NASCAR 2023 Cup Series Season: NASCAR’s 2023 Cup Series season witnessed an unforeseen surge in appearances by drivers outside the regular circuit, a trend spurred by the advent of the Next Gen car in 2022.
The new car played a pivotal role. With more road courses added, initiatives like NASCAR Garage 56 at Le Mans, and innovative programs such as Project91, international racing stars were enticed into the world of stock car racing.
This year marked unexpected cameos by well-known figures from motorsport, some of whom even graced Victory Lane. As we reflect on the 2023 season, let’s spotlight these drivers hailing from diverse corners of the racing universe.
Travis Pastrana and Conor Daly made notable appearances at the Daytona 500. Pastrana, known for his stints in extreme sports, aimed for Daytona’s prestigious event with 23XI Racing, ultimately finishing 11th in his lone Cup Series start, surviving a chaotic final lap.
IndyCar veteran Conor Daly, despite challenges during his Duel race, maneuvered into the main event, securing a 29th-place finish.
The 2023 season saw the likes of former F1 champions Kimi Raikkonen and Jenson Button taking the NASCAR plunge. Raikkonen drove for Trackhouse Racing, while Button participated in preparation for Le Mans, facing a turbulent race at the Circuit of the Americas.
Intriguingly, sportscar aces Mike Rockenfeller and Kamui Kobayashi, with Le Mans victories under their belts, ventured into NASCAR. Kobayashi, the first Japanese driver in 20 years to compete in the Cup Series, expressed hopes of paving the way for others from Japan.
IMSA standout Jordan Taylor made his Cup debut, while Shane van Gisbergen’s historic win at the Chicago Street Course marked a pivotal moment. His victory stirred Max Verstappen’s excitement, signaling a potential career shift for van Gisbergen into NASCAR with Trackhouse Racing.
Supercars champ van Gisbergen’s win was a highlight among other Supercars drivers’ NASCAR ventures. Marcos Ambrose’s past success in NASCAR also drew attention, indicating a potential path for Brodie Kostecki, who made an entry at the Indy RC but faced a challenging race.
Kaulig Racing brought in dirt specialist Jonathan Davenport for NASCAR’s lone dirt race, the Bristol Dirt Race, although his debut ended prematurely due to an on-track incident.
These personalities injected fresh interest into the 2023 NASCAR Cup season, captivating a global audience of motorsport enthusiasts while showcasing the demanding nature of stock car racing for newcomersexcept, perhaps, for SVG.
With a record number of foreign-born drivers at the Indy RC, NASCAR’s international appeal continues to grow, foreshadowing an increasingly diverse field in the near future.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Is NASCAR season over 2023?
On November 5, the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway marked the end of the season. Ryan Blaney emerged as the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion, securing his victory in a thrilling finale. His impressive performance throughout the season earned him this well-deserved title. Congratulations to Ryan Blaney on his remarkable achievement!
How long is the Nascar Cup series season?
Believe it or not, the current 10-month, 36-race schedule (excluding the All-Star race and Bud Shootout) is actually less demanding than what NASCAR drivers used to tackle in the past.
How many races are in the 2023 NASCAR playoffs?
The playoffs consist of four rounds, each with its own set of tracks. The Round of 16 includes Darlington, Richmond, and Bristol. The Round of 12 features Las Vegas, Talladega, and Charlotte. Finally, the Round of 8 takes place at Kansas, Texas, and Martinsville.
Who is the richest NASCAR driver?
Dale Earnhardt Jr. is undoubtedly the wealthiest and most renowned NASCAR driver, with a staggering net worth of $300 million. His success on the track and off has made him a household name, and his popularity shows no signs of waning.
