TheNational Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, LLC(NASCAR) is an Americanauto racingsanctioning and operating company that is best known forstock car racing.[1]It is considered to be one of the top rankedmotorsportsorganizations in the world and is one of the largest spectator sports leagues in America. The privately owned company was founded byBill France Sr.in 1948,[2]and his son,Jim France,has been the CEO since August 2018.[3]The company is headquartered inDaytona Beach, Florida.[4]Each year, NASCAR sanctions over 1,500 races at over 100 tracks in 48 US states, as well as in Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Europe.

National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, LLC
SportAuto racing
CategoryStock car racing
Sports car racing(IMSA)
AbbreviationNASCAR
FoundedFebruary 21, 1948;76 years ago(1948-02-21)
AffiliationACCUS-FIA
HeadquartersDaytona Beach, Florida,U.S. (main)
Charlotte, North Carolina,U.S.
Concord, North Carolina,U.S.
PresidentSteve Phelps
Peter Jung (Vice President, CMO)
ChairmanJim France
ChairpersonMike Helton(Vice Chairman)
CEOJim France
Other key staff
  • Steve O'Donnell (CRDO)
  • Jill Gregory (CMO)
  • Gary Crotty (CLO)
  • Ed Bennett (CAO)
  • R. Todd Wilson (CFO)
Official website
nascar

NASCAR, and stock car racing as a whole, traces its roots back to moonshine runners duringProhibition,who grew to compete against each other in a show of pride. This happened notably in North Carolina. In 1935, Bill France Sr. established races in Daytona Beach, with the hope that people would come to watch races and that racers would race for him, as other organizers tended to fleece the winners of their payouts. This was a success, and the series was founded in 1948. Races were held in several divisions, which eventually morphed into what is the "ladder:" theCup Seriesat the top, theXfinity Seriessecond, and theTruck Seriesthird, with smaller series spread out below. Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota compete in each series.

The vast majority of NASCAR drivers are American, but drivers from Canada, Mexico, Europe, and other places have competed. All Cup Series races are held across America. There are 36 points-paying races in a season, along with the pre-season Clash and mid-season All-Star race. NASCAR runs races primarily onovals,including superspeedways, short tracks, anddirt tracks,but alsoroad coursesandstreet circuits.

Richard Pettyholds the Cup Series wins record with 200. He is tied withDale EarnhardtandJimmie Johnsonfor the championship record, with seven each. Entering the2025 season,Joey Loganois the defending Cup Series champion.

History

Early stock car racing

1985 photo ofJunior Johnson,1950s NASCAR driver who began as a bootlegging driver fromWilkes County, North Carolina

In the 1920s and 1930s, Daytona Beach supplanted France andBelgiumas the preferred location for worldland speed records.[5][6]After a historic race betweenRansom OldsandAlexander Wintonin 1903, 15 records were set on what became theDaytona Beach Road Coursebetween 1905 and 1935. Daytona Beach had become synonymous with fast cars in 1936.[7]Drivers raced on a 4.1-mile (6.6 km) course, consisting of a 1.5–2.0-mile (2.4–3.2 km) stretch of beach as one straightaway, and a narrow blacktop beachfront highway,State Road A1A,as the other. The two straights were connected by two tight, deeply rutted and sand covered turns at each end.[8]

Stock car racing in the United States has its origins inbootleggingduringProhibition,[9][10]when drivers ranbootleg whiskeymade primarily in theAppalachianregion of the United States. Bootleggers needed to distribute their illicit products, and they typically used small, fast vehicles to better evade the police. Many of the drivers would modify their cars for speed and handling,[10]as well as increased cargo capacity.[11]

Therepeal of Prohibitionin 1933 dried up some of their business, but by then the people of the American South had developed a taste formoonshine,and a number of the drivers continued "runnin' shine", this time evading the "revenuers" who were attempting to tax their operations.[1]The cars continued to improve, and by the late 1940s, races featuring these cars were being run for pride and profit. These races were popular entertainment in the rural Southern United States, and they are most closely associated with theWilkes Countyregion ofNorth Carolina.Most races in those days were of modified cars. Street vehicles were lightened and reinforced.[12][13]

Significant people

William France Sr.

MechanicWilliam France Sr.,moved to Daytona Beach, Florida, from Washington, D.C., in 1935 to escape theGreat Depression.He was familiar with the history of the area from the land speed record attempts. France entered the 1936 Daytona event, finishing fifth. He took over running the course in 1938. He promoted a few races before World War II.

France had the notion that people would enjoy watchingstock carsrace. Drivers were frequently victimized by unscrupulous promoters who would leave events with all the money before drivers were paid.[14]On December 14, 1947, France began talks with other influential racers and promoters at the Ebony Bar at theStreamline HotelinDaytona Beach, Florida,that ended with the formation of NASCAR on February 21, 1948.[15]

Erwin "Cannonball" Baker

The firstCommissioner of NASCARwas Erwin "Cannonball" Baker, a former stock car, motorcycle, andopen-wheelracer who competed in theIndianapolis 500and set over one hundred land speed records. Baker earned most of his fame for his transcontinental speed runs and would prove a car's worth by driving it from New York to Los Angeles. After his death, the famous transcontinental race the 'Cannonball Run' and the film that was inspired by it were both named in his honor. Baker is enshrined in theAutomotive Hall of Fame,theMotorcycle Hall of Fame,and theIndianapolis Motor SpeedwayHall of Fame. This level of honor and success in each diverse racing association earned Baker the title of "King of the Road".[16]

Bob "Barky" Barkhimer

In the early 1950s, theUnited States NavystationedBill France Jr.,at theMoffett Federal Airfieldin northern California. His father asked him to look up Bob Barkhimer inSan Jose, California.Barkhimer was a star ofmidget car racingfrom the World War II era, and later ran about 22 different speedways as the head of the California Stock Car Racing Association. Young Bill developed a relationship with Bob Barkhimer and his partner, Margo Burke. He went to events with them, stayed weekends with them and generally became very familiar with racing on the west coast. "Barky", as he was called by his friends, journeyed to Daytona Beach and met with Bill France Sr. In the spring of 1954, NASCAR became a stock car sanctioning body on thePacific Coastunder Barky.

