by the downsizing of American cars.
1981: Wheelbase Requirement Reduced
For the 1981 season, the wheelbase requirement was reduced to 110 inches (2,800 mm) to accommodate newer model cars.
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.
1982: Daytona 500 Becomes First Non-Exhibition Race
Since 1982, the Daytona 500 has been the first non-exhibition race of the year.
1983: Buick Regal and Ford Thunderbird Dominate
In 1983, the Buick Regal and Ford Thunderbird dominated competition, while the Chevrolet Monte Carlo and Pontiac Grand Prix adopted bubble back windows to stay competitive.
1985: Chrysler 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: Winston Million Awards Program Introduced
In 1985, Winston introduced a new awards program called the Winston Million, giving one million dollars to any driver who won three of the four most prestigious races in the series.
1985: Awards Banquet Moved to Grand Ballroom
In 1985, the awards banquet was moved to the much larger Grand Ballroom.
1986: "Grand National" Dropped From Winston Cup Series Name
In 1986, the series was originally called the Winston Cup Grand National Series before "Grand National" was dropped.
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. The record is unlikely to be broken due to subsequent restrictor plate implementation.
1987: Restrictor Plate Mandated After Crash
In 1987, Bill Elliott set a stock-car speed record. Later that year, Bobby Allison's crash at Talladega injured several spectators, leading NASCAR to mandate restrictor plates at Talladega and Daytona to reduce speeds.
1988: Restrictor plates made mandatory at superspeedways
In 1988, restrictor plates were mandated at superspeedways to reduce speeds.
1989: GM Switches to V6 Engines
By 1989, GM had switched its mid-sized models to V6 engines and front-wheel-drive, while NASCAR racers kept the body shape but used the old V8 rear-wheel-drive running gear.
1989: Darrell Waltrip nearly won Winston Million
In 1989, Darrell Waltrip nearly won the Winston Million.
1992: Generation 4 Car Begins
1992 marked the beginning of the Generation 4 car, which stripped all semblance of "stock" from "stock car racing."
1992: Davey Allison nearly won Winston Million
In 1992, Davey Allison nearly won the Winston Million.
1994: First Brickyard 400 Held
In 1994, NASCAR held the first Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
1994: Roof Flaps Added After Crashes
In 1994, roof flaps were added to all cars after Rusty Wallace's two infamous airborne crashes in 1993.
1995: Chevrolet Monte Carlo Redesigned
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 Winston Million
In 1996, Dale Jarrett nearly won the 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: Jeff Gordon won Winston Million
In 1997, Jeff Gordon won the Winston Million.
1997: Ford Taurus Body Used
When the Ford Thunderbird was retired after 1997, the four-door Ford Taurus body was used for NASCAR racers, even though they have no opening doors.
1998: Winner's Prize Money for Daytona 500 Tripled
Between 1997 and 1998, the winner's prize money for the Daytona 500 tripled.
1998: Asymmetrical Bodies on Cars Intensified
In 1998 Taurus was launched. Asymmetrical bodies on cars had run rampant since the 1998 Taurus launch (and intensified by the final years of the Generation 4 car).
1998: Modifications Allowed on Ford Taurus
In 1998, NASCAR allowed significant modifications of the Ford Taurus decklid so the car would fit the required templates, eliminating the requirement for hood, roof, and decklid to be identical to stock counterparts.
1998: Tobacco Industry Settlement
In 1998, the Tobacco Industry Settlement sharply restricted avenues for tobacco advertising, including sports sponsorships, which made RJR's sponsorship more controversial.
1998: Winston Million Replaced with Winston No Bull Five
In 1998, the Winston Million was replaced with a similar program, the Winston No Bull Five.
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: Awards Banquet Dropped for Simpler Ceremony
In 2001, the banquet portion of the awards was dropped in favor of a simpler awards ceremony.
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, dubbing it the Winston Cup Series.
2003: "Approved Body Configuration" Design Introduced
In 2003, NASCAR introduced the "Approved Body Configuration" design, similar to short track racing, to put more emphasis on parity and address the issue of offset cars.
2003: End of R.J. Reynolds Sponsorship
In 2003, R.J. Reynolds notified NASCAR leadership that they would terminate their title sponsorship prematurely at the conclusion of the 2003 season.
2003: Deal Made with Nextel
In 2003, a deal was made with Nextel, changing the name of the series.
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, influenced by the system used in the USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series.
2004: Series Renamed NASCAR Nextel Cup Series
From 2004 to 2007, the series was known as 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, with first place starting with 5,050 points and tenth place starting with 5,005.
2004: Chase for the Championship Instituted
In 2004, the Chase for the Championship was instituted.
2006: Chase Seeding Based on Points Position
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, with first place starting with 5,050 points and tenth place starting with 5,005.
2006: Release of Animated Film Cars
In 2006, the animated film Cars was released.
