Ovals, Road Courses, and Street Circuits: A Quick Guide

The NASCAR Cup schedule includes ovals, road courses, and one street circuit. Each produces a different style of racing with different lead change patterns.

Superspeedways (Daytona, Talladega), intermediates (Charlotte, Kansas), and short tracks (Bristol, Martinsville). Ovals are the backbone of NASCAR. Left turns only. Speed varies by track size.

Watkins Glen, Sonoma, COTA, Road America. Left and right turns. Braking zones. More passing opportunities in some spots, less in others. Road course races tend to have fewer lead changes but more dramatic ones.

The Chicago Street Race is NASCAR on city streets. Tight corners, concrete walls, and zero runoff. Attrition is high and anything can happen.