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.

NASCAR Notebook: Hall of Fame not a new thing

HAMPTON, Ga. — NASCAR has actually had a hall of fame for almost 50 years. The National Motorsports Press Association’s Hall of Fame, headquartered at Darlington Raceway, has voted in engine builder Waddell Wilson, journalist Tom Higgins and...

NASCAR Driver Tony Stewart & The Office Depot Foundation Team Up to Donate 4,000 Book Bags to Atlanta-Area Children in ...

[cid:image003.jpg@01CA4B48.F69AA960] NASCAR DRIVER TONY STEWART AND THE OFFICE DEPOT FOUNDATION TEAM UP TO DONATE 4,000 BOOK BAGS TO ATLANTA-AREA CHILDREN IN NEED The Office Depot Foundation Celebrates the 10th Anniversary of its National Backpack Program in 2010 ATLANTA, September 1, 2010 - Office Depot(r) , a leading global provider of office products and services, and the Office Depot ...

NASCAR Should Take A Look at ARCA's Points System

There are two races to go before NASCAR resets its Cup Series points and Kevin Harvick sees his massive 279-point lead over Jeff Gordon disappear - probably to move into third place behind Jimmie Johnson and Denny Hamlin.

NASCAR Scene: Suprise winner in Montreal; Busch wins again in Trucks

With the Sprint Cup teams taking the weekend off, the featured NASCAR race this past weekend was the Nationwide Series’ NAPA Auto Parts 200 at Circuit Gilles Villenueve in Montreal, the only race in one of NASCAR’s top series contested outside the United States.

NASCAR podcast: Atlanta preview

A full rundown of the Chase clinch scenarios. Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards talk about going for the win Sunday. Brett Bodine, NASCAR managing director of R&D, on how teams prepared for the Chase during the off-week.