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Franzi | Games 
NASCAR Rules and bets
NASCAR stands for thrilling racing action and top-class entertainment – find out here what makes the rules of US motorsport so unique and which exciting betting opportunities MERKUR BETS has in store for you.
approx. 3 min.
NASCAR Rules and bets
So, what exactly is NASCAR?
NASCAR may seem chaotic at first glance – but once you understand the basic rules, the thrill of the sport quickly becomes clear. Hundreds of laps, dramatic overtaking manoeuvres, and clever pit strategies shape the race. We’ll give you a clear overview of how NASCAR works and what you need to know as a spectator.
Key Features at a Glance:
Stock Cars
NASCAR vehicles are known as “stock cars” – while they resemble production models on the outside, they are in fact high-performance racing machines.
- Engine power: approx. 750 hp (in the Cup Series)
- Top speed: over 300 km/h on superspeedways
Ovals and Road Courses
- Most races take place on oval tracks (ranging from 0.5 to 2.66 miles (4.28 km) in length)
- There are also several road courses, such as those in Austin (COTA) and Chicago
Race Rules and Formats
Stages (Segmented Racing)
- Each race is divided into 3 stages
- Points are awarded to the top 10 drivers in each stage
- Stage wins are strategically important for the points system and playoff qualification
Points System
- Winner: 40 points + 5 bonus points
- Places 2–35: progressively fewer points
- Extra points for stage wins
- Bonus points for leading laps and for most laps led
Playoffs (Chase for the Cup)
- The final 10 races of the season form the playoffs
- 16 drivers qualify
- 4 elimination rounds: Round of 16, 12, 8, and the Championship 4
- Drivers are eliminated after each round – Race 36 decides the champion
Yellow Flag / Caution
- Races are paused in case of accidents or debris (yellow flag)
- Drivers may pit during this phase
- The field is bunched up again – increasing tension and unpredictability
Green-White-Checkered Finish (Overtime)
- If a race would end under yellow, an overtime is triggered:
- Green flag: restart
- White flag: final lap
- Chequered flag: finish
Pit Stops
- Strategically crucial
- Specific pit window rules and pit lane regulations apply
- Crossing the line or speeding in the pit lane = penalties
Special Rules / Prohibitions
- Bump Drafting: Pushing the car in front to gain speed is allowed on certain tracks, but it’s risky and can easily lead to crashes
- Blocking: Defensive blocking is permitted, but often results in contact or accidents
- Track Limits: Barely enforced – oval tracks offer plenty of room and allow for more freedom compared to other series
- Penalties: Can include drive-through penalties, time penalties, or “pass-through penalties” for infractions such as speeding in the pit lane or unsafe driving
Our Betting Options
Got the hang of NASCAR? Then let’s go!
Our betting portfolio at MERKUR BETS offers you wagers on some of the world’s top NASCAR events – so check out MERKUR BETS and place your bet on your favourite!
