The History of NASCAR

From the early days on dirt roads to current days on high-tech speedways, NASCAR has grown into one of America’s most popular motorsports. Here’s a look at some of their key moments in their history:

• 1947-1948

  In 1947, Bill France Sr. organizes a meeting at Daytona Beach to form a governing body. The reason being the need for a unified organization to govern and promote stock car racing. By 1948, NASCAR is officially founded on February 21st 1948 in Daytona Beach, FL.

  
• 1959

  The first Daytona 500 takes place at the new Daytona International Speedway with the winner being Lee Petty, driver of the #42.

  
• 1971-2003

  NASCAR is officially sponsered by Winston as the title sponser aka NASCAR Winston Cup Series for the next 30 years, ignating the golden age of the sport.

  
• 2004

  The points format is changed to the Chase for the Cup from the full season point format with the change of title sponser in form of Nextel/Sprint aka NASCAR Nextel/Sprint Cup.

  
• 2006-2010

  Jimmie Johnson wins five consecutive championships from 2006 to 2010.

  
• Today

  NASCAR sanctions 1000s of races per year across the U.S. and internationally, with the Cup, Xfinity, Truck Series, etc.