National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing. American oval-track racing series, with the Cup Series as the premier division. Founded 1948.
NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) is the premier American stock car racing series, founded in 1948. The premier division (Cup Series, also called Sprint Cup) features 36 races annually, mostly on oval tracks ranging from short tracks (under 1 mile) to superspeedways (Daytona International Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway, both 2.5 miles). The cars are heavily modified production-based vehicles using specific NASCAR specifications.
NASCAR Cup Series cars use 5.86-liter naturally aspirated V8 engines making around 670 horsepower, fitted to a tubular space frame chassis with a steel body shell. The cars are not road-legal; they are purpose-built racing vehicles within the production-car visual identity. Manufacturers include Ford (with Mustang), Chevrolet (with Camaro), and Toyota (with Camry) as the current participants.
NASCAR is the most-watched motorsport in the United States and has cultural significance well beyond its competitive footprint. Famous drivers include Richard Petty (200 career Cup wins), Dale Earnhardt Sr. (7 championships, killed at Daytona 2001), Jeff Gordon (4 championships), Jimmie Johnson (7 championships), and modern drivers like Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, and Chase Elliott. The Daytona 500 (the season opening race at Daytona International Speedway) is NASCAR most prestigious event.