The NASCAR Cup Series is the largest prize in all of sports that the world champion stock car drivers have been fighting over in the past 75 years. It is a test of speed, proficiency and uniformity. This book will give you an exciting journey in the history of NASCAR championships winners.
You will encounter the great drivers and teams in the history. You will also know about the thrilling championship format. Be prepared to learn the incredible tales of the greatest prize of the sport.
History of NASCAR Championship Winners
Since 1949 NASCAR has been crowned with a cup series winner in every year. The first champion was a driver called Red Byron. The points system at the time was extremely complex. It was pegged on the position in which a driver placed and the amount of prize money the race provided.
NASCAR began in 1972 and it is known as the Modern Era. The system of the points was made easier. The basis of it was primarily placed on the position of a driver after completing the race. In 2004, however, a playoff system was established by NASCAR under the name of the Chase for the Cup.
This contributed to the excitement even more to the end of the season. It was made such that the championship was frequently determined by the final race. Its format has shifted some few times. In the current world, it is referred to as the NASCAR Playoffs.
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Winners in NASCAR Championships: Since the Start
NASCAR had its early days that were dominated by pioneers who contributed in the establishment of the sport. We may see the first champions:
- 1949: Red Byron -The first NASCAR Cup Series champion.
- 1950: Bill Rexford Still the youngest champion in history at the age of 23 years.
- 1951 & 1953: Herb Thomas -The inaugural driver to take over two championships.
- 1959, 1958, 1954: Lee Petty -A powerhouse, who took away three titles.
The All Time Greatest: NASCAR Championship Winners of Records
There are even drivers that have earned numerous championships that can be termed as legends. Three drivers have the largest record.
The Royals of the Sport: 7-Championship Drivers
Three drivers are at par with the greatest number of championships. They are the actual kings of NASCAR.
- Richard Petty - During the period of 1964, 1967, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975, and 1979, Richard Petty won his titles as a king. Another thing that makes him a famous person is his victory in 200 Cup Series which no other driver has been able to achieve.
- Dale Earnhardt- Earnhardt was the Intimidator as he was also characterized by a rough driving style. His championships were in 1980, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993 and 1994.
- Jimmie Johnson Johnson ruled the modern times. Throughout 2006-2016, he was a champion 7 times. He is the first and the only driver who has won five consecutive championships (2006-2010) .
More Legendary Multiple Champions
There are numerous other outstanding drivers who have taken the championship more than once.
- Jeff Gordon - A superstar who has been able to win four championships (1995, 1997, 1998, 2001).
- Tony Stewart -Three time champion (2002, 2005, 2011).
- Cale Yarborough- He became the first driver who won three consecutive championships (1976, 1977 and 1978).
- Darrell Waltrip -three-time champion (1981, 1982, 1985).
- Lee Petty- father of Richard Petty who was a three time champion in 1950s.
- David Pearson -Three championships (1966, 1968, 1969).
- Joey Logano An active champion that already possesses three championships (2018, 2022, 2024).
- Kyle Busch Kyle is an active two-time champion (2015, 2019).
- Kyle Larson Two-time champion (2021, 2025) active.
- Terry Labonte -two championships (1984, 1996).
How to Become a NASCAR Championship Winner
It is not just going fast to win a championship. It is a tedious and hard trip in a 36-race season. Drivers should be excellent in most things.
The NASCAR Playoff Format
Nowadays, to stand a chance of winning the title, a driver has to make it into the NASCAR Playoffs. Here is how it works:
- The Regular Season: The first 26 races are done by all of the drivers. The winner of this period is the driver with the highest number of points; he is known as the Regular Season Champion.
- Playoff Promotion: 16 drivers receive a Playoff promotion. They may enter through winning a race in the regular season, or they may have many points.
- The Playoff Rounds: These playoffs consist of three rounds. Four drivers are ousted after every round. The last event of the year is the championship race of the final four drivers.
- Championship 4: The 4 final drivers will be competing in the final race in the Phoenix Raceway. The victor of four competitors in those four competitors becomes the champion. Whether they come in first or fourth out of the final four or not--the winner of the race is the one who comes in the best!
What Makes a Champion?
Consistency: The winning of one race is insufficient. Champions must be placed at the front within the front runners on a weekly basis. Top-five and top-ten is a nice thing to get.
- Winning Stages: Races are divided into stages. Drivers are also rewarded with additional championship points on the basis of their good results in every stage.
- Staying Power: A champion should not crash or have mechanical breakdowns. It is important to finish races and complete as many laps within the top 15.
- Teamwork: It is not a solo activity of the driver. All the crew members are the pit crew, crew chief, and the engineers. A winning team can make a driver win a championship.
Fun Facts and Amazing Stories About NASCAR Championship Winners
NASCAR Cup Series champions have a lot of fantastic moments in their history.
- The closest finish ever: In 2011 Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards ended the season with the same amount of points! Stewart was the winner of the title as he was able to win more in the season.
- The Oldest and Youngest: Boycott Allison was the oldest champion. He was 45 years old when he won in 1983 . Bill Rexford was the youngest champion and he won in 1950 at the age of 23.
- A Shocking Victory: In 2025, Kyle Larson became the second time champion in a highly dramatic fashion. Towards the end of the race, he got a flat tire yet his crew never gave up. Following a last pit stop, he battled his way back to overtake his competitors and be the title holder.
The number of owner championships won by the Owner of Champions: Hendrick Motorsports is 15 as of 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions NASCAR Championship Winners
Who is the greatest All-time NASCAR driver?
This is a fun debate for fans! There is no right way of doing things. Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and Jimmie Johnson are some of the players who have been cited by many people due to each of them having a record of seven championships. Some one may say Jeff Gordon or David Pearson. The finest driver is often subject to what period racing you prefer the most.
Has a NASCAR champion won all races in a year?
There has never been a driver who would win all the races within a season. In 1967 Richard Petty set the record of the most wins in a single season with 27. The seasons are currently 36 races long and it is almost impossible to win them all.
Who was the original NASCAR champion?
The initial NASCAR cup series champion was Red Byron in 1949. He was a race driver of Raymond Parks.
What is the NASCAR points system?
The points system motivates the drivers on the quality of their race completion. The victor earns the highest number of points (40 points), the second place earns less points (35 points), and the rest. The drivers also receive additional points when they win a stage in the race or get the most laps. This system is a form of motivation to the drivers to race until the end.
