Basics of NASCAR

NASCAR has become one of the most popular sporting associations in North America. Some say it’s become a fifth major sport, and some even think it has replaced the National Hockey League as the fourth biggest league in the United States. If you are interested in learning more about the league, take a look at some of the basics of NASCAR.

The first of the basics of NASCAR is its origins. The league’s name is short for National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing. Founded by Bill France Sr. in 1948, NASCAR was divided into three divisions. The divisions were the Modified, Roadster and Strictly Stock divisions. This is one of the basics of NASCAR that has changed over time. Today the three divisions of racing are the Nextel Cup Series (formerly Winston Cup), Busch Series and Craftsman Truck Series.

Another of the basics of NASCAR is its many famous races. The first race of the year is the Daytona 500 at Daytona Beach, Florida. Other notable races include the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte’s Lowes Motor Speedway and the Allstate 400 (formerly Brickyard 400) at Indianapolis. There are various other notable tracks in NASCAR, including the Atlanta Motor Speedway, Chicagoland Speedway and the small Bristol Motor Speedway. Many of these tracks are oval based, but there are some road courses too.

The next of the basics of NASCAR involves its cars. Cars in NASCAR are around 3,400 pounds in weight. They feature V8 engines with a 358 cubic inch power scheme. It generates 450 horsepower, making it a strong engine capable of attaining fast speeds. The last of the basics of NASCAR cars is that it features fenders that can absorb contact from other cars at high speeds.

The many legends of NASCAR is another of the greatest basics of NASCAR to look at. Many notable stars of the past include Darrell Waltrip, Richard Petty, Mario Andretti and Dale Earnhardt Sr., among others. Today there are various successful stars in the league, including Tony Stewart, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon and Kevin Harvick. More great stars are entering NASCAR too, most recently Formula One star Juan Pablo Montoya.

Having a favorite driver is one of the best basics of NASCAR. It is simple to pick a favorite – check out the backgrounds of the racers, see what rivalries they have and what you can especially relate to with the drivers.

The last of the basics of NASCAR is the tracks that are out there. There are twenty two different tracks used in thirty six races over the course of a season. Weather can make some tracks harder to handle, especially rain.

These are just some of the basics of NASCAR to check out. The best thing to do to discover more of the basics of NASCAR is to go to a race in person. Hearing the sounds up close and seeing all of the action in the atmosphere of a race setting can make it especially exciting and fun.

Denny Hamlin Stays Honest Despite NASCAR's Secret Fine - FanHouse

Denny Hamlin Stays Honest Despite NASCAR's Secret Fine FanHouse "What everyone has to remember is that NASCAR's done a good job of building this sport over 60 years, and between everyone in this room and in the garage we ... CUP: Drivers Were Warned About Making Negative CommentsFOXNews all 410 news articles »

CHEVY NSCS AT POCONO 2: Tony Stewart Press Conf Transcript - SpeedwayMedia.com (press release)

Globe and Mail

CHEVY NSCS AT POCONO 2: Tony Stewart Press Conf Transcript SpeedwayMedia.com (press release) We're all making a pretty good living, and we're lucky to have our jobs doing what we do. In my opinion, I think what NASCAR is doing is very appropriate. ... CHEVY NSCS AT POCONO 2: Kevin Harvick Press Conference TranscriptSpeedwayMedia.com (press release) CHEVY NSCS AT POCONO 2: Jeff Gordon Press Conference TranscriptSpeedwayMedia.com (press release) all 151 news articles »

Drivers React To NASCAR's Secret Fines For Speaking Out - SB Nation

Globe and Mail

Drivers React To NASCAR's Secret Fines For Speaking Out SB Nation Q: What are your thoughts with NASCAR's 'Have at it, boys' and trying to open things up and then giving fines for drivers making comments? ... Sidetracks: NASCAR officials seem to be flailingSpartanburg Herald Journal NASCAR looks to silence drivers critical of the sportSI.com NASCAR: Those Who Have and Those Who Have NotBleacher Report all 435 news articles »

'Start-and-parkers' make news - Daytona Beach News-Journal

'Start-and-parkers' make news Daytona Beach News-Journal NJ | Peter Bauer DAYTONA BEACH -- It is rare that the drivers, who finish near the tail end of the race are quoted, unless it is one of the NASCAR Sprint ... and more »

2010 Brickyard 400 (Indianapolis) Q&A: NASCAR Sprint Cup - Jeff Gordon - PaddockTalk

Kansas City Star

2010 Brickyard 400 (Indianapolis) Q&A: NASCAR Sprint Cup - Jeff Gordon PaddockTalk I feel we've got to do our jobs better than everybody else and we'll win the race. We've put ourselves in position many times this year, and you know, ... NASCAR battling drop in attendance, TV ratingsIndianapolis Star Jimmie Johnson goes for fourth Brickyard victorynwitimes.com all 2,713 news articles »

Exports shield company from downturn - Press-Enterprise

Exports shield company from downturn Press-Enterprise A: It was picked up by the NASCAR racers of the early days. The NASCAR drivers used the product and loved it and that promoted it because everybody was ... and more »