As one of the most recognizable names in motorsports, NASCAR’s evolution has attracted millions of racing enthusiasts throughout its history. From its roots in mid-20th century America to its current role as a global racing authority, NASCAR has developed a defining role within the world of auto racing. Here’s everything to know about the 2025 season.
Understanding the NASCAR Season
What is NASCAR?
NASCAR is an acronym for National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing. Since organizing in 1947, NASCAR has maintained a reputation as the premier platform for stock-car racing, sanctioning three national series under its domain. On average, NASCAR hosts more than 1,500 races each year and operates over 100 tracks across 48 U.S. states. Their international reach includes Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and several countries in Europe.
From humble origins as a competition among moonshine runners during the Prohibition era, NASCAR has grown to be an internationally beloved celebration of auto racing.
What are the different NASCAR series?
NASCAR’S three national series are the Cup Series, the Xfinity Series, and the Craftsman Truck Series, with the Cup Series designated as the most prestigious among them. Racers are known to work their way up from the Craftsman circuit in order to enter the Xfinity Series and, eventually, earn a place in the top-level Cup event.
What is the NASCAR Cup Series?
The NASCAR Cup Series is the top racing series in the United States, offering a showcase of the most skilled drivers and teams. The Cup Series currently uses the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang and Toyota Camry as their race cars, all designed to be race-ready under the “Next Gen” model with a five-speed transaxle.
The Cup Series lasts 10 months and consists of 36 races: 30 in the regular season, followed by six playoff events. It all culminates in the Championship race, where the series winner is crowned.
What are the major changes for NASCAR in 2025?
NASCAR officials have announced the Open Exemption Provisional (OEP), a new measure beginning in the 2025 season, allowing for a 41st car in select races (one more than the historical maximum of 40). This provisional spot offers drivers with notable credentials a chance to compete. However, while these racers can compete for wins and All-Star eligibility, they will not earn championship points, prize money, or playoff consideration.
Additionally, NASCAR has updated their Damaged Vehicle Policy, now allowing teams to make repairs in the garage without a time limit after towing. The seven-minute time limit for repairs made on pit road remains in place.
When is the NASCAR season?
The NASCAR season typically kicks off in February with the Daytona 500 and runs through November. The 2025 season began February 2 and is currently scheduled to conclude on November 2, when the final race of the NASCAR Cup Series will take place at Phoenix Raceway in Arizona.
2025 NASCAR Cup Series Schedule:
- February 2, 2005: Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray – Bowman Gray Stadium
- February 16, 2005: Daytona 500 – Daytona International Speedway
- February 23, 2005: Ambetter Health 400 – Atlanta Motor Speedway
- March 2, 2005: EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix – Circuit of the Americas
- March 9, 2005: Shriners Children’s 500 – Phoenix Raceway
- March 16, 2005: Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube – Las Vegas Motor Speedway
- March 23, 2005: Straight Talk Wireless 400 – Homestead-Miami Speedway
- March 30, 2005: Cook Out 400 – Martinsville Speedway
- April 6, 2005: Goodyear 400 – Darlington Raceway
- April 13, 2005: Food City 500 – Bristol Motor Speedway
- April 27, 2005: Jack Link’s 500 – Talladega Superspeedway
- May 4, 2005: Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY – Texas Motor Speedway
- May 11, 2005: AdventHealth 400 – Kansas Speedway
- May 18, 2005: NASCAR All-Star Race – North Wilkesboro Speedway (exhibition)
- May 25, 2005: Coca-Cola 600 – Charlotte Motor Speedway
- June 1, 2005: Cracker Barrel 400 – Nashville Superspeedway
- June 8, 2005: Firekeepers Casino 400 – Michigan International Speedway
- June 15, 2005: NASCAR Cup Series Race at Mexico City – Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez
- June 22, 2005: The Great American Getaway 400 Presented by VISITPA.COM – Pocono Raceway
- June 28, 2005: Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart – Atlanta Motor Speedway
- July 6, 2005: Grant Park 165 – Chicago Street Course
- July 13, 2005: Toyota/Save Mart 350 – Sonoma Raceway
- July 20, 2005: Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 – Dover Motor Speedway
- July 27, 2005: Brickyard 400 Presented by PPG – Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- August 3, 2005: Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol – Iowa Speedway
- August 10, 2005: Go Bowling at The Glen – Watkins Glen International
- August 16, 2005: Cook Out 400 – Richmond Raceway
- August 23, 2005: Coke Zero Sugar 400 – Daytona International Speedway
- August 31, 2005: Cook Out Southern 500 – Darlington Raceway (start of playoffs)
- September 7, 2005: Enjoy Illinois 300 – World Wide Technology Raceway
- September 13, 2005: Bass Pro Shops Night Race – Bristol Motor Speedway
- September 21, 2005: NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Race at New Hampshire – New Hampshire Motor Speedway
- September 28, 2005: Hollywood Casino 400 – Kansas Speedway
- October 5, 2005: Bank of America ROVAL 400 – Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course
- October 12, 2005: South Point 400 – Las Vegas Motor Speedway
- October 19, 2005: YellaWood 500 – Talladega Superspeedway
- October 26, 2005: Xfinity 500 – Martinsville Speedway
- November 2, 2005: NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race – Phoenix Raceway
How long is a NASCAR season?
