NASCAR operates three major national touring series, often referred to as a "ladder" for driver development:
As of April 2026, the following drivers lead the Cup Series Standings : Tyler Reddick Denny Hamlin Ryan Blaney Chase Elliott Kyle Larson The Chase 101: How new championship format works nascar
: A 10-race postseason where points are re-seeded just once. There are no more eliminations throughout these final 10 races. NASCAR operates three major national touring series, often
: The top 16 drivers qualify based solely on regular-season points (the "win-and-you're-in" rule has been retired). NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing)
NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) is one of the world's premier motorsport organizations and a staple of American sports culture. Founded in 1948 by Bill France Sr., it has evolved from humble beginnings—rooted in Prohibition-era moonshine runners who modified cars to evade police—into a multibillion-dollar industry.