Wendell Scott

Wendell Scottwas the first African-American to win a race in the Grand National Series, NASCAR's highest level. He was posthumously inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame inCharlotte, North Carolina,January 30, 2015.[17]

Logo used from 1976 to 2016

Founding

On March 8, 1936, a collection of drivers gathered atDaytona Beach, Florida.The drivers broughtcoupes,hardtops,convertibles, and sports cars to compete in an event to determine the fastest cars, and best drivers. Throughout the race, the heavier cars got bogged down in the sand, while the lightweight Fords navigated the ruts of the course, eventually claiming the top 6 finishes for the race. Of the 27 cars that started the event, only 10 managed to survive the ordeal, as officials halted the event 10 miles (16 km) short of the scheduled 250-mile (400 km) distance. Driver Milt Marion was declared the winner, and a young Bill France placed 5th at the end of the day.[18]

By early 1947, Bill France saw the potential for a unified series of racing competitors. France announced the foundation of the "National Championship Stock Car Circuit", otherwise known as NCSCC.[19]France approached theAmerican Automobile Association,or AAA, in hopes of obtaining financial backing for the venture. When the AAA declined support of the venture, France proceeded to announce a set of rules and awards for the NCSCC. France declared that the winner of the 1947 NCSCC season would receive $1000.00 (equivalent to $13645 in 2023) and a trophy. The season would begin in January 1947 at the Daytona Beach track, and conclude in Jacksonville the following December. Nearly 40 events were logged during the season, and attendance often exceeded the venue's capacity. The competitors were paid as promised, and by the end of the season, driverFonty Flockwas declared the season champion after winning 7 events of the 24 that he entered. Bill France delivered the $1000 and 4-foot high trophy to Flock at the end of the season, along with $3000 in prize money to other drivers who competed throughout the season.[20]

The Streamline Hotel in Daytona Beach, Florida, where NASCAR was founded

At the end of the 1947 season, Bill France announced that there would be a series of meetings held at the Streamline Hotel in Florida, beginning on December 14, 1947. At 1:00 pm, France called to order the 35 men who represented the NCSCC on the top floor of the hotel. The meeting was the first of four seminars in which France would outline his vision of an organized group of race car drivers.[21]The name originally chosen for the series wasNational Stock Car Racing Association;when it was pointed out that that name was already in use by a rival sanctioning body, "National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing", proposed by mechanicRed Vogt,was selected as the organization's name.[22]

NASCAR was founded by William France, Sr. on February 21, 1948 with the help of several other drivers of the time.[2]The original plans for NASCAR included three distinct divisions: Modified, Roadster, and Strictly Stock. The Modified and Roadster classes were seen as more attractive to fans. It turned out that NASCAR fans wanted nothing to do with theroadsters,which fans perceived as a Northeast or Midwest series.[citation needed]The roadster division was quickly abandoned, while themodifieddivision now operates as theNASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.The Strictly Stock division was put on hold as American automobile manufacturers were unable to produce family sedans quickly enough to keep up with post-World War II demand.[23]The 1948 schedule featured 52 Modifieddirt track races.The sanctioning body hosted its first event at Daytona Beach on February 15, 1948.Red ByronbeatMarshall Teaguein the Modified division race. Byron won the 1948 national championship. Things had changed dramatically by 1949, and the Strictly Stock division was able to debut with a 20-mile (32 km) exhibition in February near Miami.

The firstNASCAR "Strictly Stock" raceever was held atCharlotte Speedway,although this is not the same track as theCharlotte Motor Speedwaythat is a fixture on current NASCAR schedule. The race was held on June 19, 1949 and won by driverJim RoperwhenGlenn Dunawaywas disqualified after the discovery of his altered rear springs. Initially, the cars were known as the "Strictly Stock Division" and raced with virtually no modifications on the factory models. This division was renamed the "Grand National" division beginning in the 1950 season. Over a period of more than a decade, modifications for both safety and performance were allowed, and by the mid-1960s, the vehicles were purpose-built race cars with a stock-appearing body.

Richard Petty's 1970 426 C.I.Plymouth Superbirdon display

Early in NASCAR's history, foreign manufacturers had shown interest in entering the series; the British car manufacturer,MG,found a few of its vehicles entered, with some placing. For example, on August 16, 1963 in the International 200, Smokey Cook drove an MG to a 17th-place finish.[24][25]

The first NASCAR competition held outside the US was in Canada, where on July 1, 1952,Buddy Shumanwon a 200-lap race on a half-mile (800 m) dirt track in Stamford Park,Ontario,nearNiagara Falls.

Sanctioned series

National series

Cup Series

The start of the2015 Daytona 500

The NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) is the sport's highest level of professional competition. It is consequently the most popular and most profitable NASCAR series. Since 2001, the Cup Series season has consisted of 36 races over 10 months. Writers and fans often use "Cup" to refer to the NCS and the ambiguous use of "NASCAR" as a synonym for the series is common. The 2023 NCS Champion isRyan Blaney.The record for most championships is 7, held by three drivers:Richard Petty,Dale Earnhardt,andJimmie Johnson.Johnson has the record for most consecutive with five consecutive Cup Series drivers' championships from 2006 to 2010. Previously, the most consecutive championships had been three in a row byCale Yarboroughin the late 1970s, the only other time when a driver has won three or more NASCAR Cup Series championships in a row.

The Cup Series had its firsttitle sponsorin 1972.R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company,which had beenbanned from televisionadvertising,found a popular and demographically suitable consumer base in NASCAR fans and engaged NASCAR as a promotional outlet. As a result of that sponsorship, the Grand National Series became known as the Winston Cup Series starting in 1971,[26]with a new points system and some significant cash benefits to compete for championship points. In 1972, the season was shortened from 48 races (including two ondirt tracks) to 31.[26]1972 is often acknowledged as the beginning of NASCAR's "modern era". The next competitive level, called Late Model Sportsman, gained the "Grand National" title passed down from the top division and soon found a sponsor inBusch Beer.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. (bottom), and team in victory lane in 2004

In 2004,Nextel Communicationstook over sponsorship of the premier series, and formally renamed it the Nextel Cup Series. A new championship points system, the "Chase for the Nextel Cup,"(renamed" Chase for the Sprint Cup "in 2008) was also developed, which reset the point standings with ten races to go, making only drivers in the top ten or within 400 points of the leader eligible to win the championship. In 2007, NASCAR announced it was expanding" The Chase "from ten to twelve drivers, eliminating the 400-point cutoff, and giving a ten-point bonus to the top twelve drivers for each of the races they have won out of the first 26. Wins throughout the season would also be awarded five more points than in previous seasons. In 2008, the premier series title name became the Sprint Cup Series, as part of the merger between Nextel andSprint.

In 2011, NASCAR announced a number of major rules changes, the most significant being abandoning the points system. The winner of a race now receives 43 points, with one-point decrements for each subsequent position (42 for second, 41 for third, and so on). The winner also receives 3 bonus points, and single bonus points are awarded to all drivers who lead a lap, plus the driver who leads the most laps. Another significant change involves the qualifying process for the Chase. The number of qualifying drivers will remain at 12, but only the top 10 will qualify solely on regular-season points. The remaining two Chase drivers will be the two drivers in the next 10 of the point standings (11th through 20th) with the most race wins in the regular season.

In 2014, NASCAR announced another revamp to the Chase format, expanding the Chase pool to 16 drivers, and eliminating four drivers after every three races, leaving four drivers to compete for the championship at the season finale atHomestead.In addition, wins were given an increased emphasis, with the 16 drivers with the most wins (15 if the points leader is winless; points leader will receive an automatic berth) gaining a spot in the chase. If there are fewer than 16 winners, the remaining spots will be filled based on the conventional points system.[27][28]

Monster Energybecame the title sponsor in 2017, which changed the series' name to Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.[29]With Monster Energy's title sponsorship, NASCAR also abandoned "The Chase" name and now refers to the last 10 races simply as "the playoffs" similar to most other sports.

