NASCAR races are known for their frenetic starts, with cars competing side by side in a close and exciting contest. Over the years, it has gained relevance as one of the most popular motorsport races in the United States. Its races attract a large audience, with millions of fans faithfully watching the events, whether live or online.

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing emerged in 1948 in the United States, founded by Bill France Sr. and had its first race in 1949. The organization revolutionized the world of car competition, as it brought rules and regulations to car competitions. stock, evolutions brought from popular modified car racing in the south of the country.

The first race took place on June 19, 1949, in North Carolina, at Charlotte Speedway, and was won by driver Jim Roper. Racing was originally held primarily on dirt tracks, but over the years racing on asphalt tracks has become more common.

Since then, NASCAR has grown and started to feature several racing series, the three main ones being the Cup Series, Xfinity Series and Truck Series. The races are held on oval circuits, and the cars are manufactured by specialists, but all have NASCAR specifications and engines supplied by Toyota, Ford and Chevrolet.

In this article, we will bring you the main information about NASCAR races and the best ways to watch them for free. You can't miss this exciting experience!

What is the format of the season?

Since 2004, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing has been using concepts from other major American leagues, such as the NHL and NBA, which are playoffs, also called knockouts. In the regular season, the first 26 races follow the traditional scoring system, and at the end the top 16 finishers go to the Chase. In the Chase, the last 10 races take place to find out who the season champion is.

The All-Star Race is very similar to the NBA all-star games. Only winners in the last 10 years, champions of the main NASCAR division, race winners in the last two years of the Sprint Cup can participate in the races. Additionally, the public has the opportunity to choose one and the winner of the All-Star Open. The race usually takes place in May, at Lowe's Motor Speedway, and awards the winner with US$ 1,000,000. However, the race does not count points for any of the divisions.

Did you know?

Since its founding in 1948, NASCAR has made history in the automobile industry in the United States, becoming relevant in other locations and being a reference in the field. Several notable events were part of the construction of NASCAR's legacy, check out some interesting facts and relevant information:

Origins of the stock car: NASCAR has its roots in the 1920s, known as the Prohibition era in the United States. It is said that drivers of cars modified to carry alcohol illegally used to compete against each other, and this evolved into stock car racing.

Production cars: The cars used in NASCAR are called “stock cars”, they are cars similar to mass-produced vehicles, but they incorporate advanced technology, including high-performance engines and safety enhancements;

Ovals: Most NASCAR tracks are ovals, varying in size and configuration. Ovals provide high-speed racing and are a hallmark of NASCAR.

Daytona 500: NASCAR's most famous race is the Daytona 500, which takes place annually at Daytona International Speedway. It is considered the most prestigious stock car race and is part of the “Big Three”;

Cars and engines: NASCAR cars use high-performance V8 engines capable of producing more than 750 horsepower. The engines are restricted to balance the competition, but they are still very powerful;

Teams and drivers: NASCAR is known for its iconic teams such as Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing and Richard Childress Racing. Famous drivers such as Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon have gained legions of fans over the years;

Loyal Fans: NASCAR has an incredibly loyal and dedicated fan base known as “NASCAR Nation.” Fans are known for their enthusiasm and passion for the sport;

Sponsors: sponsorship plays a key role, with notable brands such as Coca-Cola, Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota supporting teams and drivers;

Pit stops: Pit stops are a crucial part of racing. Teams must change tires, refuel the car and make adjustments in a few seconds, contributing to the unpredictability of the races;

Climate challenges: Races can be affected by extreme weather conditions such as rain, intense heat or fog, which can add an unpredictable element to races.

How to watch NASCAR free?

Nowadays it's much easier to follow NASCAR races, no matter where you are. And is there anything better than being able to see everything for free?! Check out our tips, as we separate the main ways to watch NASCAR races online for free. So, get to know all the options and choose the one that best suits your preferences.

Free Broadcast Networks: Many NASCAR races are broadcast on broadcast television on channels such as FOX and NBC. You can check the race schedule and tune in to these channels when they are broadcasting. It is important to check whether broadcasts are available in your region;

Official site: a NASCAR offers race coverage, highlights and event information. It's the main source of information about the race, with very comprehensive coverage so you don't miss any details. You can watch clips and race summaries, all for free;

Social Networks and Social Media: O YouTube is a valuable source for NASCAR race summaries and highlights. Many fan channels and official NASCAR pages offer free content. You can find comments, analysis, summaries and behind the scenes of the races. Additionally, you can follow the official NASCAR and team pages on Facebook and other social networks as they frequently share live updates and highlights;

Free Trial: some streaming services, such as Hulu Live TV or the YouTube TV, offer free trials for a limited period, which may include channels that broadcast NASCAR. You can take advantage of these offers and watch the content for free;

Free Streaming Services: you can also check if broadcasts are available on free streaming services like Pluto TV or Tubi TV, these platforms offer live sporting events for free;

Watch in group: Some communities host NASCAR race group events, where fans gather in bars or public places to watch the races on big screens. There are also online events so that people can share the experience even if they are in different locations. That's why it's a good idea to join a fan group and meet other racing lovers.

Did you like the content?

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is one of the most popular and iconic automobile competitions in the United States, which is also successful around the world. Planeta Sports brought you the best tips on how to watch free NASCAR races. This way you can stay up to date with exciting competitions and experience the adrenaline of the race.

Remember to check the availability of platforms and broadcasts according to your region.