NASCAR History

The history of NASCAR is one riddled with influentialSpeedway which was built in 1909. The Daytona
people. More than most professional sports, NASCARInternational Speedway was built in 1959 and at 2.5
was founded and has been maintained through themiles is now the most famous on the NEXTEL Cup
work of a few special individuals, none more specialCircuit.
than William France, Sr.The Modern Times
The National Association for Stock Car Auto RacingThe history of NASCAR took a new turn in the
(NASCAR) was founded by France on February 21st,1970s with the introduction of a revised points
1948. France, together with other drivers, designed asystem and new commercial sponsorships. The R.J.
points system that would become the foundation ofReynolds Tobacco Company was one of the
NASCAR racing. As early as 1948, the schedulecommercial businesses that took advantage of the
consisted of 52 modified races that were run on dirtincreased popularity of the sport.
tracks. The first National Championship was won byIn 1979, the Daytona 500 was shown on CBS,
Red Byron.making it the first NASCAR race to be shown from
The Beginningsstart to finish on television. Going into the last lap,
Named its first commissioner, Erwin "Cannonball"leaders Cale Yarborough and Donnie Allison got into a
Baker had a big impact on the history of NASCAR.wreck, allowing a third driver to pass them both for
An accomplished racer who set dozens of land speedthe win. Yarborough and Allison got into a fistfight,
records himself (hence his nickname), Baker allowedand the drama and emotion that was shown in that
almost no changes to the cars that were raced.race might be the defining moment in the history of
Glenn Dunnaway became the first NASCAR driver toNASCAR. Its popularity has steadily increased since.
be disqualified after it was discovered that he hadNASCAR counts today amongst the most popular
altered the rear springs in his cars. However, over asports in the USA. It is hugely profitable for the
10-15 year period, modifications were allowed forparticipants as well, with at least million in prize money
safety and performance periods, until by theup for grabs at every race in the NEXTEL Cup Series.
mid-1960s almost all stock cars were built solely forThe NEXTEL Cup is run over 36 races. The sport is
the purpose of racing them.so popular that the successful drivers have millions of
Almost all races were held on tracks that weredevoted fans that watch every single race and
between half a mile and a mile long. Some tracks thatspend a lot of money on fan gear every year. In a
are still in use are the Martinsville Speedway and theway, the history of NASCAR is still in the writing.
Darlington Raceway, as well as the Indianapolis Motor