After the 2019 season, NASCAR declined an offer from Monster Energy to remain the title sponsor of the top series.[30]On December 5, NASCAR revealed their new sponsorship model. Instead of a singular title sponsor, four "premier partners" (Coca-Cola,Xfinity,Busch BeerandGEICO) would be closely affiliated with the top series, which was simply renamed the NASCAR Cup Series.[31]

Xfinity Series

The Busch (now Xfinity) Series field following the pace car at theO'Reilly 300atTexas Motor Speedwayin 2007

The NASCAR Xfinity Series is the second-highest level of professional competition in NASCAR. The most recent series champion isCole Custerin 2023. The modern incarnation of this series began in 1982, with sponsorship byAnheuser-Busch Brewing'sBudweiserbrand. In 1984 it was renamed to the Busch Grand National Series, then later just the Busch Series. The Anheuser-Busch sponsorship expired at the end of 2007, being replaced byNationwide Insurancefrom 2008 to 2014, and the series is now sponsored byComcastthrough itsXfinitybrand.[32]

The season usually has fewer races than the Cup Series, and the prize money is significantly lower. However, over the last several years, a number of Cup Series drivers have run both the Xfinity and Cup Series events each weekend, using the Xfinity race as a warm-up to the Cup event at the same facility. Furthermore, several drivers not only participated in both Cup and Busch/Nationwide/Xfinity events on the same weekend but also began to compete in both series on a full-time basis.Kevin Harvickwas the first Cup series driver to compete full-time in the Busch Series and win a title, actually doing so twice; in 2001, he did this forRichard Childress Racingbut only did so out of necessity asDale Earnhardt's death forced him into the Cup series ahead of RCR's intended schedule for him. His win in 2006, where he raced three cars for RCR andhis race team,was the first of five consecutive titles in NBS/NNS that were won by Cup series regulars.

The Nationwide (now Xfinity) Series atRoad Americain 2011, using theCar of Tomorrowdesign

The practice received criticism because it was thought to give the Cup Series teams an unfair advantage, and that the presence of the Cup Series drivers squeezes out Nationwide Series competitors who would otherwise be able to qualify. These dual-series drivers have been labeled "Buschwhackers",a play on words which combines the original series sponsor's name with the notion of being bushwhacked. In May 2007, NNS director Joe Balash confirmed that NASCAR was exploring options to deal with the Buschwhacker controversy. One of the most often-cited proposals was for Cup Series drivers participating in the Nationwide Series to receive no points for their participation in a Nationwide race. In 2007, NASCAR chairmanBrian Franceindicated that all options, except an outright ban of Cup competitors, were still being considered.[33]On January 11, 2011,NASCARreported that beginning with the 2011 season, drivers would be allowed to compete for the championship in only one of NASCAR's three national series in a given season, although they could continue to run in multiple series.[34]This change was officially confirmed by France in a press conference less than two weeks later, and has remained in the NASCAR rules ever since.[35]

Beginning in 2010, the Nationwide cars adapted somewhat to the current "Car of Tomorrow"(or COT) design used by Cup cars, with different bodies from the Cup Series.

In 2016, the Chase format was extended to both the Xfinity and Truck Series. Instead of the four-round, 10-race format used in the Cup Series, the Chase in each of the two supporting series consists of three rounds and seven races in all, with each preliminary round consisting of three races. The Xfinity Series Chase involves 12 drivers instead of the 16 participating in the Cup Series Chase. Four drivers are eliminated at the end of each preliminary round of the Chase in the Xfinity Series, which also mirrors the Cup Series Chase. This means that four drivers are eligible for the series title entering the final race, as in the Cup Series.[36]Similar to Cup, starting in 2017 "The Chase" moniker was dropped and the final seven races are now referred to as the Xfinity Playoffs.

Even with restrictions limiting points earnings to one national series, Cup drivers were still running and winning a vast majority of Xfinity series races through 2015. Starting with the 2015 season finale, NASCAR began to add additional restrictions in regards to Cup drivers running Xfinity races. Beginning in the 2020 season, Cup drivers with more than three years of experience in the top series were limited to five races per season. Furthermore, those same drivers are ineligible to run the regular season finale,NXS playoffraces, orDash 4 Cashraces.[37]

Craftsman Truck Series

The Truck Series atMartinsville Speedwayin 2018

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series features modifiedpickup trucks.It is one of the three national divisions of NASCAR, together with the Xfinity and Cup Series. The most recent series champion isBen Rhodesin 2023.

In 1994, NASCAR announced the formation of the NASCAR SuperTruck Series presented byCraftsman.The first series race followed in 1995. In 1996, the series was renamed the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series to emphasize Craftsman's involvement. The series was first considered something of an oddity or a "senior tour" for NASCAR drivers, but eventually grew in popularity and has seen drivers move straight to the Cup Series without running a full season inNASCAR Xfinity Seriescompetition. These includeKurt BuschandCarl Edwards(who both ran forRoush Racing). In addition, veteran drivers who have had only moderate success at the other two levels of the sport have revitalized their careers in the truck series, includingRon Hornaday Jr.,Todd Bodine,Mike Skinner,andJohnny Benson.

Beginning in 2009, the series became theCamping WorldTruck Series.[38]In 2019, per a branding request made by Camping World, the series was rebranded as the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series.[39]

As noted previously, the Chase format was extended to the Truck Series in 2016. The format is identical to that used in the Xfinity Series, except that only eight drivers qualify for the Chase (instead of 12 in the Xfinity Series) and only two drivers are eliminated at the end of each preliminary round (instead of four in the Xfinity Series). As in both the Cup Series and Xfinity Series, four drivers are eligible for the series title entering the final race.[36]Similar to Cup, starting in 2017 "The Chase" moniker was dropped and is now simply referred to as the Truck Series Playoffs.

On May 8, 2018, NASCAR and Camping World announced the Truck Series title sponsor would be moved to Camping World subsidiaryGander Outdoorsstarting in 2019. The contract through 2022 is scheduled to continue as planned.[40]The series was renamed again in 2020 to the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series before returning to the Camping World Truck Series name in 2021.[41][42]

On August 26, 2022 it was announced that the original series' sponsor, Craftsman, would return as the title sponsor starting in the2023season.[43]

ARCA Menards Series

The ARCA Menards Series is a racing series that races at big touring series tracks and local racing series tracks. It is primarily a Midwestern United States series. NASCAR acquired the series on April 27, 2018 after being privately owned for 60 years.

International series

Canada Series

NASCAR Canada Series cars atAutodrome Chaudierein 2015

The NASCAR Canada Series is a NASCAR racing series in Canada that derives from the oldCASCARSuper Series (founded in 1981 and bought out by NASCAR in 2006). The new series has races through six of Canada's provinces for a total of 13 events with TV coverage onTSN.Many drivers are content running in Canada while others move up to bigger NASCAR series includingJ. R. FitzpatrickandD. J. Kennington.The cars are a bit different from the cars seen in America, being more akin to alate model,though steel tube-framedsilhouettebodies powered by V8 engines is still the norm.

Mexico Series

In December 2006, NASCAR also announced the creation of a new series in Mexico, the NASCAR Corona Series (now Mexico Series), replacing the existingDesafío CoronaSeries, to begin in 2007.[44]

In 2004, NASCAR also began to sanction a mini stock racing series in Mexico, known as the Mexico T4 Series.

