The history of NASCAR
NASCAR was officially founded by Bill France Sr. in 1948 to organize the rapidly growing sport of stock car racing, which had roots in the modified vehicles used by Prohibition-era moonshine runners. The first "Strictly Stock" race was held in 1949, setting the stage for the creation of the Daytona International Speedway in 1959 and the iconic Daytona 500. Over the following decades, the organization grew from a regional Southeastern hobby into a massive, nationally televised spectator sport and the world's largest governing body for stock car racing.
The winners of the Daytona 500 in the past 10 years.
| Winners | |
|---|---|
| Austin Reddick | 2026 |
| William Byron | 2025 |
| William Byron | 2024 |
| Ricky Stenhouse Jr | 2023 |
| Austin Cindric | 2022 |
| Michael McDowell | 2021 |
| Denny Hamlin | 2020 |
| Denny Hamlin | 2019 |
| Austin Dillon | 2018 |
| Kurt Busch | 2017 |
| Denny Hamlin | 2016 |
| Joey Logano | 2015 |
The Cars
Modern NASCAR Cup Series cars, known as "Next Gen" cars, are specialized, high-performance machines purpose-built for racing rather than being true stock vehicles. Constructed with a steel tube frame, composite body panels, and a powerful V8 engine, these cars are designed to withstand 200 mph speeds while featuring advanced safety systems like roll cages and fire suppression. The current generation focuses on competitive parity, utilizing symmetrical bodies and modern components such as independent rear suspension and single-lug wheels to emphasize driver skill.
The Drivers
Top 2026 NASCAR Cup Series drivers include champions and race winners like Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott, and Kyle Busch. Other notable, competitive drivers driving for top teams include William Byron, Christopher Bell, Joey Logano, Tyler Reddick, and rising star Shane van Gisbergen.
Legends of NASCAR
NASCAR legends include iconic, multi-time champions and race winners who shaped the sport's history, most notably the "King" Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and David Pearson, all of whom hold immense win records. Other foundational legends include Jeff Gordon, Darrell Waltrip, Cale Yarborough, and Bobby Allison.
