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 birth, NASCAR has grown, and now has fans from all over the country. It shouldn’t be a surprise that NASCAR has so many fans, because NASCAR chose early on to treat their fans quite well. NASCAR has not only expanded geographically, it has also embraced other types of racing. And in its continuing quest to please its fans, NASCAR decided early on please its fans through its ticketing system. A ticketholder to a NASCAR event can choose to see any one of its nationwide racing series: either the Sprint Cup, the Nationwide Series, or the Craftsmen Truck Series. Almost unbelievably, this same ticket give the fan entree to regional events as well, 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, TO STAY IN THE USA

NASCAR has expanded from Daytona Beach, Florida to all around the world. Exhibition races have been held in two countries, and the sport is currently broadcast in over 150 countries all over the world. NASCAR’s fans have made it so popular that it is currently the second most popular sport on television – second only to the National Football League. NASCAR fans contributed to almost three billion dollars in product sales last year. Even Fortune 500 companies are getting into the act. Despite this popularity, however, NASCAR appears to prefer its roots. NASCAR, it would seem, recognizes what its local and loyal fans have done for it, and has decided to maintain its major corporate presence right where it began: in Daytona Beach, Florida, as well as several offices in North Carolina. Despite its international attention, it has but two offices overseas.

NASCAR STAYS HOME, SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO

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 fans truly are NASCAR. They create the excitement, because it’s real for them. They create the anticipation, because it’s real for them. They’ve waited an entire off-season for the chance to buy their hot dogs and beer, and holler with their fellow fans. No matter the weather, a real NASCAR fan will be there. It’s a way of life.

February 12, 2009 is just around the corner. NASCAR will be in Daytona Beach on that day. Do you call yourself a fan? Do you like the races, know the drivers, and think about what it might be like to be there? Well don’t. DO IT, and DO IT NOW!!!!

If you don’t, the other fans will, and before you know it, the tickets will be gone. 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 an American – Buy tickets for the only sport that refuses to bail out to the overseas markets! BE a NASCAR ticket holder and BE a real American! BE where everyone else wants to be – in Daytona on February 12th! BE an American, and watch America’s sport! BUY your tickets, and BUY them NOW!