Whelen Euro Series

In early 2012, NASCAR announced that it would sanction the existing European-basedRacecar Euro Seriesas a "NASCAR Touring Series".[45]On July 1, 2013, with partnership fromNASCAR Whelen Engineering,the series was renamed the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series.[46]

Regional racing series

In addition to the six main national series, NASCAR operates several other racing divisions under the NASCAR Regional banner.[47][48][49]

Weekly Series

Many local race tracks across the United States and Canada run under the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series banner, where local drivers are compared against each other in a formula where the best local track champion of the nation wins the Whelen All-American Weekly Series National Championship. The Whelen All-American series is split into four car divisions as well as state and track championships separately. Each division champion receives a point-fund money payout and even more goes to the National champion (driver with most points out of the four division winners). The Whelen All-American Series is the base for stock car racing, developing NASCAR names such asClint Bowyer,Jimmy Spencer,Tony Stewart,the Bodine brothers, and many others along the way.[50]

Whelen Modified Tour

The Whelen Modified Tour races open-wheel "modified" cars in Northern andSoutherndivisions. This is NASCAR's oldest division, and the modern division has been operating since 1985 as the Winston Modified Series and later in 1994 as the Featherlite Trailers Modified Series.

ARCA Menards Series East and West

TheARCA Menards Series' feeder divisions, which consists of East and West divisions, race pro-stock cars that are similar to older Xfinity Series cars, although they are less powerful. The east division was originally divided into the Busch North series, which raced in Northeastern states, and the Busch East Series, which raced throughout Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states. The west division was originally known as the Winston West Series and raced throughout Southwestern and Coastal Pacific states. In 2008, the series came together in east and west divisions under sponsorship fromCamping Worldas the Camping World Series.K&N Filterstook over the sponsorship in 2010. 2019 was the last season for both of the series before they are to go under the ARCA banner in 2020 as part of the unification of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West and the ARCA Menards Series. The series became known as theARCA Menards Series EastandARCA Menards Series Weststarting in 2020, meaning 2019 was also K&N's last year as the series title sponsor.

AutoZone Elite and other divisions

In the past, NASCAR also sanctioned the AutoZone Elite Division, which raced late-model cars that were lighter and less powerful than Cup Series cars, and was originally split into four divisions: Northwest, Southwest, Southeast, and Midwest. At the end of 2005, NASCAR announced that the AutoZone Elite Division would be discontinued after the 2006 season due to having trouble securing NASCAR-sanctioned tracks to successfully host AutoZone Elite Division events, plus escalating costs of competing and downsizing of the Division in recent years. In 2003, NASCAR standardized rules for its AutoZone Elite and Grand National divisions regional touring series as to permit cars in one series to race against cars in another series in the same division. The top 15 (Grand National) or 10 (AutoZone Elite) in each series will race in a one-race playoff, called the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown, to determine the annual AutoZone Elite and Grand National champions. This event has been hosted atIrwindale Speedwayin California since its inception.

Many drivers move up through the series before reaching the Cup Series. In 2002, over 9,000 drivers had licenses from NASCAR to race at all levels.

The winners of the All-American Series National Championship, the ARCA Menards Series, ARCA East and ARCA West championships, the Whelen Modified and Grand National Divisions, and the three national series are invited to Las Vegas in December to participate in Champions Week ceremonies.

Online racing series

eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series

In 2010, NASCAR officially sanctioned its first sim racingesportsseries, partnering withiRacingto form the NASCAR iRacing Series. Thissim racingseries is made of up of five "Amateur Series" divisions, the NASCAR iRacing Pro Series, and the PEAK Antifreeze NASCAR iRacing Series (NPAiS), one of iRacing's World Championship Series. Each year, the champion of the NASCAR iRacing World Championship Series is invited to NASCAR's Championship Weekend atHomestead–Miami Speedwayto receive $10,500 prize money and NASCAR championship trophy at the track.

In 2018,iRacingannounced a new, sanctioned qualifying ladder system for the NPAiS, the Road to Pro Series, using virtual Chevrolet and Toyota Camping World Trucks. At the same time, the NASCAR iRacing Pro Series would switch to using the Xfinity Series Camaro, Mustang and Camry models, to replicate the progression to the real life Cup series cars used in the NPAiS.[51]

In 2020,Coca-Colabecame the entitlement sponsor of the series and it was renamed theeNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series.With the sponsorship, the prize pool increased to $300,000. Additionally, six races will be televised onNBCSN.[52]

eNASCAR Ignite Series

The series was created as a developmental league by NASCAR andiRacingfor aspiring gamers ages 13–16. The simulator begins with US Legends cars before moving to Modified Tour cars.[53]

Driver safety

2008Dodge Charger"Car of Tomorrow",driven byKurt Busch

NASCAR has often implemented safety measures reactively in response to injuries or fatalities.[54]Fire-retardant driver suitswere required after the death ofFireball Roberts,who died from complications of burns suffered in a crash when flames engulfed his car during a Charlotte race.[55][56]After the deaths ofAdam Petty,Kenny IrwinandTony Roperin 2000 andDale Earnhardtin 2001, NASCAR revisited the idea of decreasing theG-forcesa driver sustained during a crash.[57]The "kill switch" throttle, was mandated after the death of Adam Petty, along with the requirements of an anti-spill bladder in fuel cells. The impact-absorbing "SAFER Barrier"had been in use as early as 1998, but NASCAR hesitated to install those walls out of concerns that they may bring about unintended consequences of aggravating the crashes, and possibly because of the effort needed to clean up the debris from the damaged walls.[58]Dale Earnhardtfatallysuffered a fracture to the base of his skull after his car slammed into the concrete wall in the2001 Daytona 500.Earnhardt's death prompted NASCAR to implement the SAFER barrier and consider drastic improvements to the safety of the drivers. One of these would require all drivers to use the "HANS device"(Head And Neck Support Device), a device that keeps the driver's neck from going forward in a wreck. The mandate came about in October afterBlaise Alexander,racing for theARCA series,died in a crash that resulted in the same injuries sustained as Earnhardt.[59]NASCAR redesigned the racing vehicle with safety improvements, calling it theCar of Tomorrow,which debuted in 2007. The car had a higher roof, wider cockpit, and the driver seat was located more toward the center of the vehicle.[54]

Thedeath of Dale Earnhardthas been seen as a "wake-up" call for NASCAR.[60]NASCAR has been far more aggressive with safety changes since Earnhardt's death,[54]and as of 2024,no NASCAR driver has been involved in a fatal accident since.[57]

Criticism

NASCAR has been the target of criticism on various topics from various sources. Some critics note the significant differences between today's NASCAR vehicles and true "stock" cars.[61]Others frequently cite the dominance of theFrance familyin NASCAR's business structure, policies, and decision making. Recently, the increased number of Cup drivers competing consistently in theXfinity Seriesraces has been hotly debated. Another general area of criticism, not only of NASCAR but other motorsports as well, includes questions about fuel consumption,[62]emissions andpollution,and the use of lead additives in the gasoline. Originally scheduled for 2008, NASCAR adopted the use of unleaded fuel in all three of its top series in 2007.[63]In 2011, NASCAR switched to E15 "green" fuel (15%ethanoland 85% gasoline) for all three touring series.[64]

