Deciding on what NASCAR race to watch depends on each individual. Additionally, there are several NASCAR-sanctioned series that are held all-year round. There are fans that watch all the series and there are others that like to view only those series that they are most interested in. If you are a true NASCAR fan, you should know that the NASCAR series include the Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series, Craftsman Truck Series, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, NASCAR Corona Series and the Regional racing series. To better decide what NASCAR race you want to attend, it is important to know what the mentioned series are all about. The cars being used from each series also differ from each other and if you are a car aficionado, this may also help you decide what race you want to attend.
First is the Sprint Cup Series. This is the top racing series of NASCAR and has undergone several different names, such as: Strictly Stock Series, Grand National Series, Winston Cup Series and NEXTEL Cup Series. The Sprint Cup cars are mostly front engine rear-wheel-drive, high powered vehicles with a roll cage that serves as a space frame chassis and thin sheet metal covering. The cars also have a blocked cockpit, some fenders, wing on the car’s rear and an aerodynamic splitter. Additionally, the cars are powered by carbureted V8 engines with cast iron wedges and a pushrod valve train activating two valves each cylinder. The Sprint Cup is now also being represented by several manufacturers such as Chrysler (Dodge Charger R/T), Ford (Ford Fusion), GM (Chevrolet Impala SS), and Toyota (Toyota Camry).
The NASCAR Nationwide Series is also a stock car racing series and provides ground for drivers who are hoping to step up to the big league circuit, the Sprint Cup. Normally if you decide to attend the NASCAR Nationwide Series, you are also encouraged to watch the Sprint Cup since both events are frequently held in the same venue. The cars being used today in the Nationwide Series are a little different from their Sprint Cup counterparts. The main difference is the shorter wheelbase and a larger spoiler. To untrained eye, the cars used in the Nationwide Series may seem completely similar to their Sprint Cup counterparts. However, the Nationwide Series cars are lighter, less powerful and have a shorter wheelbase. Currently, the NASCAR Nationwide Series is being represented by the same manufacturers representing the Sprint Cup series.
For truck lovers out there, the Craftsman Truck Series is the best choice. This series features several trucks in racing events including the Dodge Ram from Chrysler, Ford F-150 from Ford, the Chevrolet Silverado from GM and the Toyota Tundra from Toyota. The Craftsman Truck Series is the only series in all of NASCAR to race modified pickup trucks. Nothing beats the experience of having to watch the Craftsman Truck Series in person but several television stations broadcast the series and some of them include ESPN, TNN, WTBS, ABC and CBS. Remember these stations in case you missed your favorite Craftsman Truck Series event.
For those living in Canada, the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series brings NASCAR spirit to their country. The series is the successor of the former CASCAR Super Series. The NASCAR Canada Tire Series uses cars with steel tube-framed silhouette powered by carbureted V8 engines. The cars used have a relatively high minimum weight.
In Mexico, the NASCAR Corona Series brings NASCAR to Mexican fans. The series is the most important stock car racing series in the country. Being a stock car racing series, the NASCAR Corona Series uses the same car type used in the Sprint Cup series.
The last series you need to consider in your decision for the race to attend is the Regional racing series. Under this category is the Whelen All-American Series, which is a semi-professional and amateur auto racing series. The cars used on each event may vary and the participants rarely compete directly against each other.
There are other things you need to consider aside from the different kinds of NASCAR series, such as accessibility. The racetrack where the race would be held should be reasonably near to you but, then again, it may depend on your specifications. If you are a hardcore NASCAR fan, you may opt to travel to any location where there are NASCAR races. The schedule of the NASCAR race should also be regarded. It would be easier if you check out the Web site of NASCAR to see the current season schedule of races.