For 75 years, NASCAR has been providing compelling competition and electrifying spectacle to generations of fans. Over those seven decades the cars have evolved, tracks have come and gone, and the sport has spread far from its original geographic boundaries, but the engine driving NASCAR is as loud and powerful as ever. So, ice off the cooler, fire up the grill and, in the words of three-time NASCAR champion turned broadcaster Darrell Waltrip, “Boogity, boogity, boogity, let’s go racin’, boys!” And girls. Heck, let’s go racin’, everyone!
WHY WE LOVE NASCAR
BIRTH OF A SPORT • It all began with moonshine. The late, great Junior Johnson, NASCAR Hall of Fame driver and legendary team owner, once told the BBC, “If it hadn’t been whiskey, NASCAR wouldn’t have been formed. That’s a fact.”
THE GREAT CATS • From “strictly stock” to today’s ultra-engineered machines, NASCAR racers have continued to evolve. Here’s a look at some of the sport’s most iconic rides
RICHARD PETTY • Make way for The King
THE GREAT RACES • Moments so special, they must not be forgotten
DAVID PEARSON • Second only to Richard Petty—and sometimes, first
THE GREAT TRACKS • Some are only memories, but these iconic places give the sport its heart
DALE EARNHARDT • The Intimidator will always be a beloved icon
CHEATING! • Since the first green flag, drivers and teams have used every trick in (and not in) the book to gain an advantage
JEFF GORDON • The prodigy was the sport’s first “mainstream” superstar
NASCAR NATION • It’s not just about race day—passionate fans connect with their favorite sport in many different ways
JIMMIE JOHNSON • He performed his best in NASCAR’s biggest events
THE ROAD AHEAD • What does the future hold for America’s fastest sport?
The Story of NASCAR
PHOTO CREDITS
