nascar has its roots in bootlegging. the earliest racers transported moonshine during prohibition, and only later got around to having competitions to see who was fastest.

nascar became nationally popular in the u.s. during a television broadcast in 1979. there were only 3 television channels at the time, and most of the east coast was snowed in. during the final lap, there was a crash that involved the leading cars. the drivers climbed unharmed from their vehicles and started to fistfight in the infield.