Diecast NASCAR

NASCAR racing has become a staple in American culture and has gained millions of enthusiastic fans throughout many parts of the world and in fact is the second most popular professional sport in the US.   The term NASCAR, is short for National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, which is the organization that sanctions well over 1500 races all over North America.

Auto racing in the United States can trace its roots all the way back to the early 1900's but the 1920's and 1930's were popular for those trying to set land speed records at Daytona Beach. A long stretch of beach was used as a race track which spanned 1.5 to 2 miles.

Believe it or not, Bootlegging also helped to propel stock car racing into the mainstream. Those transporting illegal alcohol would modify small cars to make them fast enough to speed away from police and avoid arrest. As prohibition ended and the product itself was no longer illegeal, fast cars were now needed to evade taxes. People became obsessed with these fast cars and many began to race the cars. Officially the NASCAR organization came into being in February 1948.

As the years progressed, many talented and notable drivers entered the NASCAR scene including Cannonball Baker, Barky Barkhimer and Jim Roper.

As NASCAR entered the 1970's a new structure was needed and funding was required to keep the sport going. NASCAR sought sponsorship from tobacco companies for sponsorship in exchange for advertising. The first NASCAR race ever televised to the entire United States was the 1979 Daytona 500.

Driver and car memorabilia and collectibles have become a large part of NASCAR racing.  If you haven't already, start collecting Diecast NASCAR models of your favorite stock cars.