LEBANON, Tenn. — NASCAR, the largest stock car racing organization in the United States, differs from other major series in several ways.
Stock car identity. The Cup Series, NASCAR's top tier, features full-bodied cars styled to resemble production models from Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota. The current Next Gen car, introduced in 2022, uses many common, vendor-supplied parts while retaining distinct manufacturer bodies. The approach is intended to reduce the advantage of teams that can develop every component on their own.
Oval-heavy racing. While F1 and IndyCar compete extensively on road and street courses, NASCAR has historically emphasized oval racing. The Cup schedule also includes road courses, giving drivers a variety of challenges. Tracks range from the iconic 0.533-mile Bristol Motor Speedway to the likes of Nashville Superspeedway, which has hosted the series on a 1.33 mile concrete oval since 2021.
Close-quarters racing. At superspeedways, drivers use the draft to run in large packs at very high speeds, and one small mistake can involve multiple cars. Contact is a more visible part of NASCAR than in many open-wheel series, although the rules distinguish between normal racing contact and avoidable incidents.
A long season with a playoff finish. The Cup Series consists of 36 points-paying races, beginning with the Daytona 500 in February and ending with the championship race Nov. 8. This year, NASCAR replaced its elimination-style playoffs with a return to the Chase format. The top 16 drivers in points after the 26-race regular season advance, their points are reset, and the driver with the most points after 10 Chase races is champion.
Deep Southern roots and fan culture. NASCAR's history is tied to the American Southeast and the bootlegging and moonshine running that shaped early stock car racing. Drivers and mechanics modified cars for speed, helping create the culture that grew into the organized sport. That heritage remains part of NASCAR's identity, and race weekends still emphasize fan interaction, tailgating and camping.
Together, these traits give NASCAR a distinct identity in motorsports: manufacturer-styled stock cars, oval-heavy racing, close competition, a long season with a points-based Chase and a deeply rooted fan culture.
Experience it for yourself. Come experience the unique NASCAR atmosphere at Nashville Superspeedway’s triple-header on June 4-6, 2027. Tickets are on sale now at NashvilleSuperspeedway.com or by calling 866-RACE-TIX.
-- NashvilleSuperspeedway.com --
2027 Race Schedule and Tickets
Friday, June 4
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race
Saturday, June 5
Wilson County Convention and Visitors Bureau Qualifying
NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Sports Illustrated 250
Sunday, June 6
NASCAR Cup Series Cracker Barrel 400
Call 866.RACE.TIX to discuss your options with an account representative, or visit NashvilleSuperspeedway.com.
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About Nashville Superspeedway
Nashville Superspeedway stands as Middle Tennessee’s premier racing destination, nestled in one of America’s most dynamic and rapidly expanding regions. Our 1.33-mile D-shaped concrete track, featuring 14 degrees of banking, holds the distinction of being NASCAR’s largest all-concrete venue. Nashville Superspeedway’s rich racing heritage includes six NASCAR Cup Series races, 27 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series events, 19 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series competitions and 11 NTT INDYCAR SERIES battles -- including the 2024 and 2025 INDYCAR SERIES championship finales. As a Speedway Motorsports property, Nashville Superspeedway serves as a year-round entertainment venue welcoming families and race fans from across the globe.