A typical NASCAR season is 10 months long. This schedule yields an average of 3-4 races a month.
How many races are in a NASCAR season?
The NASCAR season consists of 36 races, excluding pre-season races and the mid-season All Star Race.
What time do NASCAR races start?
Race times vary. You can view the full 2025 season schedule for all three major NASCAR series on NASCAR’s website.
NASCAR Tickets & Seating
How much do NASCAR tickets cost?
Ticket prices for a NASCAR race depend on the date, time and city of the event, as well as seat location and when the tickets are purchased. The average ticket for a NASCAR race can cost between $40 – $100 for primary tickets, and $40 – $115 for resale tickets.
When do NASCAR tickets go on sale?
NASCAR tickets for the 2025 season are now on sale via Ticketmaster, including the Cup Series Championship race on November 2.
Tickets for each season open up well in advance, sometimes as early as June.
Where can you buy NASCAR tickets?
Tickets for the 2025 NASCAR season are available now on Ticketmaster. As the Official Ticket Marketplace of NASCAR, Ticketmaster offers the best deals on last-minute tickets throughout the season.
Can you buy NASCAR tickets at the gate?
Tickets are often available for purchase at the gate on race day, though it depends on the event and venue. Many tracks have on-site ticket offices.
Are kids free at NASCAR races?
At many races, kids aged 12 and under receive free admission when accompanied by a paying adult. Children are always free at Xfinity and Craftsman Truck Series races, while Cup Series tickets start at $10 for kids. For further details, check NASCAR’s Kids Tix page, which breaks down specifics for each event.
Where is the best place to sit at a NASCAR race?
While each track is different, there are some consistencies between them when it comes to sightlines. Seats in the upper half of the frontstretch grandstands — especially near the start/finish line — typically offer the most comprehensive view of the action. For fans who prefer to feel the speed and intensity of a race up close, lower grandstand seats provide a more immersive, high-energy experience.
VIP Tickets & Pass Options
How do you get NASCAR VIP tickets?
After selecting a desired race on Ticketmaster, navigate to VIP packages. A VIP package will always include reserved or general admission tickets to the event, and may include perks like lounge access, early admission, or meet-and-greets.
What does a NASCAR Hot Pass include?
This type of pass, typically reserved for sponsors and NASCAR partners, unlocks access to practices, races, and time with drivers.
NASCAR Race Day Essentials
Where are NASCAR races located?
NASCAR holds races across 33 different tracks throughout the United States and Mexico (with the largest among them being the Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama). The Cup Series races on 29 different tracks, while the Xfinity Series and Craftsman Truck Series account for two additional tracks each.
What can you bring into a NASCAR race?
Many items are allowed into NASCAR races, including essentials like sunscreen, earplugs or protective gear, personal fans, seat cushions, clear bags, and soft-sided coolers for snacks. NASCAR regulations designate a maximum of two bags per guest that do not exceed 18″ x 18″ x 14″ in size.
Generally, prohibited items include weapons, glass containers, alcohol, and drones. Regulations vary by track, so it’s encouraged to check venue info for site-specific information. Most tracks provide detailed lists of permitted and restricted items on their websites to help visitors plan accordingly.