NASCAR: From backyard, Daytona Beach to Country-Wide fun
What eventually became the National Association of Stock Car Racing (NASCAR) began as races in the neighborhood streets of Daytona Beach, Florida circa 1900. Even then, it had fans. William France, Sr., a mechanic from Washington, D.C., had heard of these races, and moved to the area in 1935 to join the fun. By 1936 he placed fifth in a local race, but was starting to become more interested in organizing the sport than in participating directly. He knew the sport was beginning to draw a fan base, and he felt that the drivers were often getting mistreated by their promoters, who simply chose not to pay them. He was part of a meeting whose notes were taken on a napkin from the Ebony Bar in the Streamline Hotel, Daytona Beach. From that meeting NASCAR was soon born.
Since its inception in 1948, NASCAR has grown, involving itself in various types of racing in various locations across the country. Likely a portion of NASCAR’s incredible success has been its versatile ticketing system. Not only does a fan with a NASCAR ticket have access to the largest stock car race in the country, that fan also gets to have fun at a national racing series, of which there are three: the Sprint Cup, the Nationwide Series, and the Craftsmen Truck Series. That same ticket also allows access to regional fun, such as the Whelen All-American Series (amateur auto racing); the Whelen Modified Tour (NASCAR modified division); and the NASCAR Local Racing (four geographic series).
NASCAR – MADE IN THE USA
NASCAR has come a long way from the neighborhood streets of Daytona Beach, Florida. Currently, it’s broadcast from over 150 countries around the world, and has begun engaging in exhibition races. They’ve taken place in two countries so far: Japan and Australia. Further, based in large part to NASCAR’s loyal and spending fans, who purchased approximately three billion dollars worth of merchandise and tickets last year, its popularity drove it into the second most watched TV sports show ever last year, right behind the National Football League. NASCAR appears loyal to the old U. S. of A., however. The fans have nothing to worry about for the time being, at least. Despite its phenomenal growth, and expansion into new markets, NASCAR’s home base of operations remains Daytona Beach, Florida, USA. It has placed offices in two international cities, but twice as many in North Carolina, and it doesn’t appear to be looking to pick up roots any time soon.
NASCAR: AS AMERICAN AS APPLE PIE
Now don’t start talking to a NASCAR fan about which drive he likes best, or which car she thinks is fastest. Don’t ask them whose on the pole this week, or who’s gonna end the season with the most points. On those issues, you’ll get very little agreement. One thing’s for sure among NASCAR fans, though, and that’s where to watch a race. It would appear there’s no place like the track! Even the drivers, the crews, and the owners will tell you: the NASCAR fans make the experience. They sizzle with excitement, and they yell with pure joy. They stuff their faces with food and beer, and live to watch their driver.
The always have, and always will, make NASCAR the one and only experience of its kind. A NASCAR fan will have goose bumps on a 90 degree day, and wouldn’t let a tornado warning keep her from her race. She’s got her tickets, waited all season to get ‘em, and now it’s her turn.
You call yourself a NASCAR fan – so where’s your ticket? The season starts on February 12, 2009 at Daytona Beach, and the tickets are going fast. If you’re truly a fan, then you’d better buy your ticket now. Be where the sport itself started, when the season starts. Don’t be the only one sitting at home.
If you don’t buy your tickets, trust me, the other fans will. Sold out is sold out, and then where will you be? Get your tickets for Daytona Beach on the 12th – NASCAR, where it was meant to be watched, whichever series you like: Sprint Cup, Nationwide, or Craftsmen Truck.
BE who everyone wants to be – a NASCAR ticket holder; BE where everyone wants to be – in Daytona on February 12th; BE the envy of EVERYONE – BUY your tickets, and BUY them NOW!
Filed under Motor Racing by 
Leave a Comment