History of NASCAR in Timeline
NASCAR is a prominent American auto racing sanctioning body, renowned for stock car racing and recognized as a leading motorsports organization globally and a top spectator sport in the U.S. Founded in 1948 by Bill France Sr., and currently led by CEO Jim France, it's a privately-owned company headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida. NASCAR oversees over 1,500 races annually across more than 100 tracks in the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Europe.
1903: Historic Race Between Ransom Olds and Alexander Winton
In 1903, a historic race between Ransom Olds and Alexander Winton took place in Daytona Beach.
1905: Land Speed Records Set at Daytona Beach Road Course
Between 1905 and 1935, 15 land speed records were set on the Daytona Beach Road Course.
1933: Repeal of Prohibition
In 1933, the repeal of Prohibition impacted moonshine runners, who continued to evade tax collectors.
1933: Securities Act of 1933
In February 2022, the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in a lawsuit against Bitconnect that the Securities Act of 1933 extends to targeted solicitation using social media.
1935: Land Speed Records Set at Daytona Beach Road Course
Between 1905 and 1935, 15 land speed records were set on the Daytona Beach Road Course.
1935: Bill France Sr. Establishes Races in Daytona Beach
In 1935, Bill France Sr. established races in Daytona Beach, with the goal of attracting spectators and ensuring fair payouts for racers.
1935: William France Sr. Moves to Daytona Beach
In 1935, William France Sr. moved from Washington, D.C., to Daytona Beach, Florida, to escape the Great Depression.
March 8, 1936: Race at Daytona Beach
On March 8, 1936, drivers gathered at Daytona Beach, Florida for a race to determine the fastest cars and best drivers, with Milt Marion declared the winner. Bill France placed 5th.
1936: Daytona Beach Synonymous with Fast Cars
By 1936, Daytona Beach had become synonymous with fast cars, hosting races on a 4.1-mile course.
1936: William France Sr. Competes in Daytona Event
In 1936, William France Sr. participated in the Daytona event, finishing fifth.
December 14, 1947: Talks Begin for the Formation of NASCAR
On December 14, 1947, William France Sr. initiated talks with other racers and promoters at the Ebony Bar in Daytona Beach, Florida, which led to the formation of NASCAR.
February 15, 1948: NASCAR Hosts First Event at Daytona Beach
On February 15, 1948, NASCAR hosted its inaugural event at Daytona Beach, where Red Byron emerged victorious in the Modified division race.
February 21, 1948: NASCAR Officially Formed
On February 21, 1948, NASCAR was officially formed after talks that began in December 1947.
1948: NASCAR Series Founded
In 1948, the NASCAR series was officially founded, evolving from earlier racing divisions.
June 19, 1949: First NASCAR Strictly Stock Race
On June 19, 1949, the first NASCAR "Strictly Stock" race was held at Charlotte Speedway, with Jim Roper winning after Glenn Dunaway's disqualification.
1950: Strictly Stock Division Renamed Grand National
In 1950, the Strictly Stock Division was renamed the Grand National division.
July 1, 1952: First NASCAR Race Held in Canada
On July 1, 1952, Buddy Shuman won the first NASCAR competition held outside the US, a 200-lap race in Stamford Park, Ontario, Canada.
1953: Bill France Sr. founded International Speedway Corporation (ISC)
In 1953, Bill France Sr. founded International Speedway Corporation (ISC) to construct and manage tracks at which NASCAR holds competitions.
1954: NASCAR Becomes a Sanctioning Body on the Pacific Coast
In the spring of 1954, NASCAR expanded to the Pacific Coast and became a stock car sanctioning body under Bob Barkhimer.
August 16, 1963: Smokey Cook Drives MG in International 200
On August 16, 1963, Smokey Cook drove an MG to a 17th-place finish in the International 200.
1971: Grand National Series Becomes Winston Cup Series
In 1971, the Grand National Series became known as the Winston Cup Series due to sponsorship from R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.
1972: Beginning of NASCAR's "Modern Era"
1972 is often acknowledged as the beginning of NASCAR's "modern era" as the season was shortened and the Winston Cup Series was introduced.
1981: Founding of the CASCAR Super Series
In 1981, the CASCAR Super Series, the predecessor to the NASCAR Canada Series, was founded.
1982: Inception of the NASCAR Xfinity Series
In 1982, the modern incarnation of what is now known as the NASCAR Xfinity Series began, with sponsorship by Budweiser.
1984: Series renamed Busch Grand National Series
In 1984, the series was renamed to the Busch Grand National Series, marking a change in branding.
