Currently, there are several different racing series under
the NASCAR banner. In 2004, R.J. Reynolds withdrew sponsorship after its
successful 30-plus year run, and Nextel became the official sponsor, with
NASCAR’s main series was renamed the Nextel Cup. NASCAR also operates the Busch
Series (basically a “minor leagues” for the Nextel Cup), the Craftsman Truck
series, and a weekly touring series of developing drivers battling in regional
events. All of the Series’ receive television coverage, normally with the Busch
Series race televised on Saturday’s and the Nextel Cup race on Sunday.
NASCAR Today
While Earnhardt’s death cast a shadow on the sport for the
short-term, NASCAR’s popularity managed to grow in the following years.
Following Gordon’s lead, a new brand of driver emerged. “The Young Guns” as
they were called, included drivers like Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tony Stewart, Jimmie
Johnson, Kurt Bush, Ryan Newman and others. The young drivers have had
remarkable success in the series and helped push NASCAR even more to the
mainstream.
How to be a Champion
The Nextel Series, which is a marathon of 36 races from
February to November, underwent some changes in 2004, modifying its overall
points structure. In layman’s terms, a driver receives points for each race
based on his finish and laps led. These points are added up and with five races
to go, the Top-10 drivers (plus drivers within 400 points of the overall
leader) race in what is considered a “playoff.” While the races are held
normally with the normal amount of drivers, only the final 10-plus are eligible
for the series title.