10 Most Interesting Facts about NASCAR - You Might not Know

NASCAR stands for National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing. It is the largest family owned business venture that governs multiple motor sports events.  It was founded by Bill France, Sr. in 1948 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Until 2012, NASCAR has arranged over 1500 races in over 100 US states. Here I am going to share some other interesting facts of this race that a diehard NASCAR fan might not know: 

1. The founder of NASCAR, Bill France, Sr. was a son of teller at Park Savings Bank.

2. Michael Waltrip attained the record of most starts without win. When he won in 2001 Daytona 500, it was his first ever win after 463 starts in his NASCAR racing career.

3. Richard Petty is considered as the greatest driver in the NASCAR history. He won 200 races including championship titles 5 times and Daytona 500 7 times. 

4. NASCAR officials use 8 different types of flags to control the race, namely- green, yellow, white, red, black, checkered, and black flag with a white X. Out of these 8 flags, white flag is used once in a race to indicate- there is only one lap remaining in the race.

5. According to television ratings, this racing sport is just second to the National Football League (NFL) among all the professional sports franchises. 

6. NASCAR has around 70 million fans all over the world. These fans spend more than 3 billion dollars per year on purchasing licensed products. That’s why Fortune 500 companies sponsor this sport from its beginning. 

7. NASCAR sports are very much popular worldwide, particularly in the United States and Canada. These exciting races are broadcasted in more than 150 countries. 

8. It's officials have the right to stop the race at any time for reasons like- immediate medical treatment for severe crashes, unsafe track or blocked track etc. 

9. Unlike other motor races, NASCAR is governed as per point system, whereas all other racing sports operate on the basis of win-lose system. The driver who first finish the race gains 43 points and who finish the race at last gains 1 point. There are some other bonus points too. One bonus point is awarded to any driver who leads any lap. One additional point is awarded to the driver who leads most laps in a race and 3 bonus points are awarded to the driver who wins a race. 

10. NASCAR drivers are sponsored by large corporations, most often Fortune 500 companies. Decals are used to decorate the cars and to represent their sponsors. These helps distinguish one car from others.