Most people know by now that NASCAR was born out of the Prohibition Era. Let’s talk about how it happened. When you think of stock car racing today, images of roaring engines, dramatic finishes, and champagne celebrations come to mind. But behind the glory and glamour of modern NASCAR lies a fascinating, rebellious, and grittier origin story. One that is deeply intertwined with the Prohibition era and the passion of whiskey runners. Their grit and determination literally drove them to put their unique skills on display. Thus, creating an unexpected legacy in the process.
The Prohibition Era and Bootlegging
In the 1920s, the US government enacted Prohibition, a nationwide constitutional ban on producing, importing, transporting, and selling of alcohol. However, the ban didn’t deter the demand for whiskey; it merely drove the business underground. Enter the bootleggers. They were resourceful individuals who saw an opportunity to make a hefty profit by illicitly producing and distributing alcohol.
The Need for Speed
To successfully evade the law, bootleggers needed fast, reliable cars that would outrun legal authorities. These “stock” cars, often ordinary-looking on the outside, were meticulously modified under the hood. They needed to look the part of a stock car but be able disappear in the blink of an eye. This is where their ingenuity shines. The bootleggers would strip the interior to lighten the car itself and make room for larger loads of liquor. They would modify the engine, exhaust, and suspension to drive faster and handle better. For this, you don’t just need a skilled driver. You need skilled mechanics, too.
From Moonshine to Motorsports
As bootleggers honed their driving skills, the line between necessity and sport began to blur. These daredevil drivers and their mechanics often gathered to race their cars against each other. This gave them a way to not only test their modifications but also their driving prowess. Soon, the competition and determination to prove driving and mechanical skills laid the groundwork for organized racing events. That meant that the skills needed for their underground activities moved to the open for the public to see.
Even though Prohibition was repealed in 1933, bootlegging still continued particularly in places like Appalachia, where liquor is tradition. The reality is that producing and selling your own alcohol without a license remained illegal. So bootlegging and the necessity for automotive innovation continued with mountain moonshine.
Out of the Shadows
Eventually, bootleggers and mechanics began to transition their skills from illicit activities to the nascent world of formalized racing. They started participating in races held at county fairs and local tracks. Then they set rules for fair competition, which did not matter when the competition was law enforcement. Continued passion for the innovation and competition created the desire for more races and a overarching standard for the sport. Enter the official sanctioning bodies.
Early Racing Sanctioning Bodies
Alongside the growing interest in stock car racing, several local, regional, and national sanctioning bodies emerged to organize and standardize the sport:
National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR)
Founded in 1948 by Bill France Sr., NASCAR aimed to legitimize stock car racing, ensuring fair competition and safety for both drivers and spectators. It quickly became the most prominent stock car racing organization in the United States.
Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA)
Founded in 1953, ARCA focused on promoting stock car racing primarily in the Midwest. It became known for its competitive events and provided a platform for many drivers who later transitioned to larger stages.
American Stock Car Racing Association (ASCA)
ASCA was established in the early 1950s with the goal of organizing and promoting stock car racing across the United States. It laid the groundwork for various regional events and helped standardize rules for fair competition.
Southern States Racing Association (SSRA)
The SSRA organized races primarily in the southern states, contributing to the sport’s growth in the region. Its events were popular and played a significant role in developing local talent.
United States Auto Club (USAC)
Founded in 1956, USAC focused on promoting and regulating various forms of motorsport, including stock car racing. It organized national and regional events, helping to elevate the sport’s profile and attract a wider audience.
State-Level Associations
Many racing associations were developed at the state and local level. These state-level associations provided a structured environment for regional drivers to compete and hone their skills close to home. Many racers competed in both local and NASCAR sanctioned races. They played a crucial role in fostering grassroots racing and maintaining the sport’s popularity across different regions.
Legacy of the Whiskey Runners
By the 1950s when these sanctioning bodies were being created, racers came from all kinds of backgrounds, not just bootlegging. This includes the Maryland local legends, the Putty Hill Garage Racing Team, who raced in the Modified and Sportsman classes. Their backgrounds ranged from mechanics to plumbers to a county judge.
Today, we can still hear the echoes of those early whiskey-running days in the roar of NASCAR engines. Legendary driver Junior Johnson, got his start behind the wheel as a whiskey runner. Johnson once said, “There wouldn’t be a NASCAR if it wasn’t for moonshine.” While that’s technically true, moonshine was only the medium for that introduced necessity. Without the continuing passion of whiskey runners, the innovation and competition would have died with Prohibition.
