NASCAR’s 75th Anniversary: Unveiling the 2023 Cup Series Schedule and Thrilling Racing Updates

The 75th anniversary of NASCAR in 2023 presents an exceptional opportunity for stock car racing to celebrate its rich heritage and remarkable growth since its inception in 1948. As the sport charges ahead into the future with unprecedented vigor, the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series schedule pays homage to its timeless essence while embracing innovation and excitement.

Remaining largely unchanged from the previous year, the 2023 Cup Series schedule promises to captivate fans with a familiar lineup of thrilling races. The Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum returns for the second consecutive year, accompanied by the highly anticipated Dirt Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on Easter Sunday night. The season features just one off-week in mid-June, while the 10-race playoffs remain unchanged.

However, two standout changes to the 2023 schedule demand attention, as they introduce renewed enthusiasm and groundbreaking concepts.

1. NASCAR All-Star Race Finds a New Home: The prestigious NASCAR All-Star Race has been relocated from Texas Motor Speedway to the legendary North Wilkesboro Speedway in Wilkes County, N.C. On May 22, North Wilkesboro will mark its long-awaited return to the Cup schedule after a hiatus since the track’s closure in 1996.
2. Chicago Embraces the Streets: NASCAR will make history on July 2 by hosting its first-ever Cup Series race on a street course in Chicago. The 12-turn, 2.2-mile circuit will ingeniously integrate portions of Lake Shore Drive, Michigan Avenue, Columbus Drive, and other sections of downtown Chicago. This innovative street course replaces Road America on the schedule, adding a fresh and urban twist to the season.

Further adjustments to the 2023 schedule include the following notable changes:

• The final race at Auto Club Speedway on the track’s original two-mile oval configuration took place on February 26. Following the race, the track will undergo reconstruction and reconfiguration into a half-mile, high-banked oval.
• Martinsville Speedway’s spring race returns to its traditional Sunday afternoon slot after being held on Saturday night for the past two years. This adjustment aims to mitigate potential weather-related disruptions that plagued the Saturday night races in 2021 and 2022.
• Richmond Raceway and Indianapolis Motor Speedway have traded race dates during the summer. Richmond’s second race will now take place on July 30, while Indianapolis will host the Cup Series on August 13 for the third consecutive year, featuring the track’s challenging road course.

While the focus remains on the on-track action, it’s worth noting that individuals in New Jersey can engage with the NASCAR excitement and follow their favorite drivers through platforms like WynnBet NJ, enhancing their overall viewing experience.

Although Road America will no longer host a Cup Series race, it will continue to host an Xfinity Series race, a tradition that has been upheld since 2010. The Xfinity race at Road America is scheduled for July 29.

Amidst the schedule’s continuity, there are intriguing shifts worth mentioning. Texas Motor Speedway, traditionally a host of two Cup races, will now showcase only one, marking a significant change since 2004. This alteration opens up new possibilities and allows other venues to shine on the NASCAR stage. Furthermore, fans eagerly anticipate the return of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series to both North Wilkesboro and The Milwaukee Mile, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane and marking NASCAR’s welcomed comeback to Milwaukee after a hiatus since 2009.

Looking ahead, NASCAR’s 2023 Cup Series promises intense competition and memorable moments as drivers battle it out for victory. From the iconic Daytona 500 to the exhilarating season finale at Phoenix Raceway, each race will captivate fans and keep sportsbooks in NJ abuzz with anticipation. As the action unfolds on the track, the racing community will pay homage to NASCAR’s past while embracing the thrill of the present and the boundless potential of the future.

Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the full 36-race schedule for the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series:

NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs

Round of 16

Round of 12

Round of 8

Championship Race