As NASCAR has made moves to improve its national appeal, it has begun racing at new tracks, and ceased racing at some traditional ones – a sore spot for the traditional fan base. Most recently, NASCAR has been challenged on the types and frequency ofCaution Flags,with some critics[65][66][67]suggesting the outcome of races is being manipulated, and that the intention is not safety, as NASCAR claims, but closer racing. There have been a few accidents involving fans during races and even some off the tracks, but no spectator has ever been killed during a race in an accident relating to the race,[68][69][70]although a fan was killed by a lightning strike in 2012 after the2012 Pennsylvania 400atPoconowas called short due to the storm.[71]It was revealed in 2008 that a wrongful death lawsuit against NASCAR stemming from the crash of a company plane was settled for $2.4 million.[72][73]

For years, NASCAR had been under criticism for allowing theConfederate flagto be flown during races. Former chairman Brian France tried to ban the flying of Confederate flags at race tracks in 2015, which caused anger among fans.[74]It had previously asked fans to voluntarily stop flying the flag after the 2015Charleston church shooting,but this did not end the practice.Bubba Wallace,the only African-American NASCAR top-circuit driver, drove the 2020 spring Martinsville race in a car withBlack Lives Matterlivery, and appeared in an anti-racism video with a number of white drivers.[75]On June 10, 2020, in the wake ofprotestsrelated to themurder of George Floyd,NASCAR announced that the display of the Confederate flag will be prohibited from all of its events and properties.[74]

In February 2022, theU.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appealsruled in a lawsuit againstBitconnectthat theSecurities Act of 1933extends totargeted solicitationusingsocial media.[76]In April 2022, a class-action lawsuit was filed in Florida against the LGBcoincryptocurrencycompany, NASCAR,stock car racingdriverBrandon Brown,and political commentatorCandace Owensalleging that the defendants madefalseormisleading statementsabout theLGBcoinand that the founders of the company had engaged in apump and dumpscheme.[77]

Global expansion

In 2006,Toyotaannounced they would be joining NASCAR's ranks.[78]Toyota generated early success winning several races off performances fromDenny HamlinandKyle Busch.[79]Any increase in foreign competition is expected to raise the price of putting a car on the track.[78]

Another topic on the NASCAR circuit is the increase in foreign born drivers and the effects they may have on the future of NASCAR.[80]Juan Pablo Montoya,Patrick Carpentier,Dario Franchitti,Kimi Räikkönen,andJenson Buttonare among the foreign-born big names who have crossed over fromFormula Oneand theIndy carcircuit.[81]These drivers have made an impact on NASCAR not only by winning races and dominating road courses, but by expanding NASCAR's point of view.[79]

NASCAR included a race at the Mexican road courseAutódromo Hermanos Rodríguezin the Nationwide Series schedule from 2005 through 2008, as well as a race inMontreal,Canada atCircuit Gilles Villeneuvefrom 2007 through 2012, with the Camping World Truck Series adding a date atCanadian Tire Motorsport Parkin 2013. There has been talk of possible expansion with exhibition races in Japan and a return to Canada.[82]

Expanding into international markets could increase NASCAR's popularity and allow foreign sponsors and manufacturers to get involved in the sport.[83]Some think this could be a very positive move for NASCAR, which has seen its television ratings drop 21 percent between 2005 and 2007.[84]During the same 2-year period, NASCAR also saw the greatest drop in tickets prices observed in over a decade.[84]In 2010, NASCAR saw television ratings drop 10% from the year before, which was down 33% off its peak in 2005.[85]Some think that an increase in international diversity would translate into growth and generate greater opportunities for NASCAR fans.[81]

In 2023, to celebrate their 75th anniversary, NASCAR partnered with Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports to enter aNext GenCamaro ZL1 in the24 Hours of Le Mans.It coincided with the 100th anniversary of the prestigious endurance race at theCircuit de la Sarthein Le Mans, Sarthe, France, and the Camaro entered as a Garage 56 (Innovative) entry. Jimmie Johnson and Button were joined by German WEC veteran andMike Rockenfeller– a 2010 LMP1 category and overall winner at Le Mans – as the drivers.[86]Chad Knaus,Johnson's crew chief during each of his Cup Series championships, was project manager, while the car bore #24 in honor ofJeff Gordon.[87]

NASCAR

In October 2000,Turner Sportsacquired the digital rights to NASCAR, and subsequently took over its website, which features news, information, and interactive features (such asRaceViewandRaceBuddy) surrounding its series. While NASCAR had extended Turner's contract to operate the site through 2016, the association announced in January 2012 that it would take operation of the site back in-house in 2013. As a result, a new NASCAR was launched on January 3, 2013, which features a multimedia-oriented design enhanced to provide a higher level of fan interaction, and provide an improvedsecond screenexperience for viewers on mobile devices.[88][89]

On May 7, 2019, NASCAR announced a sports betting content partnership withThe Action Networkto provide editorial content and analysis to NASCAR, including recommended picks and value bets.[90]NASCAR said the partnership was intended to prepare for the spread of legal sports betting in the U.S. following the2018 U.S. Supreme Court rulingoverturning the federalPASPAsports betting prohibition. NASCAR previously struck an exclusive deal with sports data solutions providerGenius Sportsto develop an official NASCAR gaming offering for legalsportsbooks.[91]

Subsidiaries and sister organizations

NASCAR Digital Media

NASCAR Digital Mediais a television production company located in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. The company is a subsidiary of NASCAR and produces programs designed to promote the sport of professional stock car racing. It also manages the NASCAR website, as well as some websites related to the sport such as Racing-Reference andJayski's Silly Season Site(as of 2019, afterESPNstopped hosting the website).[92]They also ownNASCAR Classics,a free online base of classic NASCAR races.

Tracks owned and/or operated by NASCAR

Track name Location Length Style Year opened
Auto Club Speedway Fontana, California 2.000 mi (3.219 km) Oval 1997
Bowman Gray Stadium[93] Winston-Salem, North Carolina 0.25 mi (0.40 km) Oval 1937
Chicagoland Speedway Joliet, Illinois 1.520 mi (2.446 km) Oval 2001
Darlington Raceway Darlington, South Carolina 1.366 mi (2.198 km) Oval 1950
Daytona International Speedway Daytona Beach, Florida 2.500 mi (4.023 km) Oval 1959
Flat Rock Speedway[94] Ash Township, Michigan 0.400 mi (0.644 km) Oval 1953
Homestead–Miami Speedway Homestead, Florida 1.502 mi (2.417 km) Oval 1995
Iowa Speedway Newton, Iowa 0.875 mi (1.408 km) Oval 2006
Kansas Speedway Kansas City, Kansas 1.500 mi (2.414 km) Oval 2001
Martinsville Speedway Ridgeway, Virginia 0.526 mi (0.847 km) Oval 1947
Michigan International Speedway Brooklyn, Michigan 2.000 mi (3.219 km) Oval 1968
Phoenix Raceway Avondale, Arizona 1.000 mi (1.609 km) Oval 1964
Richmond Raceway Richmond, Virginia 0.750 mi (1.207 km) Oval 1946
Road Atlanta[95] Hall County, Georgia 2.540 mi (4.088 km) Road course 1970
Route 66 Raceway Joliet, Illinois 0.25 mi (0.40 km) Dragstrip 1998
Sebring International Raceway[95] Highlands County, Florida 3.741 mi (6.021 km) Road course 1950
Talladega Superspeedway Talladega, Alabama 2.660 mi (4.281 km) Oval 1969
Toledo Speedway[96] Toledo, Ohio 0.50 mi (0.80 km) Oval 1960
Watkins Glen International Watkins Glen, New York 3.450 mi (5.552 km) Road course 1948

ARCA

TheAutomobile Racing Club of Americawas purchased by NASCAR in 2018.[97]

Grand-Am

TheGrand American Road Racing Association(Grand-Am) was a sanctioning body ofsports car racing.While it was founded independently of NASCAR by several members of the France family, NASCAR took over Grand-Am, but allowed it to operate autonomously. The series merged with theAmerican Le Mans Seriesin 2014 as a part of NASCAR's purchase of IMSA.

