NASCAR has become a staple of American culture and is generally revered as one of the nation’s biggest sports. Though on the surface NASCAR may seem like it’s just about car racing, the history of the sport is far more complex. Today NASCAR vehicles can travel at up to 200 MPH, speed through stadiums that hold 170,000 spectators, and cost millions of dollars to create. But that wasn’t always the case; in fact the first cars that made up NASCAR were regular cars that anyone could drive and have their history intertwined with American law.
Since the creation of the United States alcohol has been heavily regulated from taxes and tariffs to complete bans. To get around these laws citizens would create illegal liquor under the light of the moon and sell the product underground as moonshine. With the enactment of the 18th amendment to the Constitution in 1920, alcohol became illegal under prohibition. This led to a rise in the practice of moonshiners and the distribution of illegal alcohol. But what does all of this have to do with NASCAR? Well, the cars used to transport the moonshine are what birthed the cars used in the races. The people who smuggled the moonshine across the country were known as runners. Runners needed to drive ordinary cars and have understated appearances. On the outside the cars and drivers looked like average Americans, but on the inside both were far from average. The cars were outfitted with extreme shocks to protect the bottles and the engines were enhanced to allow the cars to outrun police. The runners were expert on the roads in the area they worked and were skilled drivers. Many of the drivers picked up car racing in their free time.
With the repeal of the 18th amendment in 1933 the demand for runners sharply declined. They were left with powerful racing cars and a love of racing, but no job. A group of runners eventually came together and established formal rules for car racing as well as the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, more popularly known as NASCAR. Since then, the sport has grown to one of the largest in America.
Of course none of us drive at 200 MPH and get into extreme crashes NASCAR drivers get in, but if you do happen to find yourself in a car accident it is always best to contact professional help. The lawyers at Franklin D. Azar & Associates are available 24/7 for free consultations. Call us today and we will fight to get you ever dollar you deserve.
