| NASCAR history started with the stock car | | | | |
| racing gaining popularity as early as 1936, | | | | The first purely stock event was held in June |
| with the first unofficial & informal race | | | | 1949 in Charlotte, N.C. The rules then |
| held in 1938. This was then promoted by Bill | | | | required that the racecars should all be |
| France Sr. after being asked to do so by the | | | | American made, and if ever modifications were |
| car racers who usually hang out on his | | | | to be done on the racecars, it was only the |
| service station. | | | | metal plate that protected the right front |
| | | | tire that was allowed. There were 33 drivers |
| France together with other big names in stock | | | | competing with almost every type of American |
| car racing at that time then held a meeting | | | | made car represented in that race. |
| at Streamline Hotel where they contributed | | | | |
| ideas on their plans for NASCAR. They were | | | | For this event, over 13,000 people came and |
| then able to come up with guidelines, which | | | | watched the race. Their target to make it |
| include the schedule of the race, the rules | | | | appealing to the average person succeeded. |
| that govern the race, and the prize money | | | | Glen Dunaway walked out a winner of that |
| involved. A board of governors was formed | | | | race, not until it was found out that a |
| with Bill France Sr. as the President. A | | | | modification was made on his racecars rear |
| fellow named Red Boyt was the man who coined | | | | springs. He was disqualified and Jims Roper |
| the name NASCAR (National Association for | | | | was declared the true winner. |
| Stock Car Auto Racing) a critical point in | | | | |
| NASCAR history. | | | | The race then evolved to what was then called |
| | | | the Grand National Division, or what is known |
| The very first official NASCAR race was held | | | | now as the Winston Cup. On this first year, |
| on February 15, 1948 at Daytona Beach. Red | | | | Red Byron was the overall champion with 9 |
| Byron was declared winner of that race. One | | | | more races held that year. On the second |
| week later after the event, NASCAR was then | | | | year, a total of 21 races were scheduled. |
| incorporated making this major milestone in | | | | |
| NASCAR history. | | | | NASCAR history had many other milestones |
| | | | along the way. And this we owe mainly to Mr. |
| The main thrust then of NASCAR was that it | | | | Bill France Sr. NASCAR racing would not been |
| should appeal to the average person, and thus | | | | possible without his guidance and efforts. |
| the racers made use of only stock equipment, | | | | NASCAR history is indeed very colorful, and a |
| or cars which were not modified in any way. | | | | brighter future continues to lie ahead. |