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.

Thoughts On Danica Patrick's Free Pass Into 2012 Daytona 500 - SB Nation

SB Nation

Thoughts On Danica Patrick's Free Pass Into 2012 Daytona 500 SB Nation There are the stories of greatness, where legendary drivers write their name in the history books. And there are stories of redemption, where once-dead careers are revived. Add hot dogs and beer and Chevrolets to those storylines, and it really is the ... and more »

Mark Martin: How NASCAR Drivers Should Handle Their 'Bidness' - SB Nation

Mark Martin: How NASCAR Drivers Should Handle Their 'Bidness' SB Nation But if one of them did ask, the new Michael Waltrip Racing driver told reporters during the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour what his response would be. "The best thing to do is if you have problems, you need to talk about it – not to the TV cameras, ... and more »

Notes from the NASCAR Nation: Surely He Must Have Noticed That Fishy Smell? - WhoWon.com

Notes from the NASCAR Nation: Surely He Must Have Noticed That Fishy Smell? WhoWon.com That same principle applies to the world of NASCAR racing. Tweets are a great way for a driver to interact with the fans. It's also a buffet filled with one liners that often feeds the needs of the racing media. A case in point involves Kyle Petty and ... and more »

Tandem Racing Is Dead, Long Live Tandem Racing! - Insider Racing News

Insider Racing News

Tandem Racing Is Dead, Long Live Tandem Racing! Insider Racing News By Doug Demmons NASCAR officials made it clear during the preseason test at Daytona that they have given up trying to put the toothpaste make into the tube. Drivers are not going to unlearn the fact that two cars together are faster than the old ... Daytona opener should be a doozyESPN Pedley: Some Racing Chases Will Never Be WonRacinToday.com all 56 news articles »

NASCAR bash: Meet drivers, sip moonshine - Charlotte Observer

NASCAR bash: Meet drivers, sip moonshine Charlotte Observer Steve Sweeney, NASCAR's director of consumer marketing, says the new attraction is designed to give fans a connection to the sport during what is traditionally a dead season. "We wanted to kick off the year in the biggest way we could," he says. and more »