Brief History

NASCAR stands for National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing. Throughout the years, NASCAR has undergone changes that would have been unimaginable 50 years ago.  From the very beginning with strictly stock cars, to the current day designs of wind tunnel testing for aerodynamics, there have been consistent movements to enhance the sport. 

NASCAR began racing its stock cars in 1949.  The first race included nine different makes including Buick, Cadillac, Chrysler, Ford, Hudson, Kaiser, Lincoln, Mercury and Oldsmobile.  The idea of seeing everyday cars that they could own was appealing to people.  They enjoyed the fact that they were driving the same cars as their heroes.   

As time passed, it became clear that new technologies would be needed in order to keep the racing safe for the drivers and their fans.  In 1952, the Pure Oil Company became the first tire company to produce a tire specifically for stock car racing.  Prior to that time, street tires were all that was available on the cars.  (Nascar.com)

In those days, drivers were not forced to remain loyal to one manufacturer throughout the season.  They were able to jump from vehicle to vehicle on a weekly basis depending on the need for each racetrack.  Today, the drivers stick with one manufacturer from one year to the next and generally only change in NASCAR’s “Sillyseason” (offseason).

The Drivers

One of the original ‘good ol’e boys’ was Junior Johnson.  Johnson began his driving career by trying to outrun the police while shipping moonshine.  He was able to practice his driving skills on a regular basis while getting paid by the makers of the moonshine.  While he did this, he was able to work on his car and learn many tricks to outrunning his foes.  He was able to transfer this into on-track success and is tied for eighth on the all-time wins list.  (Nascar.com)