The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season starts in February with the iconic Daytona 500 and culminates with the championship finale in Phoenix in November. This year promises thrilling competition as significant changes reshape the landscape of the sport, including a revised playoff format and the addition of a new circuit.
Race Calendar Stages
The NASCAR season itself is divided into three phases:
- Regular Season:The first 26 races comprise the regular season, where drivers accumulate points and victories to qualify for the playoffs.
- Playoffs:The top 16 drivers in points standings after the regular season enter a 10-race playoff bracket. This knockout-style format sees drivers eliminated in rounds until the Championship 4 is determined. Notably, for the 2024 season, the playoffs have been expanded from 12 to 10 races, with the first round now starting a week later than usual.
- Championship 4:The final four drivers compete in a winner-take-all race at Phoenix for the coveted NASCAR Cup Series Championship.
Stages and Advancement
Most NASCAR Cup Series races remain divided into three distinct stages:
- Stage 1:Typically lasts around one-quarter of the total race distance
- Stage 2:Lasts roughly one-quarter of the race distance
- Final Stage:Encompasses the remaining portion of the race
Drivers earn points in each stage based on their finishing position within that interval, with additional points awarded to the stage winner. These stage points are then added to drivers’ overall season standings, ensuring intense competition throughout every race. Between stages, the race can restart at the start line, clustering the racers again. One of the reasons why races are broken up in stages that restart is to equalize the playing field, create constant competition and avoid instances of a runaway winner. This is one of the unique aspects of NASCAR resulting in many surprise wins, upsets, and dominance.
Crown Jewel Events, Street Races, New Tracks & Modified Rules
- Crown Jewel Events:NASCAR's most prominent races are the Daytona 500, Coca-Cola 600, and Southern 500
- Street Races:The continued integration of street races is a significant development. The Chicago Street Race in July is the most notable example, set in the heart of the Windy City. 2023 was the inaugural year, which started with Grant Park 220. Your can read our articles that cover the 2023 Chicago Street Race here (Link 1, Link 2, Link 3, Link 4)
- New Tracks:2024 welcomes the return of the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway, hosting the NASCAR All-Star Race in May
- Modified Rules:While the core format endures, subtle regulation changes have been introduced for 2024, focused on enhancing safety and promoting closer competition. Specific details can be found on the official NASCAR website (Link). In broad strokes, the new rules involve rules for wet-weather tires, making qualifying fairer and safer, some track-specific requirements, changes to pit crews and car safety measures.
The 2024 NASCAR season is set to be a blend of tradition and innovation. With a revised playoff format, new tracks, street course excitement, and subtle rule changes, fans are in for a thrilling season.
