A Comprehensive Look At The NASCAR’s Three National Racing Tiers

NASCAR, also known as the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, is the most popular stock car racing series in the United States. It is the second-highest motorsport event to be organized globally after Formula 1. With the vision of Bill France, NASCAR has been captivating hearts since its debut 75 years ago. From its history and how it all started, we have covered every aspect of the NASCAR realm.

Now it's time to break down the strategic pattern of modern NASCAR racing. We have already studied how many races occur during an annual NASCAR season and how these races have evolved and expanded the NASCAR community. Let us learn more about these national racing tiers and how they shaped NASCAR's heritage.

NASCAR 3 National Racing Tiers

NASCAR is famous for its stock car auto racing that was held at Daytona Beach for the first time, and since then these three national racing series have been accommodated with the seasonal races. Each national racing tier has characteristics and ideology for NASCAR racing that make it special. Let us get into its deep aspects from where it all started.

1. Tier 1: NASCAR Cup Series

The NASCAR Cup Series is the top-tier racing league of NASCAR racing. It is often regarded as the pinnacle of stock car racing. The Cup Series was formed in 1949 and has still grown significantly over the decades. But before its formation, it was known as the Strictly Stock Division. Then the following year, from 1950-1970, called the Grand National Division. Sooner or later, several names were added to the racing series, such as Winston Cup (1971-2003), Nextel Cup Series (2004-2007), and Sprint Cup (2008-16). Then Monster Energy became the title sponsor, and the series was again renamed the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup (2017-19).

Later on, the management decided to sign a multimillion-dollar deal with the brand to host the racing cup as the sponsor of the series, and from 2020 till date it has been called the NASCAR Cup Series with premier brand partners such as Busch Beer, Coca-Cola, GEICO, and Xfinity.

Features of the NASCAR Cup Series:

Founded: 1949

Manufacturers: Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota

Tire Suppliers: Goodyear

Stages: Racing is divided into three stages, and the points are awarded for stage finish.

First Champion Driver: Red Byron (1949)

2. Tier 2: NASCAR Xfinity Series

The Xfinity Series is considered the second-growing stage in the NASCAR racing league. It is often seen as a stepping stone to the Cup Series, where new drivers compete for the top-tier win. The series before was called the Budweiser Late Model Sportsman Series (1982-83). Then, from 1984 until 2002, it was known as the Busch Grand National Series. With the new agreement from Busch, it was rebadged as the NASCAR Busch Series from 2003-2007. 

Later on, it was called the NASCAR Nationwide Series (2008-2014). Unfortunately, with so many renamings, the series struggled to be on board until in 2015 Xfinity decided to sponsor the race for 10 years on lease, and since then it has been known as the Xfinity Series. The cars used in this series are similar to Cup cars but with less power and different specifications, allowing for closer racing and more frequent lead changes. Even the tracks are similar to the Cup Series but have fewer laps and shorter race distances.

Features of the NASCAR Xfinity Series:

Founded: 1982

Manufacturers: Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota
Tire Suppliers: Goodyear

Stages: Similar to Cup Series, races are fragmented into different sub-stages

First Champion Driver: Jack Ingram (1982)

3. Tier 3: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series was introduced in 1995. It is the only series that features modified small pickup trucks with platforms based on stock cars. Before signing a deal with Craftsman, the series was known as the SuperTruck Series (1995-96). Then Craftsman Truck Series from 1996 till 2008. However, due to financial problems, the deal broke, and later it was called the Camping World Truck Series (2009-2019). 

This tier has gained popularity for its unique vehicle dynamics and competitive racing. The trucks are designed to handle differently than standard stock cars, providing a distinct racing experience. This tier is considered the opening ground for the rookie driver who has a dream to make it big in the NASCAR world.

Features of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series:

Founded: 1995

Manufacturers: Chevrolet, Toyota, Ford, IImor

Tire Suppliers: Goodyear

Stage: Similar to that of the Xfinity Series, with short distance and fewer laps.
First Champion Driver: Mike Skinner (1995)

Differences In Racing Formats and Vehicle Configurations In Three National Racing Tiers

A significant question arises! That is the point of having such a sophisticated racing season. Well, it is because different racing tiers might help in the progression of the sport and only skilled, talented drivers might become part of the prestigious NASCAR Cup. The Xfinity Series showcases those drivers who are willing to put their everything to be everything, whereas the Truck Series is for the rookies who are new to the racing world and have no idea about stock car racing. 

The following chart represents the actual progression and the differences between each national racing series.

With such a strategic racing league and division, NASCAR's approach to stock car racing has helped it to maintain its position as America's premier motorsport series while ensuring a steady pipeline of talented drivers and competitive racing across all levels of the sport.

What is your favorite racing series from the world of NASCAR? Do let us know in the comments below. Also, follow us for more such updates on NASCAR and Formula 1.