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.

Ryan Newman: WIX Filters to sponsor Ryan Newman at Bristol - Rotoworld.com

Ryan Newman: WIX Filters to sponsor Ryan Newman at Bristol Rotoworld.com 21 Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. And playing a large part in WIX Filters' activation of the sponsorship is the company's "Racing with Ryan" ...

It has been three years since Dale Earnhardt, Jr., pulled double duty at ... - WBIR-TV

It has been three years since Dale Earnhardt, Jr., pulled double duty at ... WBIR-TV When all was said and done Saturday night, he was standing in victory lane with a broom, signifying a weekend sweep after also winning the Sharpie 500. ... and more »

Coach Payton makes book-signing debut - News Banner

Coach Payton makes book-signing debut News Banner Coach Payton said his wife took their two children shopping for school supplies, while he was doing his thing going through a number of Sharpie's (nine of ... and more »

A summer lovin' smash - Ocala

A summer lovin' smash Ocala Citrus Springs resident Lisa Bower even brought a Sharpie pen and two record albums for Travolta to sign. Just in case. But even without the film's star, ... and more »