Whether you’re a die hard fan of Nascar or are simply curious about learning a few fun facts about one of America’s favorite sports, simply continue reading to discover a few need to know facts about Nascar.
Need to Know Facts About Nascar:
The interior of each race car can reach 170 degrees Fahrenheit.
You may be surprised to read that the temperature inside each race car during a race can reach up to 170 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result it’s not uncommon for drivers to lose 10 pounds of body weight during a single race. Due to the amount of liquid which drivers lose during each race it’s extremely important for divers to try and stay hydrated as it’s easy for drivers to lose their focus when they are severely dehydrated.
Richard Petty is known as the king of Nascar:
Petty is one of the most notable Nascar drivers of all time and has won 200 individual Nascar races. A feat that no other driver has managed to achieve.
Jimmie Johnson managed to win five consecutive championships:
Johnson is the only Nascar driver to successfully win five back to back championships. Johnson took home the coveted Nascar championship trophy from 2006 to 2010.
The last death took place in 2001:
The last driver to lose their life in a Nascar race was Dale Earnhardt Senior who tragically lost his life during the last lap of the Daytona 500 in 2001.
Nascar was founded in 1947:
Prior to the formation of Nascar in 1947, stock car races routinely took place on local beaches and streets. However, in 1947 gas station owner and stock car racer William France Senior founded Nascar in the hopes of creating a professional stock car championship.
The first official Nascar race took place in 1948:
The very first Nascar race was held on Daytona Beach’s race course on the 15th of February, 1948. If you’re curious the winner of the first Nascar race was Red Byron from Atlanta, Georgia.
The first race on a paved road took place in 1950:
You may be surprised to learn that the first Nascar race on a paved road did not take place until 1950, when the Darlington Raceway in South Carolina made its debut.
The famous Daytona 500 race track debuted in 1959:
The Daytona 500 race track the Daytona International Speedway is one of the most famous Nascar tracks of all time as it hosts the eagerly anticipated Daytona 500. However the Daytona International Speedway was not opened until 1959.
Nascar has boasted numerous female drivers:
If you’re a die hard Nascar fan you’ll be familiar with Danica Patrick one of the most successful female Nascar drivers. Although Patrick is also known for competing in the Indy Car Series. However, Nascar has attracted women drivers from it’s inception and the first female driver to race in Nascar was Sara Christian who raced at Charlotte Speedway in 1949.
Nascar is the second most popular sport in USA:
The only sport in the USA which has more followers than Nascar is professional football.
Hopefully you’ve discovered a few little known facts about Nascar and the history of one of the USA’s most popular sports. Especially if you’ve attended a Nascar event or would like to attend an upcoming race in the future.
Do you want to read more about Racing? Well you’re in luck, we have a whole category on it!
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