Who’s Who in NASCAR
Who’s Who in NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing or popularly known as NASCAR gave birth to pioneers and famous personalities to ever hit the jackpot. Instead of watching some cheesy tear-jerker film on DVD, others preferred to join millions of loud and noisy race car patrons jam packed into one arena cheering for their favorite driving teams. The excitement is unequaled, and each lap brings about louder cheers.
Fast cars, NASCAR official freebies and products, events, series and death defying speedways, all these define one name NASCAR. But who, in NASCAR are those people who made it possible? Who made those moments of champions and defeats?
Bill France Sr.
He’s the NASCAR Racing “it guy”. He was the one who gave life to a boring souls need for speed. William France Sr., a mechanic who came from Washington and escaped to Daytona Beach to be the owner of a gas station became one of the early enthusiasts in car racing. In Daytona he became familiarized with the areas history of wild chases and hunts. Joining a racing event in 1936, he finished fifth. After which, the tables began rolling.
Bill started organizing and promoting events. He saw how people craved for a more synchronized series. He took his notion and decided to create a sanctioned organization, fixed the rules and regulations, arranged schedules, and a championship match that would entice drivers from different parts to be on top. On the 21st of February 1948, NASCAR was formed.
Bob Barkhimer
Bob “Barky” Barkhimer, born in Berkeley, CA started a career in midget cars. He was a well-known racer back when midget car racing was popular. Knowing and being best buddies with Bill France Jr. gave “Barky” the opportunity to be one of the promoters of NASCAR in the West making him Senior VP of the said organization. Bob retired after the death of his wife in 1976. A partnership created a new saga of a sanctioned body in the Pacific.
Erwin Baker
Awarded as first place in motorcycle competitions, Erwin George Baker A.K.A “Cannonball” was inspired to drive automobiles instead of settling for the latter. With his impressive driving records, he garnered a variety of awards and recognitions. To mention a few, NASCAR Hall of Fame, Motorcycle Hall of Fame, etc. These achievements gave Erwin the title “King of the Road” making him the first Commissioner for NASCAR.
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