The History of NASCAR

Here's another great idea created by transforming something else. In this case, the something else was (on the surface anyway) completely different.

You see, back in the days of prohibition, many enterprising Appalachians made good money producing moonshine. To transport the illegal alcohol from the stills to the place of sale required drivers. The best drivers, of course, were those who could take any risk necessary to outrun the police. They used small fast cars, and often modified them for speed, handling, and increased cargo capacity.

Although the repeal of prohibition in 1933 shut down some of the moonshiners, many continued to operate illegally to avoid paying taxes on their product. This kept the drivers in business and forced them to constantly come up with improvements to keep the police off their trails.

By the 1940's someone had gotten the bright idea to use these drivers and their cars in for-profit races. Popularity of these races grew, and in 1948, NASCAR was officially born.

Take drivers who were willing to risk it all to evade the police. Then get them do the same thing in front of a crowd - legally and for better pay. Now that was a great idea.