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