Early stock car racing evolved out of the business of running moonshine (illegal alcohol). Thanks to America’s experiment with alcohol prohibition, bootlegging corn whiskey became a significant source of income in many regions of the south. One of the exhibits at LeMay—America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington looks at stock car racing and its history. According to one of the displays:
“Outrunning police in their heavily modified family sedans over treacherous mountain roads, they mostly drove to support their families and supplement farm income. For most, racing was more than a test of manliness. It was a way to use their skills to earn money in a legitimized—though still highly dangerous—arena.”
Stock car racing began on crude dirt tracks carved in fields. In 1947, order was brought to the chaos and NASCAR was born.
Shown below are photographs of some of the cars displayed in this exhibit.
Shown above is a 1936 Ford Model 68. This is the type of car used for transporting illegal liquor.
Shown above is the 1989 Buick Regal “Chattanooga Chew.”
Shown above is a 1979 Ford Thunderbird.
Shown above is the 1995 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
Shown above is the 1992 Pontiac (Richard Petty Farewell Tour).
Shown above is a 1981 Ford Thunderbird.
Shown above is the 2009 Dodge Charger #9 Budweiser.
Shown above is the 2012 No.48 Chevrolet Impala.
Shown above is the 2012 No.5 Farmers Insurance Chevrolet.