2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

The 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series was the 62nd season of professional in the United States, the 39th modern-era cup series, and the first Cup season of the 2010s, the 21st century's second decade. Beginning at Daytona International Speedway, the season included 36 races and two exhibition races. The season concluded with the 2010 Ford 400 at Homestead Miami Speedway. During the 2009 off season, NASCAR announced a few calendar changes, including a standardized start time. Rick Hendrick won the Owners' Championship, while Jimmie Johnson won the Drivers' Championship with a second finish at the final race of the season. Chevrolet won the Manufacturers' Championship with 261 points.

There were 43 full-time teams in 2010.

The total scheduled distance of the season was 14,461.9 miles (23,274.2 km), but race distances could be shorter or longer depending on weather and green-white-checker finishes. The final schedule was released on September 15, 2009.

Beginning at Martinsville, NASCAR used the 2010 owner's points standings. Teams in the top 35 positions were guaranteed entry into the race; those below had to qualify on time.

It was announced in January as part of the annual preseason media tour in Charlotte that, after years of restrictions, drivers would be let loose as it were, popularly referred to as "Boys, Have At It". Rules were altered to allow for "bump drafting", especially at Daytona and Talladega. On February 10, the green-white-checker finish rule was altered in all three major series (including the Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series) to allow for up to three attempts for said finish. Starting with the Shelby American, NASCAR extended its post-race inspections to include the first car out of the race that was not involved in a wreck; in other words, the first start and park.

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