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's "Car of Tomorrow" (CoT) made its debut at Bristol Motor Speedway, initially used at 16 selected events.
October 2007: Modified NASCAR Dodge Charger Sets Speed Record
In October 2007, Russ Wicks drove a modified Dodge Charger stock car, built to NASCAR's specifications, reaching a speed of 244.9 mph during a speed record attempt at the Bonneville Salt Flats.
2007: Number of Chase Teams Increased to 12
In 2007, the number of teams eligible for the Chase for the Nextel Cup was increased to 12.
2007: End of NASCAR Nextel Cup Series
In 2007, the series was still known as the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series.
2008: Cup Series Renamed Sprint Cup
Beginning with the 2008 season, the Cup Series was renamed the Sprint Cup following the merger between Sprint and Nextel in 2006.
2008: Series Renamed NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
In 2008, the series was renamed the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
2008: CoT Used in Every Race
Originally planned for 2009, NASCAR changed the date to the start of the 2008 season to use the CoT in every race, to help teams save money.
2009: End of Popularity Boom
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: Carl Edwards' High-Speed Spin
In 2009, Carl Edwards experienced a high-speed spin during the Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway, leading to criticism of the rear wing.
2009: Original Plan to Use CoT in Every Race
NASCAR originally planned to wait until the start of the 2009 season to use the CoT in every race, but this was changed to the start of the 2008 season.
2010: Points Reset for Chase Participants
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.
November 20, 2011: Tony Stewart wins 2011 NASCAR Cup Series Championship in Points Tiebreaker
On November 20, 2011, Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards ended the season in a first-ever points tie. Stewart's five season wins (all in the Chase) over Edwards' one win gave Stewart the tiebreaker, leading to him being named the winner of the 2011 NASCAR Cup Series Championship.
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.
2012: Fuel Injection Technology Introduced
A major engine change occurred in 2012 with NASCAR's introduction of fuel injection technology.
2012: NASCAR Cup Series switches to EFI V8 Engines
In 2012, the NASCAR Cup Series switched to EFI V8 engines, ending a 62-year period of using carburetion as the engine fuel feed.
July 2013: SoftBank Acquired Sprint
In July 2013, Japanese telecommunications corporation SoftBank acquired Sprint.
2014: Race Team Alliance Formed
In 2014, the Race Team Alliance was formed.
2014: NASCAR Changes Manufacturer Points System
Starting in 2014, NASCAR changed the manufacturer points system to mimic the Owner's Championship, where each manufacturer's best finishing representative earned them the same number of points as that team earned, including bonus points.
December 1, 2016: NASCAR Announces Partnership with Monster Energy
On December 1, 2016, NASCAR announced that it had reached an agreement with Monster Energy to become the new sponsor of NASCAR's premier series.
December 2016: Monster Energy to Become New Title Sponsor
In December 2016, it was announced that Monster Energy would become the new title sponsor of the series.
December 19, 2016: NASCAR Announces New Series Name and Logo
On December 19, 2016, NASCAR announced the new name for the series: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, along with the new series logo and a new NASCAR logo.
2016: NASCAR Announced 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, including customizable preset screens and additional data elements.
2017: Series Renamed Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series
From 2017 to 2019, the series was named the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
2017: Stage Racing Introduced in NASCAR Cup Series
In 2017, stage racing was introduced to the NASCAR Cup Series. Races were broken up into three or four stages, with bonus championship points awarded to the top-10 finishers in the first two stages, enhancing the regular season points system.
April 11, 2018: Monster Energy Extends Sponsorship of NASCAR Cup Series
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, resulting in return of pony cars to the Cup Series.
2019: NASCAR Rejected Monster's Offer
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, which reduced horsepower to limit car speeds.
2019: Daytona 500 TV 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: NASCAR Cup Series Name Change and Premier Partners
Beginning with the 2020 season, NASCAR's top level of competition became known as the NASCAR Cup Series. Busch Beer, Coca-Cola, GEICO, and Xfinity became the Premier Partners of the series, with Coca-Cola also assuming naming rights of the regular season trophy.
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: Dirt Racing Returned to Schedule
In 2021, dirt racing returned to the NASCAR Cup Series schedule with a March event at Bristol Motor Speedway.
2021: Rain Tires Used at Texas Grand Prix
In 2021, rain tires were used at the Texas Grand Prix, marking one of the first in-race uses of rain tires in the Cup Series.
2022: Next Gen Car Introduced
In 2022, NASCAR introduced the Next Gen car, featuring improved aero and downforce packages, new technologies, and meant to lower costs and attract new OEMs.
2023: Chevrolet Leads in Wins and Championships
As of 2023, Chevrolet has been the most successful manufacturer in NASCAR, 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 fielded by Hendrick Motorsports entered the 24 Hours of Le Mans, finishing 39th out of 62 cars.
2024: 2024 Season Track Details
The 2024 season included 31 races at oval tracks and 5 at road courses.
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