For those drawn to the thrilling world of motorsports, especially NASCAR, the term “NASCAR car” is frequently used. However, the reality is a bit more nuanced. It’s a common misconception to think of “NASCAR” as the name of a specific vehicle. Let’s clarify this right away: NASCAR, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, is the organization that sanctions and governs various racing series, not the car itself. Think of NASCAR as the NFL of stock car racing – it’s the league, not the football.
Now that we’ve cleared up that common confusion, let’s dive into the fascinating world of vehicles that compete under the NASCAR banner. We’ll explore the different types of “Nascar Cars” you’ll find on the track.
The Cutting-Edge NASCAR Cup Series Cars: Next Gen Evolution
The pinnacle of NASCAR competition is the NASCAR Cup Series. When you witness drivers like Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, or Denny Hamlin battling it out on Sundays, you’re seeing the impressive machines of the Cup Series in action. These vehicles, often simply referred to as “Cup cars,” have undergone a remarkable evolution. Originating from lightly modified production cars, they have transformed into highly specialized, purpose-built race cars over decades.
The current iteration is the seventh-generation Cup car, often dubbed the “Next Gen” car. Powering these beasts is a fuel-injected V8 engine, unleashing a formidable 670 horsepower on most tracks. For safety reasons, specifically at high-speed ovals like Daytona, Talladega, and Atlanta, horsepower is slightly reduced. A significant upgrade in the Next Gen car is the adoption of a five-speed transaxle, replacing the traditional four-speed transmission, contributing to enhanced performance and handling.
Unlike most everyday road cars, the Cup car is a rear-wheel-drive machine, engineered for optimal racing dynamics. Another key difference is the Next Gen car’s single center-locking wheel nut, a feature borrowed from other forms of motorsport, streamlining pit stops compared to the five lug nuts commonly found on street-legal cars.
Currently, the NASCAR Cup Series grid is populated by three iconic models, each representing a major automotive manufacturer: the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, and Toyota Camry.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Cars: Bridging the Gap
The NASCAR Xfinity Series serves as the crucial second tier in the NASCAR hierarchy, acting as a proving ground for rising stars and a platform for seasoned drivers alike. The cars in this series, while also “NASCAR stock cars,” differ significantly from the cutting-edge Next Gen cars of the Cup Series. Historically, Xfinity cars were closer in specification to Cup cars, but the introduction of the Next Gen car has widened the gap considerably.
One notable distinction is the Xfinity car’s continued use of five lug nuts per wheel, a more traditional setup compared to the Next Gen’s single nut. Under the hood, the Xfinity car features a four-speed manual transmission with the classic “H-pattern” shifter, providing a raw and engaging driving experience. Power output is substantial, with engines producing around 650 horsepower.
Similar to the Cup Series, the Xfinity Series showcases models from Chevrolet (Camaro), Ford (Mustang), and Toyota, albeit with the Toyota Supra taking the place of the Camry in this series.
It’s important to remember that while often referred to as “Xfinity cars” due to the series’ title sponsorship by Xfinity, these vehicles are officially known as NASCAR stock cars. The “Xfinity car” name is purely for series identification.
NASCAR Trucks: Racing Pickups Take Center Stage
For fans seeking a unique racing spectacle, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series delivers high-octane action with a twist – pickup trucks. As the third national tier in NASCAR, the Truck Series, formerly known as the SuperTruck Series, has been a fan favorite since its inception in 1995.
While these race trucks may resemble production pickup trucks with closed beds at first glance, they are, in reality, purpose-built racing machines, sharing the DNA of other NASCAR vehicles. Truck Series engines generate approximately 450 horsepower, providing plenty of grunt for exciting racing. They are also rear-wheel drive and utilize a four-speed manual transmission, similar to the Xfinity cars. Like the Xfinity series, NASCAR trucks retain the five lug nut wheel configuration.
The current lineup of truck models in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series includes the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150, and Toyota Tundra, bringing familiar pickup truck names to the racetrack.
NASCAR Modifieds: Honoring the Heritage of Open-Wheel Racing
Delving into NASCAR’s rich history leads us to the NASCAR Modified division, the oldest in the organization. In fact, the very first NASCAR-sanctioned race in 1948 was a Modified race on the Daytona Beach road course, won by racing legend Red Byron. In those early days, NASCAR featured both “Modified” and “strictly stock” divisions. The “strictly stock” cars were intended to be raced in their factory condition, while the Modified division allowed for changes and enhancements, hence the name.
Today’s NASCAR Modifieds are instantly recognizable as open-wheel cars, meaning their tires and wheels are exposed, lacking fenders. A distinctive feature is the presence of “nerf bars” on all four sides, acting as bumpers for close-quarters racing. Modifieds boast a potent 650 horsepower engine and a remarkably light weight of around 2,610 pounds, resulting in an exceptional power-to-weight ratio, making them incredibly fast and agile.
NASCAR Modified racing is particularly popular in the Northeastern United States. The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour is the premier series for these open-wheel racers, showcasing their thrilling brand of motorsport.
NASCAR Late Model Stock Cars: Short Track Heroes
For newcomers to short track racing, the terminology surrounding “Late Models” can be perplexing. Terms like Super Late Models, Pro Late Models, and Late Model Stock Cars often get thrown around, leading to confusion. While all are forms of Late Model racing, they are distinct.
The Late Model Stock Car is specifically the type of Late Model prevalent at NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series tracks, primarily in the Southeastern US. It’s also the featured car in the prestigious CARS Tour. Tracks like South Boston Speedway, Hickory Motor Speedway, and Langley Speedway are strongholds of Late Model Stock Car racing.
What defines a Late Model Stock Car? Key characteristics include a “perimeter rail” chassis, where the frame rails run along the outer edges of the car. Power output is around 510 horsepower. While there are numerous other technical specifications that further define these cars, these are two of the most significant identifiers.
In contrast, Super Late Models and Pro Late Models, also seen at some NASCAR-affiliated tracks, utilize a “straight rail” chassis. The primary difference between these two lies in the engine: Super Late Models employ a “built” engine producing over 600 horsepower, while Pro Late Models use a “crate” engine with around 500 horsepower.
For a deeper understanding of the nuances between Super/Pro Late Models and Late Model Stock Cars, resources like this video by CARS Tour driver Landon Huffman provide valuable insights.
In Conclusion:
The world of “NASCAR cars” is diverse and exciting. From the technologically advanced Next Gen Cup cars to the classic open-wheel Modifieds and the short-track focused Late Model Stock Cars, each type offers a unique flavor of stock car racing. Remember, “NASCAR” itself is the overarching organization, the heart of stock car racing, bringing together these incredible machines and talented drivers for the thrill of competition.
