Some of you with a keen eye on the calendar may already be aware that today is one of the most significant dates in NASCAR’s history.
On December 14, 1947, Bill France Sr. gathered 35 of the most influential figures in racing at Daytona’s Streamline Hotel to share his vision of a more prosperous future for their beloved sport.
As ‘Big Bill’ set the foundation of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing into motion that day, he was quoted as telling the group:
“Stock car racing has got distinct possibilities for Sunday shows and we do not know how big it can be if it’s handled properly… It can go the same way as big car racing (Indianapolis), I believe stock car racing can become a nationally recognized sport by having a National Point Standing. Stock car racing as we’ve been running it is not, in my opinion, the answer… We must try to get track owners and promoters interested in building stock car racing up. We are all interested in one thing — that is improving the present conditions. The answer lies in our group right here today to do it.”
75 years later, NASCAR teammates are gathering across the country to commemorate the sport’s founding moment and celebrate its continued evolution, and we’d be remiss if we didn’t also thank each of you for your dedication to covering this sport.
Without the tireless work of the media past and present, there’s quite literally no way NASCAR would have grown into what it is today.
