| Some people love it, some people hate it, some | | | | manager. |
| people do a little bit of both, but one thing is for sure: | | | | Before his involvement, races were a risk in more |
| no one can ignore it (or its fans). Whether it drives | | | | ways than one. Dishonest promoters typically sold |
| you giddy or drives you crazy, NASCAR is here to | | | | their drivers on large dreams and riches, only to take |
| stay. For those who are in the former category (and | | | | the money and run before the drivers were paid. |
| there's a lot), there is one person to thank: the late, | | | | This, in part, led to France's belief that stock car |
| the great William France, Sr. | | | | racing needed some kind of organization; it needed to |
| As a mechanic, William France Sr. knew cars inside | | | | become an association with a rigid set of rules, set |
| and out. From their engine to their transmission, from | | | | schedules, a set championship, and protection for all |
| their tail pipe to the pine tree air freshener swinging | | | | those involved. |
| on a rearview mirror, France had a natural knack for | | | | In December 1947, France summoned some of the |
| cars. He also had an idea: he believed people would | | | | most well known racers and race promoters to |
| enjoy watching stock car races. If he built it, they | | | | propose his ideas. They met at a hotel in Daytona |
| would come. | | | | Beach where it is rumored that an outline of the |
| In 1935, France moved from Washington DC to | | | | point system and the "official" rules were written on |
| Daytona Beach, Florida in hopes of finding work in a | | | | a bar napkin. |
| Great Depression laden economy. With knowledge of | | | | After just two months, NASCAR was officially |
| the area and the land speed record attempts, France | | | | formed on February 21, 1948. From there it was, |
| entered himself in the land speed event. In 1936 he | | | | quite literally, off to the races. |
| finished fifth; in 1938 he took over as course | | | | |