NASCAR, which stands for the National Association for Stock Car Racing, was established in 1947 when Bill France Sr. united the various stakeholders involved in individual stock car racing events across the United States. Since its formation, NASCAR has been responsible for organizing stock car racing nationwide. The first official NASCAR race took place in Daytona Beach in February 1948.
Over the years, NASCAR’s rules have evolved significantly, encompassing safety protocols, race schedules, points systems, and technological innovations. These fundamental rules and procedures have shaped NASCAR into the sport it is today.
The 2025 season will feature thirty-six races, including thirty oval races, five road course races, and one street track race. Some of the key tracks in the season will include Daytona International Speedway, Phoenix Raceway, Watkins Glen, and, for the first time, the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico.
The race calendar divides the season into two parts: the first 26 races constitute the regular season, followed by a 10-race playoff season. At the conclusion of the regular season, the driver with the most points from the first 26 races will be crowned the regular season champion.
The playoffs involve the top 16 drivers from the standings who compete for the championship. Drivers can earn playoff points throughout the regular season by winning stages, races, or the regular season championship.
Points are awarded in several ways: a stage win gives 1 point, a race victory earns 5 points, and winning the regular season championship provides 15 points. The top 10 finishers in each race earn points in descending order. A race win generally guarantees a spot in the playoffs, but since multiple drivers may win races, drivers who accumulate enough points can also qualify for the Top 16.
Once drivers reach the Top 16, their points are reset to zero, and they must advance through several elimination rounds, each consisting of three races. After every three-race round, the bottom four drivers are eliminated until only four remain. To continue progressing, drivers need to win races or score points through stages. Points are reset after each round. The final four drivers, known as the “Championship Four,” compete in the last race at Phoenix to determine the Cup Series Champion.
Each race follows a set of procedures, including qualifying. Qualifying typically consists of two rounds. In the first round, all drivers complete a timed lap around the track, with the top ten advancing to the second round. In round two, the top ten drivers make another timed lap to decide the starting grid for the race.
NASCAR uses a flag system to communicate with drivers during races. Green flags signal the start of the race or a restart. Yellow flags indicate a caution due to hazards, accidents, or weather conditions. A red flag means the race is halted. White flags signal that only one lap remains. Black flags are used to instruct a driver to pit immediately if they break rules or create a dangerous situation. A green-and-white checkered flag marks the end of a race stage, while a black-and-white checkered flag signals the end of the race.
Drivers can incur penalties at various stages—during the race, before the race, or after the race. These penalties are categorized into two levels, each with different consequences. Level 1 penalties include fines ranging from $25,000 to $75,000, a points deduction of 10 to 40 points, and a suspension of the pit crew for up to three races. Level 2 penalties involve fines between $100,000 and $200,000, a points deduction of up to 75 points, and a six-race suspension for the pit crew.
As part of its annual updates, NASCAR has introduced new rules for the 2025 season. The most notable changes include modifications to the practice and qualifying formats. Group practice sessions will now be 25 minutes long, an increase from the previous 20-minute duration. Additionally, all tracks (except superspeedways) will have just one round of qualifying to determine race starting positions. Furthermore, the method for setting the starting grid will shift from a row-by-row system based on qualifying groups to one based solely on lap times.
The 2025 NASCAR season will kick off with the non-points race, the NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray in North Carolina.