IMSA

Education

NASCAR Technical Institutelocated inMooresville, North Carolina,is the country's first technical training school to combine a complete automotive technology program and a NASCAR-specific motor sports program, and is the exclusive educational partner of NASCAR.

NASCAR Kineticswas established in 2009 with the mission of connecting college students nationwide to NASCAR, and mentored its last round of students in 2013.

International Speedway Corporation (defunct)

International Speedway Corporation(ISC) was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1953 to construct and manage tracks at which NASCAR holds competitions. In May 2019, NASCAR announced that it would purchase ISC, including its 12 tracks, for 2 billion dollars.[98]On October 18, 2019, the acquisition was completed. ISC was subsequently folded into NASCAR.[99]

NASCAR in culture

Movies about NASCAR racing includeDays of Thunder(1990),Herbie: Fully Loaded(2005),Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby(2006),Ta Ra Rum Pum(2007), andLogan Lucky(2017).

NASCAR racing heavily influenced Pixar'sCarsfranchise, with thethird filmin particular drawing inspiration from NASCAR's history.

NASCAR drivers have made appearances in many television series and TV movies, includingThe Cleveland Show,[100]Sullivan & Son,andLast Man Standing.[101]

NASCAR partnered up with popularRobloxgameJailbreak,and the partnership was launched on November 5, 2021.[102]NASCAR also partnered with the developers of Jailbreak to launchNASCAR Speed Hubto celebrate NASCAR's 75th Anniversary.[103]

See also

Notes

  • The largest NASCAR tracks can accommodate upwards of 190,000 people in the stands and infield, far larger than any non-motorsport venue in North America.

