A Popular American Series; Overflowing with Fans Nearly Every Week

There are a few popular racing series in America that are somewhat distinct from any in Japan or Europe. One is the NASCAR series, raced mainly on an oval track. The acronym NASCAR comes from the organizing body, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc.

The NASCAR Series began as races driven in “stock cars” (mass-production cars). After 60 years of evolution and fan-friendly rule changes, today’s racing cars are something completely different than their street-legal distant cousins. NASCAR cars are built on a sturdy pipe frame, with a body designed to resemble a mass production vehicle. Detailed rules dictate nearly every specification and measurement for these cars, intended to keep race results from being controlled based on the selection of the stock car model and/or unique modifications.

The three most famous series under the NASCAR governing body are the Sprint Cup Series (the premier series of NASCAR), the Nationwide Series (the second-tier of NASCAR), and the Camping World Truck Series (cars designed to resemble pickup trucks). The Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series both underwent a title sponsor name changes in 2008, while the Camping World Truck Series received a new title sponsor name in 2009. Previously, these series were called the Nextel Cup Series, the Busch Series, and the Craftsman Truck Series, respectively. Toyota race cars and race trucks participate in all three of these series, under the Camry model in the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series, and the Tundra in the Camping World Truck Series.

The Tundra won four consecutive manufacturers’ titles between 2006 and 2009, as well as the drivers’ championship (and all top 6 spots) in 2006. In 2008, Toyota once again recaptured the drivers’ championship. The Camry debuted in NASCAR in 2007, and won 20 Nationwide races in 2008, capturing the manufacturers’ championship. In 2009, the Camry won the manufacturer's championship for the second consecutive year, and also took home the driver's championship. In the Sprint Cup Series, the Camry was the first to cross the line in Atlanta, the 4th race of 2008.

For the 2010 season a total of 38 races are scheduled for the Sprint Cup Series, including regular series races as well as All-Star and exhibition races. The Nationwide Series is made up of 35 races, and the Camping World Truck Series has 25 races. During the season races take place across the US almost every week, with thousands of spectators lining the track for each race. It is a popular sporting event, with extremely high television ratings.

The Daytona 500 is the opening race of the Sprint Car Series, and the biggest event in the NASCAR series, with 180,000 spectators and a total prize pool of approximately 1.9 billion yen. The winner takes home about 150 million yen, and even the last finisher in 43rd place earns prize money of about 30 million yen.

NASCAR Series Point System

In rare occasions, drivers can be substituted during a race, but the race points are awarded to the driver who started the race. (In July 2008, J.J. Yeley, who failed to qualify, took over for Tony Stewart (health issues). J.J. Yeley finished 20th in the race, earning 103 points for Tony Stewart.)

Sprint Cup Series Championship (“ The Chase for the Cup ”)
The top 12 drivers in points as of the conclusion of the 26th race of the season are eligible for the Chase. These drivers are set to 5,000 points, with 10 points awarded for each win during the first 26 races of the season. The top 12 drivers then battle for the championship over the final 10 races of the year.