The Ford Model T models offered convenience in getting around over large distances. Ford’s following models also offered speed: races were held in France and Belgium and  – after a 1903 historic race between car giants Winston Olds and Alexander Winton – Daytona Beach, Florida. Before NASCAR was NASCAR, it began there, with a 1938 invitational on a 1.5 mile patch of sand. Twenty-seven cars of all shapes and sizes participated, with much fewer finishing the entire 250-mile race. But a precedent was set, and all agreed there should be more races.

On this day February 21, in 1948, National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing was founded by a small group of drivers, including William “Bill” France, who participated in the 1938 Daytona race and placed fifth.

The popularity of NASCAR, and car-racing in particular, owes something to the Appalachian whisky-runners during the Prohibition era. Outfitted on small but sturdy cars, they transported bootleg booze to neighboring states. Often, they modified their vehicles to outrun the feds on winding mountain trails. The tradition of car racing continued past the repeal of Prohibition and beyond the bootlegger communities.