Races in NASCAR have a wide range of lengths. They happen at numerous racetracks all around the United States. The NASCAR Cup Series uses 24 distinct courses. The size, surface, layout, and barrier of every NASCAR racing circuit are all slightly different. NASCAR drivers must consider these changes, even on race circuits that are the same length. The four length classifications for NASCAR racetracks are short track, moderate, road course, and superspeedway. There are still variations within those categories based on the various race courses.
A short track race is the inaugural category of NASCAR competition. Five of the thirty racetracks used in various NASCAR series are classified as short tracks. The fast track racetracks are less than one mile in circumference; most are closer to a half mile. These short-track races are designed to be quicker, more thrilling, and require less time to watch. The popularity of these racing formats has increased recently, particularly as NASCAR battles to maintain its viewership. Even while short-track NASCAR races aren’t the most popular type of event right now, that may change in the future.
There are extremely few road racing tracks in the NASCAR circuits since they are the least attractive and least frequent race type. The most well-known are Watkins Glen in New York and Sonoma in California. The racing courses for these events are distinct from those for other races because they are not always on real roads. Road races are highly uncommon in NASCAR because they are unique and complicated. NASCAR road races resemble Formula One since they contain left and right bends, intricate curves, and other features.
The various stages also influence how lengthy a NASCAR race will last. The same racing track is used for each round, only a different amount of laps. Use Bristol as an illustration. There are three stages in Bristol. Although it fluctuates yearly, typical stage lengths range from 125 to 250. This indicates that three distinct races will be held. The first, second, and third will all have 125 laps, while the fourth will have 250 laps. This will also have an impact on how long a NASCAR race is.