NASCAR History & Series Information
National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing
Discover intriguing facts about the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing, better known as NASCZaAR. Learn more about the three NASCAR series, the NASCAR Nationwide Series, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Gain insight on founder Bill France, Sr., and explore his role in making the family-run business what it is today.
NASCAR Background
The National Association for Stock Car Racing, or NASCAR, is the largest sanctioning body of stock car racing in the United States. NASCAR prides itself on creating a racing environment which is more than just a spectator event; it is a complete experience for each and every fan. With some of the most recognizable names in motorsports competing in NASCAR events, it’s no wonder that NASCAR has become one of the most viewed professional sports in the world.
Bill France Jr.
(NASCAR founder)
NASCAR History
NASCAR’s rich and acclaimed history dates back to 1948, when it was founded by Bill France Sr. When Mr. France began organizing NASCAR, he had a vision of a family-run business which would place heavy emphasis on integrity and quality. To this day, NASCAR remains family-owned and operated, with Brian France following in his grandfather’s footsteps as CEO of the company.
Following a successful season of racing in Daytona Beach, Florida, a young Bill France Sr. held a meeting at a small hotel on February 21, 1948. Present at this meeting were a number of local race car drivers who had been competing in local events. It was at this meeting where a preliminary set of rules were laid out, hand written on a napkin by Mr. France himself. These rules formed the framework for what would eventually become one of the most recognized forms of racing in the world. Bill France, a driver himself, recognized the need for a unified set of rules and a single organization which could act as a sanctioning body for all stock car racing. The result was grander and more well-received than he could have possibly imagined.
The first official NASCAR race was held at Charlotte Speedway, North Carolina, on June 19, 1949. The winner of this race was a driver named Jim Roper. As more and more NASCAR races were held, Mr. France gradually improved upon the initial rules and regulations, adding provisions for safety equipment, and a complete list of allowable modifications for each of the three racing divisions: Modified, Roadster, and Strictly Stock. Over the years, these would evolve into the racing series which we know today.
NASCAR Series
NASCAR currently sanctions over 1,500 races in North America, which include the following series:
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NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is considered to be one of the most competitive and recognizable forms of professional racing in the world. The current Sprint Cup season spans 10 months, with 36 races taking place at race tracks across the country. Driver Jimmie Johnson is the current reigning champion of the Sprint Cup Series. In 2008, he became the first driver to win three consecutive Sprint Cub Series Championships since Cale Yarborough in 1978.
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NASCAR Nationwide Series
Beginning in 1982, the “NASCAR Nationwide Series” consists of a slightly shorter season than the Sprint Cup, and features several races which take place outside of the United States. The current Nationwide Series Champion is Clint Boyer. While it is considered to be less competitive than Sprint Cup, the Nationwide Series features some of the best drivers in the world competing at the highest level.
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NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
In 1994, NASCAR recognized the need for a sanctioned sport truck racing series. Originally termed the NASCAR SuperTruck Series, the name was changed to the Camping World Truck Series in 2009. This series features modified pickup trucks and has a different set of rules and regulations, while retaining the same standard of racing as other NASCAR events.
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The Future of NASCAR
With a constantly expanding fanbase and more races being added each season, NASCAR is poised to provide the type of racing entertainment that sets it apart from other organizations for many years to come. Just as Bill France Sr. first intended, NASCAR is committed to constantly evolve through the addition of new races, updated regulations, and continually improving safety standards. With the recent unveiling of the “Car of Tomorrow” design focused on driver safety, NASCAR is truly leading the racing world into the future, one lap at a time.
Read more about Mark Green and his teammate Kenny Wallace, both of whom race for Jay Robinson Racing.