Ranking 5 oldest active teams in the NASCAR Cup Series ft. Wood Brothers Racing

NASCAR teams and their drivers have made a significant impact in the world of motorsports since its inception in 1948. Bill France Sr. founded this privately owned organization. Drivers are primarily from America and the races are held across the United States.

The races are held under three divisions viz. Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Truck Series. Xfinity and Truck Series acts as a stepping stone for the drivers to climb up the ladder and compete in the famed NASCAR Cup Series. Presently, a total of 15 teams participate in the 36-point paying races of Cup season.

Here's a list of the five oldest active NASCAR Cup teams in the 2024 season:

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#5 Joe Gibbs Racing - 1992

Founded by former NFL coach Joe Gibbs in 1992, JGR debuted at the 1992 Daytona 500 with NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Jarett. Led by Coach Gibbs, one of the top-performing NASCAR teams, it claimed five Cup Series championships. Bobby Labonte brought home JGR's first title in 2000, followed by NASCAR legend Tony Stewart in 2002 and 2005. Additionally, Kyle Busch claimed the title two times in 2015 and 2019.

JGR now fields four full-time drivers in the Cup Series: Denny Hamlin, Martin Truex Jr., Christopher Bell, and Ty Gibbs.

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#4 Hendrick Motorsports - 1984

Rick Hendrick started one of the most successful NASCAR teams in NASCAR's history in 1984. Hendrick Motorsports since its inception achieved 14 Cup Series championships and more than 300 Cup wins. Hendrick, a successful businessman fielded several NASCAR legends in his Chevrolet including seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, four-time champion Jeff Gordon, NASCAR legend Ricky Rudd, and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

HMS now fields four full-time drivers under its shed. Two Cup Series champions Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson; and their teammates Alex Bowman and William Byron are behind the wheels of the Chevy Camaro.

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#3 Team Penske - 1972

Owned by Roger Penske, Team Penske competes in various auto racing series like IndyCar, IMSA SportsCar, FIA World Endurance, and NASCAR Cup Series. 'The Captain's' team made its debut run in NASCAR in 1972, however, it was founded back in 1966 when the team competed in the 24 hours of Daytona. Penske's outfit claimed four Cup Series championships, with Brad Keselowski the first driver to make this historic record in 2012.

Team Penske has been defending the Cup Series title for two consecutive years. They currently field three full-time Cup drivers Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, and Austin Cindric.

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#2 Richard Childress Racing - 1969

Richard Childress owns and operates one of the largest NASCAR organizations. RCR debuted at the 1969 Talladega 500 with Childress driving the #13 Chevrolet. Childress' outfit was famously known for fielding Dale Earnhardt who won six Cup Series championships with the team. RCR also became the first organization to win all three NASCAR national series.

They currently field three full-time entries in the Cup Series: Austin Dillon and Kyle Busch pilot the #3 and #8 Chevys. Meanwhile, the third entry is driven by multiple drivers.

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#1 Wood Brothers Racing - 1950

Glen Wood formed Wood Brothers Racing in 1950. He worked as a mechanic along with his sibling under his father during that time. The children and grandchildren of Wood currently run the oldest active NASCAR organization. It has been famous for fielding the #21 car and having a long-time partnership with Ford Motor Company. WBR is now looking for its 100th career victory in the Cup Series.

They now have a single-car entry in the Cup Series. Harrison Burton drives the #21 Ford Mustang. However, he is set to be replaced by Josh Berry beginning in the 2025 season.