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.

NNS: Stenhouse Jr., Jason Johnson Racing Form New ASCS Sprint Car Team - SPEEDtv.com

NNS: Stenhouse Jr., Jason Johnson Racing Form New ASCS Sprint Car Team SPEEDtv.com Stenhouse Jr. will compete in a team car in anywhere from three to five races in 2012 - as his NASCAR racing schedule permits. Johnson and Stenhouse Jr. will campaign the numbers 41 and 6, respectively. Roush Yates CEO Doug Yates commented: "At Roush ... and more »

The NASCAR Race Hub Team. (Photo: SPEED() - SPEEDtv.com

Bleacher Report

The NASCAR Race Hub Team. (Photo: SPEED() SPEEDtv.com 16 with reports from Media Day on a special live two-hour edition of NASCAR Race Hub. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series cars take to the track the following day for the first Budweiser Shootout practice session and SPEED brings viewers the Budweiser Shootout ... Patrick's goals lofty, but very much achievableNascar The Super Bowl of NASCARHardcoreRaceFans.com Rule Changes for the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup SeasonBleacher Report Motor Authority -SI.com all 22 news articles »

CUP: Tommy Baldwin Racing Enlists Ryan Pemberton As Crew Chief for Blaney - SPEEDtv.com

RacinToday.com

CUP: Tommy Baldwin Racing Enlists Ryan Pemberton As Crew Chief for Blaney SPEEDtv.com 36 team's 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) schedule is still being finalized as the team seeks funding for all 36 events. Pemberton comes from a family of racers. The Saratoga, NY, native started out sweeping floors at Roush Fenway Racing and ... Sprint Cup - Baldwin To Support Patrick For 2012Autochannel (press release) all 7 news articles »

Driving force - FOXSports.com

FOXSports.com

Driving force FOXSports.com Overview: Trying to decipher the changes at Stewart-Haas Racing this year will leave the average NASCAR fan longing for the clarity, simplicity and directness of a Flannery O'Connor short story. But here goes: Co-owner Stewart had an extremely ... and more »

Delaware takes hiatus from NASCAR series - London Free Press

Bleacher Report

Delaware takes hiatus from NASCAR series London Free Press By MORRIS DALLA COSTA, The London Free Press Delaware Speedway Park is doing its best to calm the fears of its racing community after its affiliation with NASCAR ended for at least for this year. Delaware presented a reduced 2012 racing schedule to ... NASCAR: North Wilkesboro and Other Forgotten Tracks of the SportBleacher Report all 7 news articles »