The history of is one riddled with influential people. More than most professional sports, was founded and has been maintained through the work of a few special individuals, none more special than William France, Sr.

France founded (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) on February 21st, 1948. France and a few other prominent drivers sketched out the points system on a bar room napkin, and the history of had begun. The 1948 schedule included 52 modified races on dirt tracks, and Red Byron won the first National Championship that year.

The Early Years

Named its first commissioner, Erwin "Cannonball" Baker had a big impact on the history of NASCAR. An accomplished racer who set dozens of land speed records himself (hence his nickname), Baker allowed almost no changes to the cars that were raced.

Glenn Dunnaway became the first driver to be disqualified after it was discovered that he had altered the rear springs in his cars. However, over a 10-15 year period, modifications were allowed for safety and performance periods, until by the mid-1960s almost all stock cars were built solely for the purpose of racing them.

Almost all races were held on tracks that were between half a mile and a mile long. Some tracks that are still in use are the Martinsville Speedway and the Darlington Raceway, as well as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway which was built in 1909. The Daytona International Speedway was built in 1959 and at 2.5 miles is now the most famous on the NEXTEL Cup Circuit.

The Later Years

The history of took a new turn in the 1970s with the introduction of a revised points system and new commercial

sponsorships. The R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company was one of the commercial businesses that took advantage of the increased popularity of the sport.

The 1970s also saw the introduction of television into the history of NASCAR. CBS for the first time showed an entire race from start to finish with the 1979 Daytona 500. It didn't disappoint. Frontrunners Cale Yarborough and Donnie Allison wrecked in the last lap. They engaged in a fistfight, adding to the drama that has become part of the history of NASCAR.

Today, is one of the most popular and profitable sports in America. The 2006 NEXTEL Cup Season consisted of 36 races run over a 10 month period, each race with at least million in prize money. With the sport gaining credibility and its drivers gaining immense popularity over the last ten years, it may be said that the history of is just beginning.