NASCAR Primer

If you are a NASCAR fan, it pays to know some background about the sport that a lot of people are into now.  A lot of people have increasingly become obsessed with this sport.

To be able to understand this popular sport better, and to be able to talk like a true NASCAR aficionado, it is best that you have at least a basic understanding of its nature and its different facets.  You’ll be much confident when conversing with a fellow enthusiast, understanding and using the NASCAR language as if it is your very own.

NASCAR stands for “National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing”.  Founded by Bill France Sr. on February 21, 1948, NASCAR previously had three divisions namely: Modifieds, Roadsters, and Strictly Stock. 

When talking about NASCAR, it’s more than just about the race – it’s also about the cars, the drivers, and the race tracks.  It’s all about the whole experience.

NASCAR is actually a sanctioning body that manages car racing across the country.  The NASCAR top three series are: NEXTEL Cup Series, Busch Series, and Craftsman Truck Series.

The Daytona 500 is scheduled to be the first race of the year and the biggest NEXTEL Cup race of the year as well.  Other races include the August race at tiny Bristol Motor Speedway, the Brickyard 400, California Speedway, Chicagoland Speedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway, and the Memorial Day Weekend Coca-Cola 600 at Lowes Motor Speedway.

NASCAR racecars weigh around 3,400 pounds.  It has a very powerful 358 cubic inch V8 that actually generates 750 horsepower.  These cars come in with fenders designed specifically for side-to-side contact during the actual race.

Legendary names in NASCAR racing include Dale Earnhardt, Darrell Waltrip, Mario Andretti, and more.  Today, some of the most popular are Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, and Tony Stewart.  Each has different personalities and racing styles, which appeal to different fans as well.  If you haven’t picked a favorite, check out the drivers’ backgrounds, their records and statistics in their racing career, their personal stories, and their rivalries, and you’ll be amazed to find out that you can actually relate to at least one.  Having a favorite driver gives you a different level of experience in watching a race, and you’ll really be into the race as if you are sitting right beside your NASCAR hero.

NASCAR NEXTEL Cup series have 36 races on 22 different racetracks.  The tracks vary in size and shapes.  The racetracks become increasingly difficult with the weather factor.

To appreciate NASCAR racing better, none beats personally witnessing the cars going at it towards the finish line.  It’s an entirely different experience to see the high speed cars on the race tracks, hearing the powerful sound of the V8 engines, and smelling brake rubber while enjoying your favorite drink with fellow NASCAR fans.