From its humble beginnings as a way for moonshine runners to hold bragging rights as to who had the fastest car, NASCAR stock car racing has grown to one of the biggest spectator sports in America. It all began 62 years ago today. February 21, 1948.

After a series of meetings at the Streamline Hotel in Daytona Beach, Florida, NASCAR held their first organized event February 15, 1948 on the beach course. The sanctioning body was incorporated six days later, on February 21, 1948, with visionary Bill France, Sr. serving as president.

NASCAR held the first "Strictly Stock" race, later named Grand National and evolving in to the Sprint Cup Series we know today, on June 19, 1949 at the old Charlotte Speedway in Charlotte, North Carolina. The 150-mile event was won by Jim Roper.

A lot has changed since way back then but one thing is the same, hardcore race fans still look forward to Sunday's race.

Happy Birthday NASCAR!

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