At the end of World War II, auto racing fever was catching on across the nation with the young folks. Promoters quickly jumped on the bandwagon forming organizations such as NSCRA (National Stock Car Racing Association) and NCSCC ( National Championship Stock Car Circuit). These different groups did not have a uniformed set of rules and as a result never reached national level.
Bill France, a member of the NSCRA, called a meeting on December 14, 1947, inviting thirty five of the leaders from all of the current associations. They tossed ideas in the air for four days before finally deciding on a common set of rules and a name: NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing). On February 21, 1948, it became official and the "modified" series began soon after.The first championship was made up of 52 races. The first winner of the series was Red Byron who cheerfully accepted the generous purse of $1250.
Bill France was back in the news in 1949 when he put into place the "strictly stock" series with absolutely no modification allowed. The first race, in Charlotte, was won by Glenn Dunnaway (a moonshine runner) with his 1947 Ford. However, due to the modification of the rear springs, his glory was stripped from him and the $5000 pot went to Jim Roper and his 1949 Mercury. The "strictly stock" series had only eight races and the reigning champion, Red Byron once again walked off with the grand prize.
Timeline of Main Events
1950: Grand National becomes the new name of the "strictly stock" series and will remain in place until 1985. Darlington becomes the home of the first super-speedway and the first 500 mile race.
1953: Several pilots who had not filled in the inscription form in time found themselves losing points when NASCAR decides to play "by the book".
1959: Daytona International Speedway was broke in with the first Daytona 500.
1960: Daytona was the site of the first televised report by CBS.
1964: Tragedy strikes with the deaths of pilots; Fireball Roberts, Joe Weatherly and Jimmy Pardue. Security was stepped up with the introduction of the roll cage, manufactured by Banjo Matthews, the inner tire layer and the bladder rubber in the fuel tank.
1967: NASCAR began using "templates" for the body of the stock model in an effort to combat auto manufacturers attempting to use more aerodynamic limited versions. This caused many issues during the pre-race inspections.
1970: In Talledega, Buddy Baker, driving a Dodge Daytona with a rear wing, broke the mark of 200 mph (322 km/he)
1972: Stepping into his father's footsteps, Bill France's son heads the direction of NASCAR, the first team sponsors appear and the NASCAR Grand National becomes the Winston Cup Grand National