References

  1. ^ab"History of Stock Car Racing".Stock Car Racing Collection at Belk Library.Appalachian State University.2015. Archived fromthe originalon July 10, 2015.RetrievedJune 4,2015.
  2. ^ab"History of NASCAR".NASCAR Media Group. August 17, 2010. Archived fromthe originalon May 30, 2015.RetrievedJune 4,2015.
  3. ^"Jim France assumes role of interim NASCAR Chairman, CEO | NASCAR".Official Site Of NASCAR.August 6, 2018.Archivedfrom the original on March 30, 2019.RetrievedMarch 30,2019.
  4. ^"Racing FAQ, NASCAR Trivia and TECH Questions".Jayski LLC; owned and served by ESPN. February 15, 2009. Archived fromthe originalon April 4, 2009.RetrievedApril 18,2009.
  5. ^Cutright, Thomas."Table of Official Land Speed Record".Department of Physics,University of Miami.Archived fromthe originalon July 25, 2008.RetrievedDecember 24,2007.
  6. ^Dickens, Bethany (October 1, 2014)."Episode 27 Leather Cap and Goggles".A History of Central Florida Podcast.Archivedfrom the original on March 4, 2021.RetrievedJanuary 27,2016.
  7. ^Williams, Deborah (November–December 2003)."Daytona beach: sun-seekers and race car fans flock to this Florida vacation haven".Travel America.Travel America. Archived fromthe originalon January 1, 2005.RetrievedDecember 24,2007.
  8. ^Fielden, Greg (2005). "Beachfront View".NASCAR: A Fast History.Lincolnwood, Illinois: Publications International Ltd. p. 31.ISBN1-4127-1155-X.
  9. ^"NASCAR Rooted in Prohibition Bootlegging".Prohibition: An Interactive History.Archivedfrom the original on May 21, 2020.RetrievedMay 23,2020.
  10. ^abKlein, Christopher (March 28, 2023)."How Prohibition Gave Birth to NASCAR".HISTORY.Archivedfrom the original on April 23, 2018.RetrievedMay 23,2020.
  11. ^Billock, Jennifer (February 10, 2017)."How Moonshine Bootlegging Gave Rise to NASCAR".Smithsonian.Archivedfrom the original on December 22, 2022.RetrievedNovember 1,2020.
  12. ^Hinton (April 4, 2009)."Little Widow made a big impression".ESPN.Archivedfrom the original on November 2, 2015.RetrievedApril 30,2009.
  13. ^"North Wilkesboro and the Roots of NASCAR".This Day in North Carolina History.N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. May 18, 2016.Archivedfrom the original on May 18, 2019.RetrievedMay 18,2019.
  14. ^Nigel Kinrade, Steve Casper (2007).Nascar.MotorBooks International. p. 94.ISBN9781616730611.
  15. ^Induction in the Automotive Hall of FameArchivedMarch 3, 2016, at theWayback Machine.Retrieved April 18, 2009.
  16. ^Lap No. 1 How Barky Got Started RACINGArchivedSeptember 29, 2007, at theWayback Machine,Davis Motorsports, reminiscence by Bob Barkhimer, former race driver and Business Manager for BCRA (Bay Cities Racing Association) and NASCAR co-founder
  17. ^Price, Zenitha Prince (Senior AFRO Correspondent) (February 6, 2015)."First African American to Win NASCAR Premier Series Trophy Inducted into Hall of Fame".Archivedfrom the original on February 7, 2015.RetrievedFebruary 7,2015.{{cite news}}:|author=has generic name (help)
  18. ^Fielden, Greg (2005). "The First Beach Race".NASCAR: A Fast History.Lincolnwood, Illinois: Publications International Ltd. p. 10.ISBN1-4127-1155-X.
  19. ^"No Debate Needed Regarding Induction of 'Big Bill' Into NASCAR Hall of Fame".Darlington Raceway.Archived fromthe originalon June 26, 2013.RetrievedFebruary 15,2013.
  20. ^Fielden, Greg (2005). "The National Championship Stock Car Circuit".NASCAR: A Fast History.Lincolnwood, Illinois: Publications International Ltd. p. 15.ISBN1-4127-1155-X.
  21. ^Fielden, Greg (2005). "The Streamline Hotel and the Birth of NASCAR".NASCAR: A Fast History.Lincolnwood, Illinois: Publications International Ltd. p. 15.ISBN1-4127-1155-X.
  22. ^Moriarty, Frank (1998).The Encyclopedia of Stock Car Racing.New York: Metro Books. p. 12.ISBN978-1-56799-459-9.
  23. ^Fleischman, Bill; Al Pearce (1999).The Unauthorized NASCAR Fan Guide (1998–99).Visible Ink Press. p.6.
  24. ^the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide.""1963 NASCAR Grand National Chronology"".HowStuffWorks. Archived fromthe originalon December 3, 2013.RetrievedFebruary 26,2014.
  25. ^"1959 NASCAR Grand National Drivers".ESPN.Archivedfrom the original on February 24, 2021.RetrievedFebruary 26,2014.
  26. ^abFielden, Greg.NASCAR Chronicle.Publications International, Ltd., Lincolnwood, Illinois, USA, 2006. p. 36.
  27. ^"NASCAR Announces Chase for the Sprint Cup Format Change".NASCAR.January 30, 2014. Archived fromthe originalon August 13, 2014.RetrievedAugust 8,2014.
  28. ^"NASCAR Announces Chase for the Sprint Cup Format Change".January 30, 2014. Archived fromthe originalon January 31, 2018.RetrievedSeptember 14,2019.
  29. ^"Monster Energy replaces Sprint as title sponsor for NASCAR's top series".USA Today.December 1, 2016.Archivedfrom the original on December 2, 2016.RetrievedDecember 1,2016.
  30. ^Ryan, Nate (April 8, 2019)."NASCAR moves toward new sponsor model despite Monster's offer".NASCAR Talk.Archivedfrom the original on June 29, 2019.RetrievedDecember 5,2019.
  31. ^"NASCAR introduces Premier Partners of Cup Series | NASCAR".Official Site Of NASCAR.December 5, 2019.Archivedfrom the original on November 10, 2021.RetrievedDecember 5,2019.
  32. ^Ryan, Nate (September 18, 2013)."Nationwide to end sponsorship of NASCAR's No. 2 series".USA Today.Archivedfrom the original on September 21, 2013.RetrievedSeptember 18,2013.
  33. ^Fryer, Jenna (December 9, 2007)."NASCAR toying with ideas for 'Buschwhackers'".AP Auto Racing Writer.The World Link, Southwestern Oregon Publishing Company.Archivedfrom the original on January 13, 2009.RetrievedApril 17,2009.
  34. ^Rodman, Dave (January 11, 2011)."NASCAR drivers must elect championships in '11".NASCAR.Archived fromthe originalon January 12, 2011.RetrievedJanuary 11,2011.
  35. ^"Changes for 2011 include emphasis on winning – January 26, 2011"(Press release). NASCAR. January 26, 2011. Archived fromthe originalon January 30, 2011.RetrievedJuly 15,2011.
  36. ^ab"Chase Format Extended to Xfinity, Camping World Truck Series"(Press release). NASCAR. January 19, 2016. Archived fromthe originalon January 21, 2016.RetrievedMarch 23,2017.
  37. ^"NASCAR Further Limits How Often Its Top-Level Cup Drivers Can Race In Lower Series".Jalopnik.August 23, 2019.Archivedfrom the original on March 8, 2022.RetrievedMarch 8,2022.
  38. ^Official Release (October 24, 2008)."Camping World to be title sponsor for Truck Series".nascar, Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived fromthe originalon April 20, 2009.RetrievedApril 17,2009.
  39. ^"Logo revealed for NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series | NASCAR".Official Site Of NASCAR.July 29, 2018.Archivedfrom the original on November 12, 2018.RetrievedNovember 11,2018.
  40. ^"NASCAR, Camping World expand partnership, provide Gander Outdoors entitlement".NASCAR.May 8, 2018.Archivedfrom the original on November 21, 2022.RetrievedDecember 7,2018.
  41. ^McFadin, Daniel (November 19, 2019)."Truck Series gets minor name change for 2020".NBC Sports.Archivedfrom the original on November 21, 2022.RetrievedNovember 19,2019.
  42. ^Andrejev, Alex (September 15, 2020)."NASCAR Truck Series will have a new (old) title sponsor next season".Miami Herald.Archivedfrom the original on August 15, 2021.RetrievedSeptember 15,2020.
  43. ^"Craftsman returns as Truck Series sponsor in 2023".NBC Sports.August 26, 2022.Archivedfrom the original on November 16, 2022.RetrievedNovember 16,2022.
  44. ^"El Desafío Corona será en 2007 Nascar-México".La Jornada. December 8, 2006.Archivedfrom the original on November 16, 2022.RetrievedNovember 21,2012.
  45. ^"Touring Series"(PDF).Racecar-series. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on April 12, 2019.RetrievedJuly 7,2013.
  46. ^"A new era for NASCAR in Europe".NASCAR Whelen Euro Series. July 1, 2013. Archived fromthe originalon July 10, 2013.RetrievedJuly 7,2013.
  47. ^"NASCAR History".RacinNation.Archivedfrom the original on January 24, 2009.RetrievedApril 30,2009.
  48. ^"Canada Race Track News/Rumors".Gilles Villeneuve Circuit.Jayski LLC; ESPN. March 24, 2004. Archived fromthe originalon May 5, 2009.RetrievedApril 30,2009.
  49. ^"NASCAR announces launch of NASCAR Regional".Jayski.Archivedfrom the original on February 5, 2024.RetrievedFebruary 5,2024.
