NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) was founded by William HG France in 1948. Officially incorporated on February 21, its purpose was to organize and promote the sport of stock car racing on sanctioned high-speed oval circuits and a few road courses.

The early NASCAR drivers were originally involved in the illegal transportation of alcohol. The drivers would modify their cars in order to create a faster and more maneuverable car. It was a logical step for the owners of these cars to race them. Thus, NASCAR was created as an officiating body. Even though they were in a league, many of the early drivers were still involved in moonshining.

Rusty Wallace won the Suzuka NASCAR Thunder 100 racing event at Suzuka Circuitland in Suzuka City on November 24, 1996 (this was the first NASCAR competition held in Japan).

The closest European equivalent is Touring car racing, although the European circuits are not simple ovals.

See also: List of famous NASCAR drivers, NASCAR Championship, Stock car racing, Moonshine