how fast do nascar drivers go
NASCAR drivers typically run at around 170–190 mph during races on the fastest tracks, and can exceed 200 mph in qualifying or under special conditions.
Quick Scoop: How fast do NASCAR drivers go?
- On big superspeedways like Daytona and Talladega, modern NASCAR Cup cars usually race in the 170–190 mph range as an average lap speed.
- Historic top-end speeds were even wilder: in 1987, Bill Elliott set an official NASCAR qualifying record at about 212.8 mph at Talladega.
- In an unofficial test without restrictor plates, Rusty Wallace once hit about 228 mph , but that doesn’t count as an official race or qualifying record.
- On shorter tracks and road courses, speeds are lower, often closer to 100–140 mph because of tight turns and frequent braking.
Typical speeds by situation
| Scenario | Approx. Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Superspeedway race (Daytona/Talladega) | 170–190 mph | Pack racing with restrictor-style rules to keep speeds safer. | [6][2]
| Superspeedway qualifying (historic peak) | ≈212.8 mph | Bill Elliott’s 1987 Talladega record, still the fastest official lap. | [9][3][1]
| Unofficial test, no restrictor plate | ≈228 mph | Rusty Wallace test run, not an official record. | [1]
| Intermediate ovals (1.5–2 miles) | 150–180 mph | Speeds vary by track, aero package, and conditions. | [2][4]
| Short tracks / road courses | 100–140 mph | More braking, tighter corners, lower straight-line speeds. | [8][2]
| Fastest modern “Next Gen” lap (fan-reported) | ≈199.4 mph | Shane van Gisbergen fan-reported record lap around 199.4 mph. | [5]
Why they aren’t even faster today
After some huge high-speed crashes in the late 1980s, NASCAR introduced rules (like restrictor plates and later tapered spacers, aero changes, and safety packages) specifically to keep speeds below the mid‑200 mph range to reduce the risk of catastrophic accidents. Even with these limits, average race speeds over 180 mph on certain tracks are still common, which keeps the racing intense while aiming for a safer window.
In forum discussions and racing communities, people still rave about Bill Elliott’s 212+ mph Talladega lap as the “never to be broken” benchmark, while also acknowledging that the modern rules trade a bit of raw top speed for closer, safer pack racing.
TL;DR: NASCAR drivers usually race at 170–190 mph on the fastest ovals, with legendary records just over 212 mph and an unofficial test blast to about 228 mph.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.