1985: Modern division of the Whelen Modified Tour begins
The modern division of the Whelen Modified Tour began in 1985 as the Winston Modified Series.
1990: Release of "Days of Thunder"
The movie "Days of Thunder" was released in 1990.
1994: NASCAR announces the formation of the NASCAR SuperTruck Series presented by Craftsman
In 1994, NASCAR announced the formation of the NASCAR SuperTruck Series presented by Craftsman, marking the beginning of the truck racing series.
1994: Series renamed Featherlite Trailers Modified Series
In 1994, the series was renamed the Featherlite Trailers Modified Series.
1995: First series race of the NASCAR SuperTruck Series
In 1995, the first series race of the NASCAR SuperTruck Series was held, officially launching the new racing division.
1996: Series renamed NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
In 1996, the series was renamed the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, emphasizing Craftsman's involvement as the sponsor.
1998: SAFER Barrier in use
In 1998, the impact-absorbing "SAFER Barrier" had been in use, but NASCAR hesitated to install those walls due to concerns about aggravating crashes and the cleanup effort required.
October 2000: Turner Sports acquires digital rights to NASCAR
In October 2000, Turner Sports acquired the digital rights to NASCAR and took over its website.
2000: Deaths of Adam Petty, Kenny Irwin and Tony Roper
In 2000, Adam Petty, Kenny Irwin and Tony Roper died in racing accidents, prompting NASCAR to consider ways of decreasing G-forces sustained by drivers during crashes. The "kill switch" throttle was mandated after Adam Petty's death.
2001: Death of Dale Earnhardt and safety improvements
In 2001, Dale Earnhardt died in an accident at the Daytona 500, which prompted NASCAR to implement the SAFER barrier and consider drastic improvements to driver safety, including mandating the use of the HANS device.
2001: Kevin Harvick wins Busch Series title
In 2001, Kevin Harvick competed full-time in the Busch Series due to Dale Earnhardt's death and won the title for Richard Childress Racing.
2001: NASCAR Cup Series Season Length Set
Since 2001, the NASCAR Cup Series season has consisted of 36 races over 10 months.
2002: Over 9,000 drivers licensed by NASCAR
In 2002, over 9,000 drivers had licenses from NASCAR to race at all levels, demonstrating the broad reach of NASCAR's influence.
2003: NASCAR standardized rules for AutoZone Elite and Grand National divisions regional touring series
In 2003, NASCAR standardized rules for its AutoZone Elite and Grand National divisions regional touring series as to permit cars in one series to race against cars in another series in the same division.
2004: NASCAR sanctions Mexico T4 Series
In 2004, NASCAR began to sanction a mini stock racing series in Mexico, known as the Mexico T4 Series.
2004: Nextel Communications Takes Over Sponsorship
In 2004, Nextel Communications became the title sponsor of the premier series, renaming it the Nextel Cup Series.
2005: NASCAR announces discontinuation of AutoZone Elite Division
At the end of 2005, NASCAR announced that the AutoZone Elite Division would be discontinued after the 2006 season.
2005: Start of television ratings drop
Between 2005 and 2007, NASCAR's television ratings dropped 21 percent, and it also saw the greatest drop in ticket prices observed in over a decade.
2005: NASCAR included a race at the Mexican road course Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez
In 2005, NASCAR included a race at the Mexican road course Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in the Nationwide Series schedule.
2005: Release of "Herbie: Fully Loaded"
The movie "Herbie: Fully Loaded" was released in 2005.
December 2006: NASCAR announces new series in Mexico
In December 2006, NASCAR announced the creation of a new series in Mexico, the NASCAR Corona Series, replacing the Desafío Corona Series.
2006: Jimmie Johnson Wins First of Five Consecutive Championships
In 2006, Jimmie Johnson began his streak of five consecutive Cup Series drivers' championships, lasting until 2010.
2006: Kevin Harvick wins second Busch Series title
In 2006, Kevin Harvick won his second Busch Series title, racing for Richard Childress Racing and marking the first of five consecutive titles won by Cup Series regulars.
2006: NASCAR acquires CASCAR Super Series
In 2006, NASCAR bought out the CASCAR Super Series, leading to the creation of the NASCAR Canada Series.
2006: Toyota joins NASCAR
In 2006, Toyota announced they would be joining NASCAR's ranks, generating early success with wins from Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch.
2006: Discontinuation of AutoZone Elite Division
In 2006, the AutoZone Elite Division was discontinued after struggling with track availability and escalating costs.
2006: Release of "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby"
The movie "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" was released in 2006.
