NASCAR has one of the richest histories in the realm of motorsports. With more than 75 years of stock car racing and multiple series running under its banner, NASCAR has been a pioneer in this field. The top three National NASCAR Series are the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and the Craftsman Truck Series. On the surface, all of the three series fall under the same umbrella but are very different at their core.
Difference between NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series
One of the biggest differences between the Cup Series and the Xfinity Series is that the Cup Series is considered the top level of stock car racing with the Xfinity Series as a feeder series for the same.
Though most of the Xfinity grid is made of young drivers who wish to move up to the Cup Series, many veterans who compete in the Cup Series are also part-time drivers in the Xfinity Series. Another main difference is that during the race weekend, the Cup Series races are the main event of the weekend with the Xfinity and Truck Series races serving as the support races.
When it comes to the structure of the series, the playoffs structure of both the series is the same but instead of 16 drivers being promoted to the Round of 16 in the Cup Series, Xfinity only promotes 12 drivers further.
In the structural differences of cars, the wheelbase of Xfinity cars is slightly shorter by just five inches. The Cup Series cars have a wheelbase of 110 inches, whereas, the Xfinity Series cars have a wheelbase of 105 inches. The Xfinity cars are lighter and also carry less downforce than the Cup cars.
FAQ's On difference between the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series
A. No, the NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity cars are very differently built. One of the main differences is the downforce produced by the Cup Series cars is much more than that of an Xfinity Series car.
A. Though NASCAR Cup Series drivers can race in the Xfinity Series, any Cup Series driver with a minimum of 3 points or 3 years of experience can only compete in 5 races of the feeder series.
A. The series is currently called the NASCAR Cup Series which has multiple sponsors with none having the naming rights.
A. The NASCAR Xfinity Series is sponsored by Comcast, more specifically by their wireless brand- Xfinity. The company has the naming rights for the series, and therefore, aptly called the Xfinity Series.
A. The NASCAR Cup Series is considered the most popular NASCAR Series as well as the top level of stock car racing in NASCAR.
A. The three major national NASCAR Series are the Cup Series, the Xfinity Series, and the Craftsman Truck Series.
