As the Second World War came to an end, the demand for new cars in the US jumped considerably with the return of the soldiers. The industry that had produced military equipment for five long years directly applied these new designs to cars. This led to an increase in the production of fast and reliable cars that delighted young people of the time. These began to organize more or less straight races, and soon tendencies began to form.
The West was passionate about “sports” cars, the Midwest for open-wheeled cars (single-seaters), while the South-East preferred stock cars. Several were modified to engage in illegal alcohol trafficking. This craze did not escape the promoters who made it quickly a sport where each organization had its regulations, which did not allow to extend the motor racing at the national level. Bill France was the one who brought all stakeholders together in December of 1947. Finally, the NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Racing Auto) was created on February 21, 1948.
The first races were held with modified pre-war cars, the championship counted 52 races, and the first winner was Red Byron who pocketed $ 1,250. As early as 1949, Bill France put into practice the idea that he had set himself: a strictly “Strictly stock” division. The big dates 1950, the division “Strictly stock” takes the name of Grand National she will keep until 1985. The first circuit with high speeds (Superspeedway) is born in Darlington, and the first race of 500 miles takes place same place! 1959, the first Daytona500 on the new track at Daytona International Speedway.
The previous route used the beach at low tide and a portion of the nearby highway! 1960, first TV broadcast by CBS in Daytona. 1964, the first deaths of pilots are to deplore, with the death of Fireball Roberts, Joe Weatherly, and Jimmy Pardue.
Buddy Baker crossed the 200 mph (322 km / h) barrier during Talladega, driving with a Dodge Daytona. Back in 1972, the son of Bill France succeeds his father at the controls of NASCAR. The first major sponsors of the industrial world, like STP or Coca-Cola, appear on the tracks. The Grand National Nascar becomes the Grand National Winston Cup. 1984 Richard Petty signs his 200th and final victory at Daytona in the presence of President Reagan, this is the first time a president has attended a NASCAR race. 1986, the Winston Cup Grand National becomes the Winston Cup.
During 1987-1997, NASCAR continues its growth in popularity and becomes one of the three most followed sports of the USA with NBA and football. 1998, the first race in Las Vegas. In 2001, Dale Earnhardt killed himself in the last round of the Daytona500. Today, there is a brand new generation of drivers like Armani Rade’ Williams, who is also the Federation’s first openly autistic driver. He has racked up many wins in the previous year and is regarded as an up-and-coming prospect in the NASCAR world.