Article DetailsNASCAR - Introduction and History. |
| Date Added: May 28, 2008 11:57:42 PM |
| Author: |
| Category: Blogs: Internet |
| For those of you who do not know, the acronym NASCAR stands for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing. NASCAR authorizes over 1,500 races in Canada, Mexico and the USA. The three main races it sanctions are the Sprint Cup, the Nationwide Series and the Craftsman Truck Series. In this article we will be looking and learning about the history of NASCAR. In the 1920's, most drivers traveled to Daytona Beach, Florida to set records and race. Even though France and Belgium were the traditional places to set land-speed records; Daytona Beach eventually became known as the place to go. There were eight consecutive records set there between 1927 and 1935. It all started with an epic race between Ransom Olds and Alexander Winton in 1903, and this race became an historical one, and attracted motorists from everywhere to what became "The Daytona Beach Road Course". Daytona Beach was soon swamped with fast cars and racing drivers, and events were put on every year. Then William France arrived, and he raced once or twice at Daytona Beach. Then he decided to take over running the "Daytona Event" in1938, and promoted a few races. France had the notion that people would enjoy seeing stock cars race. Frequently drivers were not paid for winning races, as the people running the events would make off with the money. France began talking with other drivers and promoters, and finally formed NASCAR on February 21, 1948. The points system that is used was written on a bar napkin, and the leagues were formed. Since then, it has undergone quite a few changes with new leagues. And in 1970 there were major changes made to its structure. It is still very popular today, especially the Sprint Cup, which generates the most profit and interest. The 2006 Sprint Cup season consisted of 36 races over 10 months, with over $4 million in total prize money at stake at each race. Despite this popularity, it has been victim to a lot of criticism. People say the cars raced today no longer look anything like "stock" cars. Of course, with all motor sports people complaining about pollution, and how the fumes contain lead. So NASCAR started due to a man with an idea he wrote on a bar room napkin. Now it is the most popular racing sport in the USA. Amazing! |
