NASCAR explained: 6 things to know about the organization

But what even is NASCAR? Here are some important facts and moments from NASCAR’s history to help you out.

1. NASCAR is an acronym for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing. The American company specializes in stock car racing, a special form of racing around an oval track with ordinary cars that have been strengthened for use in races where cars collide. 
2. NASCAR has held multiple Cup Series races, which is the company’s highest-level professional league. A Cup Series season includes 36 races over a 10-month period. The race in Chicago is part of a Cup Series.
3. The race in Chicago is to celebrate the 75th season and is the first race in downtown Chicago since 1956 when it was held at Soldier Field.
4. The NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina, holds many events and exhibits to celebrate NASCAR’s history and its multiple trailblazers.
5. One of these luminaries is mechanic William France Sr., who is greatly credited with the founding of NASCAR in 1948 after he noticed the public’s fascination with stock car racing.
6. Another is Wendell Scott who in 1964 became the first African American racer to win a race at NASCAR’s highest level, and is now one of the people displayed in the NASCAR Hall of Fame.