NASCAR, which stands for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, was founded in Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1948 by Bill France Sr. The creation of this governing body was essential for organizing the chaotic and spontaneous nature of stock car racing that had become popular in the Southern United States after World War II. Prior to NASCAR, local events were often poorly organized, and rules were not universally applied, leading to safety issues and discrepancies between races. France's goal was to create a singular set of regulations that would enhance the sport's credibility and safety.

The initial meeting to form NASCAR took place on February 21, 1948, at the Streamline Hotel in Daytona Beach. France gathered many key figures from the racing community, and they collectively established the principles and bylaws that would govern the sport. The formation of NASCAR not only provided a structured framework for races but also enabled the sport to attract legitimate sponsors and media coverage, which were essential for its growth.

Over the decades, NASCAR evolved into a hugely popular spectator sport, especially with the advent of television in the 1970s, which brought stock car racing into homes across America. The Daytona 500, one of NASCAR’s premier events, became known as “The Great American Race,” showcasing the thrill and excitement of stock car competition. This new organization also played a pivotal role in promoting southern culture and proving the economic potential of auto racing in America.