  50. ^"PaddockTalk".PaddockTalk.RetrievedApril 30,2009.[permanent dead link]
  51. ^"How iRacing's new NASCAR qualifying Could Spell Disaster For IWCGPS – Sim Racing Observer".simracingobserver.Archived fromthe originalon June 13, 2018.RetrievedJuly 14,2018.
  52. ^"Coca-Cola title sponsors eNascar gaming competition – SportsPro Media".sportspromedia.February 13, 2020.Archivedfrom the original on March 8, 2021.RetrievedMarch 6,2020.
  53. ^"eNASCAR | About eNASCAR Ignite Series".eNASCAR.Archivedfrom the original on March 20, 2023.RetrievedMarch 6,2020.
  54. ^abcEngemann, Krista N.; Scott, Cliff W. (August 24, 2020). "9. Toward the exploitative potential of practices in American stock car racing for safety and reliability".Volume I: Safety Risk Management.De Gruyter.pp. 143–144.doi:10.1515/9783110638189-009.ISBN978-3-11-063818-9.S2CID242374113.
  55. ^"Fireball Roberts".Fireball Roberts. Archived fromthe originalon April 29, 2012.RetrievedMay 2,2012.
  56. ^Ernst, Kurt (September 2014)."Glenn" Fireball "Roberts".Hemmings Muscle Machines.Archivedfrom the original on October 25, 2021.RetrievedOctober 25,2021.
  57. ^ab"How SAFER Barriers Came To Help NASCAR Drivers Survive 'The Big One'".Autoweek.February 28, 2021. Archived fromthe originalon October 25, 2021.RetrievedOctober 25,2021.
  58. ^Clarke, Liz (2008).One Helluva Ride: How NASCAR Swept the Nation.Random House Publishing.pp. 39, 175–177, 179–180.ISBN978-0-345-49988-2.RetrievedOctober 25,2021.
  59. ^Hinton, Ed (February 7, 2011)."Earnhardt's death a watershed moment".ESPN.Archivedfrom the original on October 25, 2021.RetrievedOctober 25,2021.
  60. ^Dubner, Stephen J.; Levitt, Steven D. (February 19, 2006)."How Many Lives Did Dale Earnhardt Save?".The New York Times.Archivedfrom the original on October 25, 2021.RetrievedOctober 25,2021.
  61. ^"News & Media".Archived fromthe originalon October 8, 2012.RetrievedDecember 30,2016.
  62. ^"NASCAR a waste of resources".Mndaily. June 4, 2008. Archived fromthe originalon March 19, 2012.RetrievedMay 2,2012.
  63. ^"Unleaded fuel passing Cup test at Las Vegas".NASCAR. February 1, 2007. Archived fromthe originalon October 7, 2008.RetrievedNovember 21,2012.
  64. ^"NASCAR's Switch to Unleaded Gas".Nascar Items. March 7, 2008.Archivedfrom the original on March 13, 2012.RetrievedMay 2,2012.
  65. ^"Skinner joins Stewart in exposing NASCAR manipulation".Autoracingsport. Archived fromthe originalon February 24, 2012.RetrievedMay 2,2012.
  66. ^Yeazell, David."Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon: Did NASCAR Manipulate Phoenix Results?".Bleacher Report.Archivedfrom the original on June 13, 2016.RetrievedDecember 30,2016.
  67. ^"Does NASCAR manipulate its races in any way?".Autoracingsport. Archived fromthe originalon February 24, 2012.RetrievedMay 2,2012.
  68. ^"Daytona 500 2000 – Bodine, fans escape serious injury in fiery crash".Archivedfrom the original on March 6, 2016.RetrievedNovember 26,2011.
  69. ^"Ed Hinton: NASCAR has major decisions to make on restrictor-plate racing – ESPN".April 27, 2009.Archivedfrom the original on May 5, 2022.RetrievedNovember 26,2011.
  70. ^"David Newton: Some Daytona fans out of hospital – ESPN".February 28, 2013.Archivedfrom the original on October 1, 2022.RetrievedAugust 13,2013.
  71. ^"Associated Press: Fan dies, 9 others injured after lightning strikes Pocono Raceway NASCAR event – CBS".CBS News.Archived fromthe originalon August 7, 2012.RetrievedAugust 13,2013.
  72. ^AP Top Headlines (September 27, 2008)."Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against NASCAR settled for $2.4 Million".daytonapost.Archivedfrom the original on March 30, 2022.RetrievedApril 17,2009.
  73. ^"NASCAR verbally agrees to settle in death of pilot".CBS Sports; Auto Racing.CBSsports, CBS Interactive. September 18, 2008. Archived fromthe originalon December 6, 2010.RetrievedApril 17,2009.
  74. ^ab"NASCAR bans Confederate flags at racetracks".ESPN.June 10, 2020.Archivedfrom the original on June 10, 2020.RetrievedJune 10,2020.
  75. ^"NASCAR Bans Confederate Flag From Events".NPR.Archivedfrom the original on July 3, 2022.RetrievedJune 11,2020.
  76. ^Lawler, Richard (February 18, 2022)."Influencers beware: promoting the wrong crypto could mean facing a class-action lawsuit".The Verge.Vox Media.Archivedfrom the original on July 18, 2022.RetrievedJuly 13,2022.
  77. ^Seitz, Jacob (April 8, 2022)."'Let's Go Brandon' Coin: NASCAR, Brandon Brown, Candace Owens sued for promoting failed crypto in pump-and-dump scheme ".The Daily Dot.Archivedfrom the original on July 13, 2022.RetrievedJuly 12,2022.
  78. ^abBernstein, Viv."World of change is likely as Nascar lets Toyota join."ArchivedNovember 2, 2015, at theWayback MachineJanuary 24, 2006. May 1, 2008
  79. ^ab"Season Results."ArchivedAugust 21, 2010, at theWayback MachineNASCAR. May 1, 2008
  80. ^Daniels, Tim."NASCAR Sprint Cup: Power Ranking the Best Non-American Drivers of All Time".Bleacher Report.Archivedfrom the original on April 19, 2019.RetrievedApril 19,2019.
  81. ^abSwan, Raygan (February 9, 2008)."This year's Daytona 500's grid looks like an Indy 500 grid".NASCAR.COM.Turner Sports and Entertainment Digital Network. Archived fromthe originalon December 19, 2008.RetrievedMay 29,2016.
  82. ^Bowles, Thomas."Bowles-Eyed View."NASCAR's international expansion missing a foreign star. March 5, 2006. May 1, 2008ArchivedJanuary 12, 2014, at theWayback Machine
  83. ^Minsk, Belarus.National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR).p. 4.
  84. ^ab8f83f019ce4b&k=13233 "NASCAR's foreign invasion."ArchivedNovember 2, 2015, at theWayback MachineFischer, Doug. February 17, 2007. May 1, 2008
  85. ^Ryan, Nate (February 18–20, 2011). "5 Ways to fix NASCAR".USA WeekendWeekend.
  86. ^Cornilleau, Arnaud (April 6, 2023)."Why is there a NASCAR on the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans grid?".24 Hours of Le Mans.Archivedfrom the original on March 19, 2024.RetrievedMarch 19,2024.
  87. ^"Garage 56 project's Le Mans invite official; team will compete using No. 24".National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing.February 27, 2023.Archivedfrom the original on June 7, 2023.RetrievedMarch 20,2024.
  88. ^"NASCAR, Turner extend partnership through '16".NASCAR.January 30, 2012. Archived fromthe originalon June 9, 2013.RetrievedJanuary 3,2013.
  89. ^"NASCAR flips switch on new website".NASCAR.January 3, 2013. Archived fromthe originalon January 6, 2013.RetrievedJanuary 3,2013.
  90. ^"NASCAR, The Action Network announce partnership".NASCAR.May 6, 2019.Archivedfrom the original on May 6, 2019.RetrievedMay 6,2019.
  91. ^"NASCAR, Genius Sports form betting data partnership".NASCAR.May 3, 2019.RetrievedMay 6,2019.
  92. ^Privacy policy.ArchivedSeptember 5, 2015, at theWayback MachineRetrieved September 4, 2015.
  93. ^NASCAR leases the rights to operate
  94. ^Owned byARCAwhich is a NASCAR subsidiary
  95. ^abOwned byIMSAwhich is a NASCAR subsidiary
  96. ^Owned byARCAwhich is a NASCAR subsidiary
  97. ^"NASCAR acquires ARCA to bolster stock-car racing | NASCAR".Official Site Of NASCAR.April 27, 2018.Archivedfrom the original on December 26, 2019.RetrievedFebruary 6,2020.
  98. ^Peralta, Katherine (May 23, 2019)."What the NASCAR-ISC merger means for local Speedway Motorsports, future of NASCAR".Charlotte Observer.Archivedfrom the original on June 3, 2019.RetrievedFebruary 6,2020.
  99. ^"NASCAR closes merger with ISC | NASCAR".Official Site Of NASCAR.October 18, 2019.Archivedfrom the original on March 28, 2023.RetrievedFebruary 6,2020.
  100. ^"Junior gives Cleveland Show's Donna a ride".USA Today.March 11, 2013.Archivedfrom the original on January 4, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 3,2020.
  101. ^"Keselowski, Logano hit the small screen"(Press release). NASCAR. July 16, 2013.Archivedfrom the original on January 4, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 3,2020.
  102. ^"NASCAR debuts customized virtual race car in Jailbreak on Roblox".NASCAR.November 3, 2021.Archivedfrom the original on February 24, 2024.RetrievedJune 3,2024.
  103. ^"NASCAR launches immersive gaming experience 'NASCAR Speed Hub' on Roblox".Jayski's Silly Season Site.March 10, 2023.Archivedfrom the original on May 1, 2023.