Top 10 Moments in Cup Series: The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season was a rollercoaster ride filled with surprising turns and unexpected triumphs. As we prepare to shift gears to 2024, let’s take a glance back at the most astounding moments from the past year:
10. Legacy Motor Club’s Switch from Chevy
Switching manufacturers mid-season isn’t rare, but announcing a shift before the halfway mark? That’s a jaw-dropper. Legacy Motor Club’s move from Chevrolet to Toyota for 2024 abruptly cut off some Chevrolet support, including access to the Chevy simulator for their drivers.
9. Michael McDowell’s Victory at the Brickyard
Road course racing ace Michael McDowell stunned many by clinching a win at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In the final lap, he fended off Chase Elliott to secure a remarkable 0.937-second victory.
8. RFK Racing’s Strong Playoff Comeback
In only their second season, both RFK Racing drivers stormed into the playoffs, marking the team’s return since 2019. Brad Keselowski, co-owner, dubbed it a high watermark for the squad.
7. Regular Season Champ Truex Jr.’s Playoff Struggle
Martin Truex Jr., despite securing the regular season championship, struggled in the playoffs. While expectations were high after his July victory, he didn’t contend for the title and failed to make the Championship Four.
6. JTG-Daugherty Racing’s Daytona 500 Victory
Amidst the era of multi-car teams, JTG-Daugherty Racing, a one-car operation, surprised the motorsports community by clinching the Daytona 500 with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. at the helm.
5. Stewart-Haas Racing’s Winless Stint
Ford faced challenges in the season, but Stewart-Haas Racings Cup effort was more disappointing, failing to secure a win for the first time in its history. However, their success shone in the Xfinity Series.
4. Kevin Harvick’s Winless Farewell
In his final full-time season, Kevin Harvick, despite leading laps, couldn’t secure a win. His close finish at Darlington was one of the near-misses in his illustrious career spanning 23 years.
3. Ryan Blaney’s Surprising Cup Championship
Initially not a frontrunner, Ryan Blaney clinched two crucial victories in the playoffs, outshining favorites like William Byron, eventually securing the Cup Championship.
2. Chase Elliott’s Uncharacteristic Winless Season
A surprising turn for Chase Elliott as he remained winless throughout 2023, a stark contrast to his consistent victories in the past seven years.
1. Shane Van Gisbergen’s Sensational Debut Victory
Trackhouse Racings Shane Van Gisbergen shocked everyone with a stunning win in his first NASCAR Cup Series start at the Grant Park 220, becoming the first in 60 years to achieve such a feat.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Who has the most wins in Cup Series?
Richard Petty is the reigning champion of NASCAR Cup Series history, having won an impressive 200 races. Meanwhile, Kyle Busch is currently the leading active driver with 63 victories under his belt. These two racing legends have left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring countless fans and fellow drivers alike with their incredible skill and determination. Whether you’re a die-hard NASCAR enthusiast or simply appreciate the thrill of high-speed competition, there’s no denying the impact that Petty and Busch have had on the world of racing.
Who is the oldest Cup Series winners?
In 1983, Bobby Allison made history as the oldest Cup Series champion at the age of 45 years, 11 months, and 17 days. His remarkable achievement is a testament to his unwavering dedication and skill on the track.
How popular is the NASCAR Cup Series?
The premier stock car racing series has an average viewership of 2.86 million across NBC, Fox, FS1, and USA Network. However, the 2023 Nascar Cup Series experienced a five percent decline in viewership compared to the previous year. Despite this, the series still managed to maintain a substantial audience across multiple networks.
How many Nascar races are there in a season?
Get ready for an exciting season of NASCAR’s 75th anniversary with the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series schedule! With 36 races in total, fans can expect non-stop action and intense competition. Keep up with all the latest results and stay in the know with CBSSports.com. As the premier source for NASCAR news and updates, we’ve got you covered every step of the way. Don’t miss a single race and join us for an unforgettable season of high-speed thrills and excitement!
