Nascar 〈Bonus Inside〉

: The top 16 drivers qualify based solely on regular-season points (the "win-and-you're-in" rule has been retired).

: The driver with the highest total points after the final race of the season is crowned the champion. 2026 Cup Series Leaders nascar

: (Formerly Xfinity) The second division, serving as a training ground for up-and-coming talent. : The top 16 drivers qualify based solely

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. NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing)

NASCAR operates three major national touring series, often referred to as a "ladder" for driver development:

: A 10-race postseason where points are re-seeded just once. There are no more eliminations throughout these final 10 races.