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.

NASCAR changes will be seen at Pocono - Philadelphia Inquirer

msnbc.com

NASCAR changes will be seen at Pocono Philadelphia Inquirer Another young local driver looking to conquer the Tricky Triangle is 24-year-old Tom Hessert III. The graduate of Cherry Hill High School East celebrated ... NASCAR Pocono Mountains 125: 10 Drivers Guaranteed To Be in the MixBleacher Report NASCAR fans all revved up at Kyle Busch's visitWilkes Barre Times-Leader NASCAR Camping World Truck Series to race at Pocono Raceway on SaturdayLehighvalleylive.com Auto Racing Daily -SpeedwayMedia.com (press release) -PaddockTalk all 277 news articles »

Hamlin hits hard times after five-win start to Cup season - SI.com

Washington Post

Hamlin hits hard times after five-win start to Cup season SI.com NASCAR has taken heat for not releasing the names of the two drivers who were fined for making disparaging comments about the series -- according to an ESPN ... Nascar's Grassy Knoll of Their Own MakingBleacher Report Report: NASCAR Sprint Cup goes rookie-less as drivers age, fans leaveAutoblog (blog) NASCAR looks to silence drivers critical of the sportSI.com Jalopnik (blog) all 500 news articles »

Young Viewers Depart, and Fewer Young Drivers Enter - New York Times

New York Times

Young Viewers Depart, and Fewer Young Drivers Enter New York Times “We're full of young drivers, very talented young drivers,” said Brett Bodine, Nascar's director of cost research, who monitors the development of drivers ... and more »

NNS: Arpin, Wise Return With JR Motorsports - FOXNews

FOXNews

NNS: Arpin, Wise Return With JR Motorsports FOXNews ... non-companion event this weekend for the NASCAR Nationwide Series, Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s JR Motorsports is taking another look at two young drivers. ... and more »

Carl Edwards' father reminisces at races at Boone County Fair - Columbia Missourian

Columbia Missourian

Carl Edwards' father reminisces at races at Boone County Fair Columbia Missourian “Some of these guys are in their 20's racing NASCAR.” Edwards Sr. said there might even be NASCAR potential in some of the young drivers racing on Thursday. ... and more »