Introduction
The paper is intended to give a historical view of NASCAR from the day it was founded to the present time. This will see us through the founders of NASCAR and also the body’s organizations, driver safety and how it is planning to harbor expansions globally.
Foundation of NASCAR
Known as the National Association for Stock Auto Racing, It is the biggest sanctioning body within the U.S and the business operated and owned by a family where multiple auto racing events are sanctioned and governed. NSCAR was founded in 1947 by Bill France Sr though the assistance of other several drivers. The company is currently operated under Brian France who is a grand son to Bill France. The Location of NASCAR headquarters is in Daytona Beach, Florida with other offices located within the U.S and parts of Canada and Mexico.
History
Two world records had been set in 1927 and 1935 at Daytona Beach in Florida (Greg, p. 10). With this in mind, the beach scenery was considered as a favorable place to hold stage races where land speeds were determined. This was as a result of a historic race in 1903 that occurred between Ranson Olds and Alexander Winton which made Daytona Beach a mecca for race fanatics and/or enthusiasts.
NASCAR Sanctioned Series
NASCAR has several sanctioned series that are performed within the Association’s rules and regulations. These are: the sprint cup – The highest point of the professional competition and is also regarded as the biggest and considered as the most beneficial series of NASCAR. Nationwide Series – This level falls in second place and with popularity among enthusiasts, races are conducted outside the U.S making it the only NASCAR series to be conducted outside the U.S. Camping World Truck Series – Participation involves modified pick-ups trucks and is considered as a division within the NASCAR series.. NASCAR Canadian Tire Series – This is a new series that is held in Canada. It replaces the CASCAR series which was founded in 1981 and has been conducted since 2006. NASCAR Corona Series – A new series created in Mexico in 2006. This series replaces the Desafio Corona Series.
Regional Racing Series
This series is operated and competition done on local trucks across Canada and the U.S. The race is conducted under the Whelen All-American banner series. Here local drivers have the opportunity to compete and the best driver has the chance to win the Whelen All-American title.
Driver Safety
For the safety of drivers, NASCAR has publicized measures of safety. Though this is the case, these features are only adopted in response to injury or fatality. NASCAR uses the SAFER Barrier and was introduced in the 1970s by the legendary mechanic Smokey Yunick. His idea was dismissed as it was considered expensive by NASCAR. In 2000 and 2001, NASCAR was then forced to revisit Smokey’s idea due to the fatal accidents of drivers Kenny Irwin, Adam Petty, Tony Roper and Dale Enhardt. The idea meant that the g-forces encountered by drivers in the event of a crash would be reduced for the safety of drivers. This has so far prompted NASCAR to implement other safety measures which include the “kill switch” and the HANS device (Head and Neck Restraint System). With this safety measures in place, NASCAR hopes to increase the race competition to a heightened level.
Economic and Global Expansion
Through discussion on global expansion, NASCAR has received appeals to have other companies join the Racing culture. Examples are: Toyota and Honda. NASCAR has also been involved in discussions concerning the increment of foreign drivers and how these drivers may impact the future of NASCAR.
Conclusion
With the expansion of NASCAR into the international markets, there is a possibility that NASCAR may become more popular. This will allow foreign investors and manufacturers to take part in sponsorship. This will increase the issues of televising which has seen the televising rates decrease by a huge margin.
Works Cited
Fielden, Greg. “The First Beach Race”. In Editors of Consumer Guide. NASCAR: A Fast History. Lincolnwood, Illinois: Publications International Ltd. p. 10. 2005.