Many NASCAR fans don't have a clue about early NASCAR history, as it's popularity was geographraphically located in the southern states. Most of the recent fans know of Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt, but have never heard of some of the earliest drivers who helped make the current NASCAR a possibility. Tickets for Nascar Races are just about sold out for every race this season.

Bill France Sr. created NASCAR in 1948 on February 21st. France chose Erwin "Cannonball" Baker as the very first commissioner of NASCAR. Baker was already very well known, having raced at Indy and set over 100 land speed records. The transcontinental race is named after him.

Junior Johnson not to be confused with Jimmy Johnson was one of the NASCAR's earliest stars, winning six championshipsand more than 50 overall races. Junior had a unique past, as he had made quite a name for himself delivering moonshine. After retiring from NASCAR Racing in 1966 he moved on to be a race team owner.

Ned Jarret was another early racing star. Nicknamed "Gentleman Jim", Jarret was well known for selling one of his cars to Wendell Scott, the first African American NASCAR driver. Jarret won 2 NASCAR Championships and 50 plus races. He then became an announcer, and his son Dale followed in his footsteps and became a driver.

Former star Lee Petty's son also followed his father into racing, and Richard Petty became the largest star Nascar Races has ever seen. Lee was no slouch though, winning three championships and the very first Daytona 500. The first Daytona race was so close; it took three days before Petty was finally decared the winner. Lee Petty had a late start to his race career, as he did not start racing until he was 35 years old. It did not take long before he was a fan favorite. When he retired, he founded Petty Enterprises, one of the most successful race teams. Richard Petty is NASCAR's all time winningest driver.

Wendell Scott is a true pioneer, he is the only African American to ever win a NASCAR race. Wendell was a daredevil from an early stage, racing the (white|neighborhood} kids on his bike. After serving in World War II, Scott, like Junior Johnson, began transporting moonshine. He would also attend races, and got his shot when a promoter, desperate for quick success to fill stadium seats, thought he would spice things up a bit by putting African Americam in the race. Scott had to deal with racial slurs and white drivers trying to wreck him. He succeeded, and won the only race a black driver has ever won in NASCAR back in 1961. Scott continued to race until injuries forced him to retire in 1973.