NASCAR

NASCAR or the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is one of the most well known names in all of motorsports, indeed perhaps one of the best known brands in the USA.

The organization, which is family owned and operated, oversees and sanctions various motorsports events throughout the racing season which begins in February and goes well into November. You’re probably familiar with the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series for auto racing and know about the pickup truck version which is currently called the Camping World Truck Series. In addition, NASCAR sponsors other events throughout the year in most states as well as at tracks in Canada and in Mexico.

Headquartered In Daytona Beach, Florida

Although NASCAR still has several regional offices in North Carolina, where the sport originated, its headquarters are located in Daytona Beach, FL. The organization has offices in NYC and LA as well as in Toronto and Mexico City.

Yes, if you have heard stories about NASCAR having its start way back during the days of Prohibition, then you got that right. Since the early 1900s cars were being raced for fun on the beaches of Daytona Beach, but they were soon run for profit when Prohibition kicked in.

Modified Cars To Out Run The Law

Those Prohibition era cars were heavily modified to provide improved handling and quicker speed for bootleggers who had to out run the police.  The best drivers learned how to carry a lot of liquor as well as to lose pursuing police without wrecking their vehicles. The most accomplished among them could navigate twisting roads, losing their pursuers in a bid to deliver their goods.

Even after the repeal of Prohibition, drivers were needed to move moonshines and avoid tax collecting revenue agents who were looking for a piece of the pie for government coffers.

Founded By The France Family

NASCAR officially got its start in February 1948 by William France, Sr. one of the earlier stock car drivers of his day. With the help of others, he created a point system for the three racing divisions — Modified, Roadster, and Strictly Stock. The Roadster series quickly died while the Modified became what is known today as the Whelan Modified Tour. Strictly Stock was the forerunner of the races most fans are familiar with today, covering both cars and pickup trucks.

Today, the France family continues to oversee NASCAR with plenty of input from racing teams and drivers, though some will argue that its still whatever the France family wants.  NASCAR has evolved over the years from a truly Southern sport to one with an international appeal.  That change hasn’t always sat well with traditional, diehard fans but at the same time NASCAR’s expansion has brought in a whole new breed of fans, a more diverse group of enthusiasts who cheer on their favorite drivers on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.