NASCAR is actually an acronym for the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing. The organization was founded in 1948 by Ed Otto and William France. The two men recognized the fact that people enjoyed watching car races, and that there needed to be some standardization behind the racing industry in order to attract more racers and to make the races equitable for those who entered. Having more who were willing to enter the races naturally increased the number of fans who were willing to pay to watch a natural step in the marketing of Nascar.
During those early years of Nascar racing, cars were strictly stock, meaning they were basically exactly as the manufacturer released them. But a few accidents convinced those in control of the racing events that some modifications for safety would be a prudent step. It wasnt long before other modifications were allowed to increase speed, handling and other racing performance issues.
After about another decade of this type of racing, those who were serious about the sport began creating cars that were exclusively for racing. In those cases, the cars typically incorporated all the modifications allowed by the Nascar...