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.

Elections should run a lot like NASCAR - Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman

Elections should run a lot like NASCAR Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman Let's treat these elections like NASCAR races where every car is exactly the same in length, weight and engine specs, governed by vigorous rules and regulations. Since all the cars are virtually the same, it comes down the skill of the man or woman ... and more »

France: 'Industry never more united for growth' - News & Observer

RacinToday.com

France: 'Industry never more united for growth' News & Observer NASCAR had teams test several ideas last earlier this month at Daytona and recently issued to teams the rules package for the Daytona 500. Changes could still be made up to the day of the race, if needed. The biggest and most distinctive change coming ... France: No Big Changes For NASCAR in 2012RacinToday.com all 441 news articles »

FAA official: Air show, air race rules unlikely to see major changes despite ... - Washington Post

FAA official: Air show, air race rules unlikely to see major changes despite ... Washington Post John McGraw, FAA's deputy director of flight standards service, told a public hearing of the National Transportation Safety Board that the agency is in the process of reviewing its safety regulations in response to an accident last September at air ... and more »

In the magazine: Raikkonen on his F1 comeback - autosport.com

autosport.com

In the magazine: Raikkonen on his F1 comeback autosport.com ... he told Edd Straw that coming back to grand prix racing after two years of rallying was "an easy choice," and that his interest had been reignited by his outings in NASCAR in 2011. F1's 2012 rules explained - The Formula 1 regulations have ... and more »

Daytona - Test times - January 14 - crash.net

Kansas City Star

Daytona - Test times - January 14 crash.net ... the NASCAR Sprint Cup teams saw lower speeds, and a crash for Dale Earnhardt Jr. Sprint Cup teams and drivers wrapped up their three days of pre-season testing at Daytona International Speedway, adjusting to still more rules and regulations tweaks ... NASCAR prepares to test new rulesRacer Teams gearing up for preseason testing at DaytonaFox News Testing for Daytona 500 starts ThursdayCincinnati.com Daytona Beach News-Journal all 840 news articles »