May 2007: NASCAR explores options to deal with the Buschwhacker controversy
In May 2007, NNS director Joe Balash confirmed that NASCAR was exploring options to deal with the Buschwhacker controversy, addressing concerns about Cup Series drivers dominating the Nationwide Series.
2007: Anheuser-Busch sponsorship expires
At the end of 2007, Anheuser-Busch's sponsorship of the series expired, leading to a new sponsor.
2007: Drop in television ratings
Between 2005 and 2007, NASCAR's television ratings dropped 21 percent, and it also saw the greatest drop in ticket prices observed in over a decade.
2007: NASCAR added a race in Montreal, Canada at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
From 2007 through 2012, NASCAR held a race in Montreal, Canada at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
2007: NASCAR adopts unleaded fuel
In 2007, NASCAR adopted the use of unleaded fuel in all three of its top series.
2007: Debut of the Car of Tomorrow
In 2007, NASCAR debuted the Car of Tomorrow, which featured safety improvements such as a higher roof, wider cockpit, and a driver seat located more toward the center of the vehicle.
2007: Expansion of "The Chase"
In 2007, NASCAR expanded "The Chase" from ten to twelve drivers, eliminating the 400-point cutoff, and giving a ten-point bonus to the top twelve drivers for each of the races they have won out of the first 26.
2007: Inaugural season of the NASCAR Corona Series
The NASCAR Corona Series, now known as the NASCAR Mexico Series, began its inaugural season in 2007.
2007: Release of "Ta Ra Rum Pum"
The movie "Ta Ra Rum Pum" was released in 2007.
2008: NASCAR held a race at the Mexican road course Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez
From 2005 through 2008, NASCAR held races at the Mexican road course Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in the Nationwide Series schedule.
2008: Nationwide Insurance becomes series sponsor
In 2008, Nationwide Insurance replaced Anheuser-Busch as the series sponsor.
2008: Settlement of wrongful death lawsuit against NASCAR
In 2008, it was revealed that a wrongful death lawsuit against NASCAR stemming from the crash of a company plane was settled for $2.4 million.
2008: East and West divisions unite under Camping World sponsorship
In 2008, the Busch North and Busch East series, along with the Winston West Series, came together in east and west divisions under sponsorship from Camping World as the Camping World Series.
2008: Premier Series Renamed Sprint Cup Series
In 2008, the premier series title name became the Sprint Cup Series following the merger between Nextel and Sprint.
2008: NASCAR scheduled to adopt unleaded fuel
NASCAR was originally scheduled to adopt the use of unleaded fuel in all three of its top series in 2008.
2009: Series becomes the Camping World Truck Series
In 2009, the series became the Camping World Truck Series, marking a change in title sponsorship.
2009: Establishment of NASCAR Kinetics
NASCAR Kinetics was established in 2009 with the mission of connecting college students nationwide to NASCAR.
2010: Jimmie Johnson Wins Fifth Consecutive Championship
In 2010, Jimmie Johnson completed his streak of five consecutive Cup Series drivers' championships, which began in 2006.
2010: K&N Filters takes over sponsorship
In 2010, K&N Filters took over the sponsorship of the east and west divisions.
2010: NASCAR sanctions first sim racing esports series
In 2010, NASCAR officially sanctioned its first sim racing esports series, partnering with iRacing to form the NASCAR iRacing.com Series, marking NASCAR's entry into esports.
2010: Television ratings drop
In 2010, NASCAR saw television ratings drop 10% from the year before, which was down 33% off its peak in 2005.
2010: Nationwide cars adapt to "Car of Tomorrow" design
In 2010, the Nationwide cars adapted somewhat to the current "Car of Tomorrow" (or COT) design used by Cup cars, with different bodies from the Cup Series, marking an evolution in vehicle design.
January 11, 2011: NASCAR limits championship eligibility to one series
On January 11, 2011, NASCAR.com reported that beginning with the 2011 season, drivers would be allowed to compete for the championship in only one of NASCAR's three national series in a given season, limiting Cup drivers in lower series
2011: NASCAR Announces Major Rules Changes
In 2011, NASCAR announced significant rules changes, including a new points system and a revised Chase qualifying process.
2011: NASCAR switches to E15 "green" fuel
In 2011, NASCAR switched to E15 "green" fuel (15% ethanol and 85% gasoline) for all three touring series.
January 2012: NASCAR announces it will take operation of the website back in-house
In January 2012, NASCAR announced that it would take operation of the website back in-house in 2013.
2012: NASCAR held a race in Montreal, Canada at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
From 2007 through 2012, NASCAR held a race in Montreal, Canada at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
2012: Fan death by lightning strike at Pocono
In 2012, a fan was killed by a lightning strike after the 2012 Pennsylvania 400 at Pocono was called short due to a storm.
