Top NASCAR Races
The NASCAR schedule features some of the most exhilarating action in all of sports. Whether the cars are side by side at 200 miles per hour in Daytona or 120 miles per hour sliding through a road course in Pocono, you won’t forget your first experience at a NASCAR race. Over 30 tracks are used by NASCAR every year, but we are going to take a dive into the top NASCAR races that you will want to get NASCAR tickets to.
Daytona 500 and Sugar 400
- Where: Daytona International Speedway, Florida, U.S.
- When: February 20, 2022 and August 27, 2022.
The Daytona International Speedway began its course in history on a beach. In 1904, races were running on Daytona Beach in Florida. It was meant for tourists and for recreational use. After 1936, the beach was transitioned to competitive racing. It wasn’t until 1959 that Daytona International Speedway was the racetrack we love and know now. More recent renovations have propelled this track to an even higher level. The 2.5-mile track is recognizable by many.
Daytona hosts two main races every year. While races are held for lower divisions in NASCAR, the big ones for the top division (NASCAR Cup Series) are the Daytona 500 and the Sugar 400. The most renown one being the 500.
1. The Daytona 500
The Daytona 500 represents the 500 miles and 200 laps throughout the course of the race. The 500 is seen as the most prestigious race, mostly due to the heavy payout for the winning car. Richard Petty holds the record for most wins in the Daytona 500 at seven. Usually held as the first race of the year, this race gets the season going on the right foot. Every driver dreams of winning the Daytona 500. The most recent winner was Austin Cindric in the 2022 running of the Daytona 500.
2. The Sugar 400
The Sugar 400 is the shorter race of the two, containing 160 laps of 400 miles. This race usually occurs around the week of July 4. Doing so, it creates an American atmosphere like no other. Fans gather from all corners of the country to witness the marvelous experience. Known for its fireworks to commemorate July 4, fans don’t hesitate to grab a ticket to this annual race. The most wins for this race are held by David Pearson at four wins. Names have ranged for this event from the Pepsi 400, Coca-Cola 400 and now the Sugar 400.
GEICO 500 and YellaWood 500
- Where: Talladega International Superspeedway, Alabama, U.S.
- When: April 24, 2022 and October 2, 2022.
Talladega International Speedway is up there with Daytona in terms of fame. Being the home of the movie Talladega Nights, this race track has gotten its fair amount of publicity. Talladega found its current name after the transition from Alabama International Speedway to Talladega in 1989. Known as one of the fastest tracks in NASCAR, Talladega is a place you definitely want to visit. This track hosts two main races annually. This track is approximately 2.66 miles around.
3. The GEICO 500
The GEICO 500 usually takes place in the spring, which is the earlier part of the season. This 188-lap and 500-mile race is filled with high speeds and bumper-to-bumper action. The current holders of most wins in this race are by Jeff Gordon and Brad Keselowski at four wins. The first running of this race was back in 1970, with Donnie Allison taking home the inaugural hardware. With speeds above 200 miles per hour the entire race, this is the race you want to see if you enjoy the highest speeds possible!
4. The YellaWood 500
The YellaWood 500 is known as the second race held at Talladega every season. As of 2022, this race is used exclusively in the NASCAR playoffs. Since its first race in 1969, the competition has always been high here. Statistically, this race offers one of the most competitive races throughout the whole season. Constant lead changes and tight finishes accredit to this stat. This race is identical to the GEICO 500, as it is 188 laps and 500 miles long. The late Dale Earnhardt holds the record for most wins in this race with seven. Earnhardt established himself as a master of this track.
Bass Pro Shops Night Race and Food City 500
- Where: Bristol Motor Speedway, Tennessee, U.S.
- When: April 17, 2022 and September 17, 2022.
Bristol is home to one of the most storied tracks in history. With a nickname of the World’s Fastest Half Mile, the electric atmosphere here creates something beyond special. The track is tucked into Bristol, Tennessee in the mountains. Fans gather for two races annually at this track.
5. The Bass Pro Shops Night Race
The Bass Pro Shops Night Race is a 500-lap, 266.5-mile race that doesn’t disappoint. With the track being only half-a-mile, turns are as tight as they can be. Wrecks are common and it adds even more excitement. The legendary Darrell Waltrip holds the record for most wins in this race with seven wins. Fights between drivers and tensions flying high are seen almost every year. This race is almost always held on Saturday night under the lights. You won’t want to miss an atmosphere like this!
6. The Food City 500
The Food City 500 is a 250-lap, 133-mile race that has now been transitioned to a dirt race. Previously a normal concrete race, NASCAR wanted to try something they haven’t done since the 1950s. Joey Logano was the winner of the inaugural dirt race in 2021. Before the transition to dirt, Rusty Wallace held the most wins in this race with six. Racing on dirt can be seen as a tactic to gain more attention and publicity. It can end up very profitable for them, as dirt racing has never been popular in NASCAR in the modern era.