What is the NASCAR Cup Series?
The NASCAR Cup Series is America's stock-car championship — founded in Daytona Beach in 1948 by Bill France Sr. and still run by the France family, racing 36 points events from the Daytona 500 to a one-race championship finale. Kyle Larson is the reigning champion, taking a second title at Phoenix in 2025.[1] [2]
| Season | Pool / Format | Host cities |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Kyle Larson (Hendrick, Chevrolet) | 2nd title — sealed at Phoenix |
| 2024 | Joey Logano (Penske, Ford) | 3rd title |
| 2023 | Ryan Blaney (Penske, Ford) | |
| 2022 | Joey Logano (Penske, Ford) | |
| 2021 | Kyle Larson (Hendrick, Chevrolet) | 10-win season |
| 2020 | Chase Elliott (Hendrick, Chevrolet) | |
| 2019 | Kyle Busch (Gibbs, Toyota) | 2nd title |
| 2018 | Joey Logano (Penske, Ford) | |
| 2017 | Martin Truex Jr. (Furniture Row, Toyota) | |
| 2016 | Jimmie Johnson (Hendrick, Chevrolet) | Record-equalling 7th title |
Cup Series champions of the last ten seasons.
How does it work?
Full-bodied "stock" cars — today's spec Next Gen chassis with Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota bodies — race ovals, road courses and street circuits; a 16-driver playoff of elimination rounds decides the champion. Beneath the Cup run the Xfinity and Truck Series, a documented three-tier professional ladder.[1] [3]
Why does it matter?
NASCAR is the biggest spectator motorsport in the United States — the Daytona 500 its Super Bowl — and a Cup ride is one of American racing's defining professional credentials, with every result since 1949 on the public record.[2] [3]
References
- NASCAR — official site. Accessed August 2026.
- NASCAR — Kyle Larson wins 2025 Cup Series title. Accessed August 2026.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — NASCAR. Accessed August 2026.