The start of the NASCAR Cup season is getting closer and closer. With so much to look forward to, NBC Sportswriters Dustin Long and John Newby have selected his five must-see races in 2024.
Their races and the reasons for their selection are as follows.
Daytona 500 (Feb. 18 Fox)
Dustin: The crowd of 100,000 was sold out. First points race of the season. The cars race at about 200 miles per hour, spaced several inches apart. This is a race that fans should experience live at least once.
John: Those who win the Daytona 500 become members of the elite club. Those who missed out on winning the prestigious race say it’s an unbridled goal.Mark Martin, Tony Stewart, and Rusty Wallace are all Hall of Fame drivers Who didn’t win the Daytona 500. Trevor Bayne, Michael Waltrip and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will forever be known as Daytona 500 champions. February’s race will be another opportunity for one driver to achieve this career goal.
1st Iowa Cup Race (June 16 on USA Network)
Dustin: For years, fans have wanted NASCAR to race at this track. Fans will get a chance to watch the Cup Series. This song has provided numerous memories for other series. I can only imagine the special moments the Cup Series will provide.
John: this race Already sold out. Today, NASCAR has a mission to provide exciting racing on short tracks. If this event is successful, it could set the tone for other short track races.
John Newby’s other must-see races:
Kansas Spring Race (May 5th FS1)
The 7th generation car has provided an exceptional viewing experience on intermediate courses over the past two seasons. Kansas is a perfect example. His four Next Generation races in Kansas featured Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota drivers competing for victory. In last season’s spring race, Denny Hamlin gets in touch On the final lap, he collided with Kyle Larson, sending his No. 5 Chevrolet into the outside wall. The May race will be another opportunity for Cup drivers to put on a show.
Chicago Street Races (July 7, NBC)
The first race, held on the streets of Chicago, was memorable due to both the historic rainfall and the movement on the course. Shane Van Gisbergen came on and won his first Cup Series win after a late battle with Justin Haley.van gisbergen will be back to defend his victory It’s a highly anticipated event and you’ll be competing against a stacked lineup.
Brickyard 400 (July 21 on NBC)
For the first time since Kevin Harvick’s victory in 2020, Cup drivers will race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval. Previous iterations of the Crown Jewel race have brought inconsistent levels of excitement, but we can expect quite a bit of intrigue surrounding the first Generation 7 race at Indianapolis Oval.
Dustin Long’s other must-see races:
Bristol Night Race (September 21 USA Network)
This playoff race is an event.The spectacle begins with Children of athletes singing the national anthem. Its intensity increases the moment the green flag is waved, and in some cases continues even after the checkered flag is waved. Denny Hamlin delivered last year’s must-see moments After winning this race, he walked away saying to the crowd, “I’m your favorite driver…I beat everyone.”
Homestead Playoff Race (October 27 on NBC)
Once the home of championship racing, Homestead has been considered one of the best tracks by competitors due to its multiple grooves, including wall lanes. It now serves as one of the races that sets up the championship four field.
Martinsville Playoff Race (Nov. 3, NBC)
Last chance for drivers to qualify for the championship race known for providing drama, intrigue and spark on and off the track. What makes this track even more appealing is that it’s set on a circuit where Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and many of the sport’s greats have raced over the years.