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Prohibition goes into effect
NASCAR’s roots go further back then the Streamline Hotel meetings in 1947. Its creation goes back to January 16, 1920 when the 18th amendment passed prohibiting the manufacturing, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors. With the production of moonshine profitable, bootleggers needed fast cars to outrun the police and move their product as fast as possible. Drivers then began to race their cars in the day to see who's car was fastest, and ship moonshine at night. -
Bill France founds NASCAR
After moving to Daytona in 1934, Bill France took part in the original race in Daytona where he finished fifth. France eventually took over planning the race for the city, and in 1947 met with local race officals in the Streamline Hotel in Daytona. During these meetings France created the guidelines for a new racing circut which would be called NASCAR. France would serve as president for the new series. -
First NASCAR sanctioned race
February 15, 1948 was the first NASCAR sanctioned race. The race took place on Daytona’s beach course and took place only two months after the original meetings held by Bill France. The race consisted of a cement segment and beach segment which made the race much more difficult. Natural elements such as tides and sand conditions added to the many concerns of drivers and because not all areas of the sand were the same. Red Byron won the race. -
Lee Petty wins the first Daytona 500
Daytona International Speedway hosted the first Daytona 500. The posted awards for the race totaled $67,760. A field of 59 cars took the green flag for the start of the 200-lap race. A crowd of 41,000 was on hand. This historic race also had a historic ending. The finish was too close to call, but Lee Petty was eventually named the winner after photographic evidence. -
Wendell Scott first African-American to win premier division NASCAR race
Wendell Scott was the only black driver in NASCAR for virtually his entire career and probably earned more respect than he did money. His career was a constant struggle with low budgets. Despite this on December 1, 1963 at Speedway Park in Jacksonville, on a one-mile dirt track, Scott beat Buck Baker to become the first black to win on NASCAR's highest level, a distinction he still holds to today. -
STP's sponsorship of Richard Petty's No. 43
1972 marks the year STP and Petty Enterprises reached a deal for the well known company to sponsor Richard Petty's No. 43 car. This partnership not only resulted in 7 championships but the deal itself helped changed the way business was conducted in auto racing as a whole. The fianicial support STP offered to Petty's team was unlike anything ever seen before in NASCAR. The additional funds and legitimacy STP brought along allowed Richard Petty and NASCAR to expand their respective brands. -
First Televised Race
The first televised race in the history of NASCAR was "action-packed" to say the least. The 1979 Daytona 500 included a fistfight between Cale Yarborough and Donnie Allison after they wrecked eachother battling for first place on the last lap. The eventual winner was none other than Richard Petty, a fitting ending to the first national broadcast of NASCAR event. The thrilling action attracted thousands of new fans.
Daytona 500 Fight Recap -
Richard Petty Wins #200, President Regan in attendance
With Ronald Reagan among the 80,000 people who came to see the race at Daytona International Speedway, Richard Petty stood out above the rest, outracing Cale Yarborough to the yellow flag with two laps remaining to score his historic 200th victory, two days after Petty turned 47. After winning instead of heading to Victory Lane, Petty was told to stop on the track and then have the opportunity to meet the President. -
1992 Hooters 500
A total of five drivers entered the race with a chance to capture the 1992 championship title with Alan Kulwicki taking home the title and Bill Elliot winning the race. The true significance lies in the fact that this race was not only Richard Petty's final race but also Jeff Gordon's first. It was Jeff Gordon's marketability and dominance which propelled NASCAR to new heights. "The King's" Final Lap -
Daytona 500 - The Death of Dale Earnhardt
On the biggest stage NASCAR has to offer the greatest tragedy in the history of the sport sadly took place. On Feb. 18th, 2001 Dale Earnhardt's life was lost in a crash in the final turn on the last lap. Earnhardt will always be remembered for his aggresive driving style and numerous successes on the track. The legend won 7 total championships and 76 races in his 27 year career. -
Introduction of the Car of Tomorrow
At the 2007 Sharpie 500 NASCAR introduced its new Car of Tomorrow. It was rced 16 times in the 2007 season, and adopted for full-time use in 2008. Although it was boxier, harder to drive, and disliked by the drivers, the car has many improvements that make it much more safe than the previous models of cars. There were many serious crashes since the adoption of the car, there have been no serious injuries. -
The Open Wheel Invasion
For the 2008 NASCAR season, there was an influx of drivers coming over from open-wheel racing.These drivers included Patrick Carpentier, former F1 and Cart champion Jacques Villeneuve, reigning Indianapolis 500 and IndyCar Champion Dario Franchitti, and 2006 Indianapolis 500 and IndyCar Champion, Sam Hornish, Jr. These drivers expected great success, but all struggled, and at the end of the year, Hornish was the only one still with a ride. This proved NASCAR to be the highest level of racing. -
Danica Patrick Moves to NASCAR
Danica's First Stockcar Race</a>For the 2010 season Danica Patrick moved from the Indy Car Racing Series to NASCAR's Nationwide Series, the top minor league of the sport. She debuted at Daytona International Speedway on Febuary 13th of this year. Danica drives the No. 7 Go Daddy.com Chevrolet Impala for JR Motorsports. Her pre-existing celebrity status makes her the most significant female driver in NASCAR history. -
Jimmie Johnson wins 5th Straight Title
On November 21st, 2010 Jimmie Johnson won a record setting 5th consecutive title. He clinched the title by finishing second in the season concluding Ford 400 at Homestead Miami Speedway. His margin of victory was a mere 39 points over rival Denny Hamlin. Johnson one-upped his own record setting fourth straight title performance in 2009.
