Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
NASCAR & THE AMERICAN SOUTH
During Prohibition, production of moonshine (corn liquor with a lightning-bolt kick) was
integral to the Southern economy, and renegades with cars speedy enough to outrun
cops handled distribution. During their time off, they raced each other; when Prohibition
was repealed the races continued. The most alluring venue was Daytona's Beach St
track, where driver Bill France began promoting 'Race Weeks' that attracted thousands.
The sport exploded, though some automotive enthusiasts dismissed it as rednecks ra-
cing cars any mechanic could build. Mr France knew better and in 1947 set about trans-
forming his obsession into a world-class sport: NASCAR, now the most-watched sport in
America after football. It's hard to believe that it wasn't until as late as 1959 that racing
was relocated from the beach itself to the Daytona International Speedway.
The appeal of NASCAR makes sense when you understand that dumping money at
cars doesn't buy victory; winning relies on strategic driving skills and knowledge (when to
pit, for example, or how many tires to change). Beneath those colorful product endorse-
ments, the cars are everyday autos that conform to strict regulations to ensure the driver
and pit crew - notthe car - are tested.
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