NASCAR Fans, Get Ready: These Are The Biggest Races Coming Up In 2023

Now that the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series is over, the world of professional racing can relax for just a bit as they look forward to doing it all over again in 2023. And as with each Cup Series season, all the races are important, but some carry a little more weight and receive more attention than others. 

Earlier this year, NASCAR unveiled the 2023 Cup Series schedule alongside its other big circuits, the Xfinity Series and the Truck Series. When it comes to the coveted Cup Series, there weren’t a lot of big changes. Certainly, the top three races will remain the same between 2022 and 2023. So, to help people who are already excited to see their favorite “Race For The Championship” star get another shot at the title, we're breaking down some of the most popular races coming up.  

Daytona 500

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Even people with only a cursory understanding of NASCAR have heard of the famous Daytona 500. Not only does it mark the Cup Series season-opener, but it takes place at the stunning Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Every February, drivers from across the country representing various teams join together to rev their engines once again and get another year of high-stakes competition started. While there are a lot of races between Daytona and the championship, it often sets the tone for how the rest of the season will go and therefore attracts a lot of attention.

Coca-Cola 600

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All eyes turn to the Coca-Cola 600 each season for a myriad of reasons. Taking place on Memorial Day weekend, it’s typically close to the halfway mark of the entire Cup Season. So, if drivers haven’t been doing well, it acts as one of their last opportunities to start turning things around and getting some important points on the board. 

Occurring at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the race is the longest one held in NASCAR. Some also know it as the race that competes with the famous Indianapolis 500. Both races take place on the same day, but the Indy 500 is not a NASCAR event. However, many drivers have attempted to race both on the same day, but to date, no one has won both in the same year. 

Basically, it's a great weekend to be a racing fan and drivers often feel the pressure of its significance both historically and for their chances to win the Cup Series. 

Championship Race

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Since 2020, the championship has been decided in Phoenix. It’s the final race of the Cup Series Season and, by this time, only four drivers still have a shot. In short — it all comes down to this race. 

All the preparation, drama, hard work, and sacrifice comes out at the Phoenix Raceway as drivers, teams and pit crews leave nothing up to chance and fight as much for first place as they do to not spend the year living with regrets. 

Catch up on past episodes of the USA Network original series “Race For The Championship” on Peacock now.