Snapshot of NASCAR History

In the early days, racing in the US was regional entertainment with races being held on roads and dirt tracks. This terrain was hard on the cars which were modified streetcars meant to outrun the police and revenuers during Prohibition. These roads were rough on original cars. The bootleggers cars were lightened, modified for better handling, and speed. During this era, Daytona Beach becoming the center of stock car land speed records.

Stock car racing was rapidly gaining popularity by 1936. As the cars improved, races became more mainstream and profitable. Because of the victimization of the drivers by some promoters, by the late 1940s a sanctioning body seen to be a necessity. Spearheaded by William France Sr., meetings to hash out the details were held at the Streamline Hotel.

A board of governors was formed with Bill France Sr. as the President. A fellow named Red Boyt was the man who coined the name NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) a critical point in NASCAR history. NASCAR became an entity on February 21, 1948 and the first ever NASCAR race was the week before incorporation, on February 15, 1948 at Daytona Beach. The winner of the first NASCAR sanctioned race was Red Byron.

The main focus of NASCAR was on the entertainment value. In order to succeed, it needed to appeal to the masses. To do this, racers used only factory stock cars, or cars that were not modified.

On June 19, 1949, the first Strictly Stock race was held in Charlotte, N.C. At that time, the rules required that the racecars be American made and the only modification allowed was to the metal plate that protected the right front tire. Thirty-three drivers competed with almost every kind of American made car represented.

More than 13,000 people came out to watch the race. NASCARs goal of making the sport appealing to the average American was wildly successful. Glen Dunaway initially won the race until it was determined that he had modified his rear springs. Jim Roper was subsequently declared the winner.

In 1950, the Strictly Stock division evolved into what become known as the Grand National. This evolved into the Winston Cup in 1971, which in turn changed to the NEXTEL Cup in 2004. The Sprint Cup emerged in 2008 after the merger of NEXTEL and Sprint. it is NASCARs most popular series. Red Byron holds the distinction of being the first Winston Cup winner.

Without the efforts, dedication, and guidance of Bill France Sr., NASCAR racing would likely not have the same face. There have been many memorable moments throughout NASCARs colorful history. The future of NASCAR is bright because of its mass appeal.