2012: Launch of the Sprint Race Series
In 2012, the Sprint Race series was launched, eventually leading to NASCAR sanctioning.
2012: NASCAR sanctions Racecar Euro Series
In early 2012, NASCAR announced that it would sanction the existing European-based Racecar Euro Series as a "NASCAR Touring Series."
January 3, 2013: Launch of new NASCAR.com
On January 3, 2013, a new NASCAR.com was launched, featuring a multimedia-oriented design and improved fan interaction.
July 1, 2013: Series renamed NASCAR Whelen Euro Series
On July 1, 2013, with partnership from NASCAR Whelen Engineering, the series was renamed the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series.
2013: Camping World Truck Series adds a date at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
In 2013, the Camping World Truck Series added a date at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.
2013: Last round of students mentored by NASCAR Kinetics
NASCAR Kinetics mentored its last round of students in 2013.
2014: Comcast Xfinity becomes series sponsor
In 2014, Comcast, through its Xfinity brand, became the sponsor of the series.
2014: Revamp to the Chase Format
In 2014, NASCAR revamped the Chase format, expanding the pool to 16 drivers and implementing elimination rounds.
2014: Merger of Grand-Am and American Le Mans Series
In 2014, the Grand American Road Racing Association (Grand-Am) merged with the American Le Mans Series as a part of NASCAR's purchase of IMSA.
January 30, 2015: Wendell Scott Posthumously Inducted into NASCAR Hall of Fame
On January 30, 2015, Wendell Scott, the first African-American to win a race in the Grand National Series, was posthumously inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
2015: Brian France tried to ban Confederate flags
In 2015, former chairman Brian France tried to ban the flying of Confederate flags at race tracks, which caused anger among fans.
2015: NASCAR begins to add additional restrictions in regards to Cup drivers running Xfinity races.
Starting with the 2015 season finale, NASCAR began to add additional restrictions in regards to Cup drivers running Xfinity races, limiting Cup Series drivers in Xfinity Series races.
2016: Chase format extended to Xfinity and Truck Series
In 2016, the Chase format was extended to both the Xfinity and Truck Series, mirroring the Cup Series but with fewer rounds and races, changing the championship format.
2016: Turner's contract to operate NASCAR's website
NASCAR had extended Turner's contract to operate the site through 2016, before taking operation of the site back in-house in 2013
2017: Monster Energy Becomes Title Sponsor
In 2017, Monster Energy became the title sponsor, changing the series' name to Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, and NASCAR abandoned "The Chase" name.
2017: "The Chase" moniker dropped from Truck Series
Starting in 2017, "The Chase" moniker was dropped and the final seven races are now referred to as the Truck Series Playoffs.
2017: "The Chase" moniker dropped
Starting in 2017, "The Chase" moniker was dropped and the final seven races are now referred to as the Xfinity Playoffs.
2017: Release of "Logan Lucky"
The movie "Logan Lucky" was released in 2017.
April 27, 2018: NASCAR acquires ARCA Menards Series
On April 27, 2018, NASCAR acquired the ARCA Menards Series after it had been privately owned for 60 years, expanding NASCAR's portfolio.
May 8, 2018: Gander Outdoors to become Truck Series title sponsor
On May 8, 2018, NASCAR and Camping World announced that Gander Outdoors, a Camping World subsidiary, would become the Truck Series title sponsor starting in 2019.
August 2018: Jim France Named CEO of NASCAR
In August 2018, Jim France became the CEO of NASCAR, succeeding his father, Bill France Sr.
2018: iRacing announces Road to Pro Series
In 2018, iRacing announced a new, sanctioned qualifying ladder system for the NPAiS, the Road to Pro Series, using virtual Chevrolet and Toyota Camping World Trucks, creating a pathway to professional sim racing.
2018: U.S. Supreme Court ruling overturning federal PASPA sports betting prohibition
NASCAR intended to prepare for the spread of legal sports betting in the U.S. following the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling overturning the federal PASPA sports betting prohibition.
2018: NASCAR purchased the Automobile Racing Club of America
The Automobile Racing Club of America was purchased by NASCAR in 2018.
May 7, 2019: NASCAR announces sports betting content partnership with The Action Network
On May 7, 2019, NASCAR announced a sports betting content partnership with The Action Network to provide editorial content and analysis to NASCAR.com.
May 2019: NASCAR announces purchase of ISC
In May 2019, NASCAR announced that it would purchase ISC, including its 12 tracks, for $2 billion dollars.
