Basics of NASCAR

NASCAR has become one of the most popular sporting associations in North America. Some say it’s become a fifth major sport, and some even think it has replaced the National Hockey League as the fourth biggest league in the United States. If you are interested in learning more about the league, take a look at some of the basics of NASCAR.

The first of the basics of NASCAR is its origins. The league’s name is short for National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing. Founded by Bill France Sr. in 1948, NASCAR was divided into three divisions. The divisions were the Modified, Roadster and Strictly Stock divisions. This is one of the basics of NASCAR that has changed over time. Today the three divisions of racing are the Nextel Cup Series (formerly Winston Cup), Busch Series and Craftsman Truck Series.

Another of the basics of NASCAR is its many famous races. The first race of the year is the Daytona 500 at Daytona Beach, Florida. Other notable races include the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte’s Lowes Motor Speedway and the Allstate 400 (formerly Brickyard 400) at Indianapolis. There are various other notable tracks in NASCAR, including the Atlanta Motor Speedway, Chicagoland Speedway and the small Bristol Motor Speedway. Many of these tracks are oval based, but there are some road courses too.

The next of the basics of NASCAR involves its cars. Cars in NASCAR are around 3,400 pounds in weight. They feature V8 engines with a 358 cubic inch power scheme. It generates 450 horsepower, making it a strong engine capable of attaining fast speeds. The last of the basics of NASCAR cars is that it features fenders that can absorb contact from other cars at high speeds.

The many legends of NASCAR is another of the greatest basics of NASCAR to look at. Many notable stars of the past include Darrell Waltrip, Richard Petty, Mario Andretti and Dale Earnhardt Sr., among others. Today there are various successful stars in the league, including Tony Stewart, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon and Kevin Harvick. More great stars are entering NASCAR too, most recently Formula One star Juan Pablo Montoya.

Having a favorite driver is one of the best basics of NASCAR. It is simple to pick a favorite – check out the backgrounds of the racers, see what rivalries they have and what you can especially relate to with the drivers.

The last of the basics of NASCAR is the tracks that are out there. There are twenty two different tracks used in thirty six races over the course of a season. Weather can make some tracks harder to handle, especially rain.

These are just some of the basics of NASCAR to check out. The best thing to do to discover more of the basics of NASCAR is to go to a race in person. Hearing the sounds up close and seeing all of the action in the atmosphere of a race setting can make it especially exciting and fun.

The 2008 Cup season harkens memories of 1974 (Nascar)

Looking back at the 2008 Sprint Cup season, it's not hard to see a dominant theme, particularly when you look at the victory totals posted by Jimmie Johnson, Carl Edwards and Kyle Busch. Those three drivers accounted for two-thirds of the wins this season, a pretty impressive statistic.

Craftsman paved the way for Truck Series expansion (Nascar)

When NASCAR president Mike Helton presented Johnny Benson with his champion's ring and the trophy Monday night in Florida, it represented the changing of the guard in NASCAR's Truck Series. With original title sponsor Craftsman Tools bowing out at the end of the season, and Camping World preparing to take its place in 2009, the season-ending awards banquet signaled the end of an era.

Ingram's Flat Spot On: All hail Cale (Motorsport.com)

Now that Jimmie Johnson has clinched this year's Sprint Cup, the question looms. Was it tougher to win three straight championships in the current era of the Chase versus the old points system?

Three in a row ... It only took 30 years (Fox Sports)

Sure, Jimmie Johnson won his title trifecta, but don't get carried away. DW says it's too early to crown him the all-time greatest.

Team notes: Drivers forward-thinking for Phoenix (USA Today)

NASCAR team reports as the Sprint Cup Series heads to Phoenix International Raceway for the next-to-last event of the 10-race Chase to determine a series champion:

Trading Paint: Nothing funny about ABC's gaffe (Yahoo! Sports)

ABC's decision to pull away from the end of Sunday's race at Phoenix and a special letter from a fan highlight this week's mailbag.