Throughout the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series, spanning from the Daytona 500’s green flag to the Phoenix checkered flag, a total of 9,300 laps encapsulated a season replete with staggering crashes, intense finishes, and gripping on-track battles.
Amidst this high-octane racing, certain laps held greater significance:
- Lap 198 Daytona 500 Kyle Busch seemed destined for a maiden Daytona 500 triumph, leading near the scheduled distance until Daniel Suarez’s spin on Lap 198 altered the course. The ensuing overtimes saw Ricky Stenhouse Jr. clinching his sole victory, potentially reshaping the season’s dynamics if Busch had secured the win.
- Lap 288 Darlington I race Ross Chastain and Kyle Larson’s collision sparked controversy, leading to discussions and Chastain’s subsequent victories, while Ryan Blaney clinched the championship.
- Lap 48 Chicago Street Race Shane van Gisbergen’s pivotal maneuver during a dramatic race not only secured his victory but also paved the way for his transition from the Supercars series to NASCAR.
- Lap 188 Talladega playoff race Ryan Blaney’s strategic move propelled him to victory, catalyzing his journey to securing the Cup title with subsequent wins in the final races.
- Lap 310 Southern 500 Rodney Childers’ strategic pit call during the Southern 500 impacted Kevin Harvick’s final season, resulting in penalties that potentially affected his championship pursuit, eventually won by Kyle Larson.
Each of these laps showcased decisive moments that shaped the narrative of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series, altering destinies, triggering controversies, and influencing the championship chase.
ALSO READ: NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs: Drama and Dominance in Round One
Our Reader’s Queries
Will the 2023 NASCAR Awards Banquet be televised?
The upcoming NASCAR Awards ceremony will recognize the achievements of Craftsman Truck Series champion Ben Rhodes, Xfinity Series champion Cole Custer, and Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney. Additionally, the highly anticipated NMPA Most Popular Driver Award winner will be revealed. The event will be broadcasted on Peacock at 7 p.m. ET on Dec, providing fans with an opportunity to celebrate their favorite drivers.
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.
Who will be the best NASCAR driver in 2023?
The NASCAR 2023 awards have been announced, and the winners are in! Kyle Larson has been crowned Driver of the Year, while Ryan Blaney takes home the Closer of the Year award. Brad Keselowski is the proud recipient of the Owner of the Year award. William Byron has been named the Biggest Surprise, and Denny Hamlin is the Personality of the Year. Ty Gibbs has been recognized as Rookie of the Year, and Kevin Harvick takes home the Retirement Tour of the Year award. Congratulations to all the winners!
What engine is in the next gen NASCAR?
The Next Gen (NASCAR) boasts impressive technical specifications. Its engine is a 5.86 L (358 cu in) V8 Naturally-aspirated FR layout, while its transmission features 5 forward speeds + 1 reverse Sequential manual transmission. The minimum weight of the car is 3,200 lb (1,451 kg) without driver and fuel, and 3,400 lb (1,542 kg) with driver and fuel. The car runs on Sunoco Green E15 98 octane race fuel.
