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.

Atlanta Motorspeedway pre-event notes 2010-08-31

Fifteen NASCAR drivers will pull double duty during the Emory Healthcare 500 race weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway by competing in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series night race on Sunday, Sept. 5, as well as the Great Clips 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series night race on Saturday, Sept. 4.

Tom Bowles: A majors system, a salary cap, and other ideas to fix NASCAR

Last week, there was a flurry of emails after the first of our two-part series over how fans would fix NASCAR. It seems everyone and their mother-in-law has a concept they think would recharge the national interest in this sport.

Historic North Wilkesboro Speedway roars to life

For the first time in 14 years, they'll fire up the engines and go racing at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Ryan McGee offers three words about the grand reopening: It's about time.

Notes: Tickets have Hall tie

Charlotte Motor Speedway has joined forces with the NASCAR Hall of Fame and The Charlotte Observer to offer a special ticket package for its Oct. 16 Sprint Cup Series race.

Atlanta undeterred by loss of race

Track president Ed Clark says his goal is to make Atlanta Motor Speedway the biggest Labor Day celebration in America.

Even Bristol Motor Speedway is having trouble selling out nowadays

BRISTOL, TENN. - Rob Stiens won two tickets to Bristol Motor Speedway as his company's employee of the month. Unable to find affordable lodging close to the track, and unwilling to stay in a hotel three hours away, his seats will go empty Saturday night. Bristol Motor Speedway - sport - NASCAR - Motorsport - England

Bristol Motor Speedway expects to be short of Sprint Cup sellout

Times wires Friday, August 20, 2010 BRISTOL, Tenn. — Rob Stiens won two tickets to Bristol Motor Speedway as his company's employee of the month. But he was unable to find affordable lodging near the track, and unwilling to stay far away, so his seats will go empty for tonight's Irwin Tools Night Race. Once home of the toughest ticket in NASCAR, Bristol is just like every other track struggling ...