October 18, 2019: Acquisition of ISC completed
On October 18, 2019, NASCAR's acquisition of International Speedway Corporation (ISC) was completed, and ISC was subsequently folded into NASCAR.
2019: Last season for K&N Pro Series East and West
2019 was the last season for both of the K&N Pro Series East and West before they went under the ARCA banner in 2020.
2019: NASCAR Digital Media manages Jayski's Silly Season Site
As of 2019, NASCAR Digital Media manages Jayski's Silly Season Site after ESPN.com stopped hosting the website.
2019: Gander Outdoors becomes Truck Series title sponsor
In 2019, Gander Outdoors became the title sponsor of the Truck Series, replacing Camping World.
2019: NASCAR declines Monster Energy sponsorship offer
In 2019, NASCAR declined an offer from Monster Energy to remain the title sponsor of the top series, opting for a new sponsorship model.
2019: Series rebranded as the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series
In 2019, the series was rebranded as the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series due to a branding request by Camping World.
June 10, 2020: NASCAR prohibits Confederate flag display
On June 10, 2020, NASCAR announced that the display of the Confederate flag would be prohibited from all of its events and properties.
2020: Cup drivers limited to five Xfinity races per season
Beginning in the 2020 season, Cup drivers with more than three years of experience were limited to five Xfinity races per season and made ineligible for certain races.
2020: Coca-Cola becomes entitlement sponsor of the eNASCAR iRacing Series
In 2020, Coca-Cola became the entitlement sponsor of the series and it was renamed the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series, significantly increasing the prize pool and visibility with televised races.
2020: Series become ARCA Menards Series East and West
In 2020, the series became known as the ARCA Menards Series East and ARCA Menards Series West as part of the unification of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West and the ARCA Menards Series.
2020: Series renamed NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series
In 2020, the series was renamed the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series, another branding adjustment.
November 5, 2021: NASCAR partnered with Roblox game Jailbreak
On November 5, 2021, NASCAR partnered up with popular Roblox game Jailbreak, and the partnership was launched.
2021: Series returns to Camping World Truck Series name
In 2021, the series returned to the Camping World Truck Series name, reverting from the Gander RV & Outdoors branding.
February 2022: Court ruling on Securities Act and social media
In February 2022, the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in a lawsuit against Bitconnect that the Securities Act of 1933 extends to targeted solicitation using social media.
April 2022: Class-action lawsuit filed against LGBcoin, NASCAR, Brandon Brown, and Candace Owens
In April 2022, a class-action lawsuit was filed in Florida against the LGBcoin cryptocurrency company, NASCAR, Brandon Brown, and Candace Owens, alleging false statements and a pump and dump scheme.
August 26, 2022: Craftsman to return as Truck Series title sponsor
On August 26, 2022, it was announced that Craftsman would return as the title sponsor of the Truck Series starting in the 2023 season.
2022: Contract through 2022 is scheduled to continue as planned
In 2022, the contract through 2022 is scheduled to continue as planned.
2023: Value of 1947 NCSCC Winner's Award in 2023
In 1947, Bill France declared that the winner of the NCSCC season would receive $1000, equivalent to $13645 in 2023.
2023: NASCAR enters Next Gen Camaro ZL1 in 24 Hours of Le Mans
In 2023, NASCAR partnered with Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports to enter a Next Gen Camaro ZL1 in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the race.
2023: Sprint Race Series receives NASCAR sanctioning
In 2023, the Sprint Race series received NASCAR sanctioning and technical assistance, becoming the newest of the NASCAR international series.
2023: Craftsman returns as Truck Series title sponsor
In the 2023 season, Craftsman returned as the title sponsor of the NASCAR Truck Series.
2024: No NASCAR Driver Involved in Fatal Accident Since Dale Earnhardt's Death
As of 2024, no NASCAR driver has been involved in a fatal accident since Dale Earnhardt's death, marking a period of increased safety measures.
2024: Justin Allgaier wins Xfinity Series Championship
In 2024, Justin Allgaier is the most recent series champion in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2024: Ty Majeski wins Craftsman Truck Series Championship
In 2024, Ty Majeski is the most recent series champion in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
2024: Joey Logano named 2024 NCS Champion
Joey Logano is the 2024 NCS Champion.
2025: Joey Logano Defending Cup Series Champion
Entering the 2025 season, Joey Logano is the defending Cup Series champion.
2025: NASCAR Studios to produce content for NASCAR Channel on Tubi
NASCAR Studios will produce content for the NASCAR Channel on Tubi beginning in 2025.
