How Ford helped build NASCAR and became the backbone of American racing culture

Ford is one of the most important and iconic car brands in the world.

It is also one of the most successful in terms of motorsport competition.

The Blue Oval marque is a brand that helped build NASCAR into what it is today.

And it helped solidify itself as the backbone of American racing culture.

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For most of our American audience, the sport of NASCAR is already likely a very familiar one.

In case you haven’t been introduced, allow us to do so here and now.

Back during the Prohibition era of the 1920s and 1930s, bootlegging was a big deal.

In the Southern states, bootleggers of moonshine and illegal liquor developed something amazing.

In order to outrun the police and Prohibition agents, bootleggers started tuning their cars.

Ford played a big role in this due to the prominence of its cars on American roads.

Cars, such as the Ford Model 18, would remain stock on the outside, but get a heavy makeover on the inside.

Following the end of Prohibition, those mechanics and drivers began competing in organised races.

It would eventually lead to the formation of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) in 1948.

The first ever organised NASCAR race was held in Daytona, Florida on February 15th, 1948.

Any guesses on which car would win? It was a modified Ford – driven by Red Byron, a former moonshine runner.

NASCAR would introduce the Strictly Stock series the following year, and this is where the official record began.

The first Strictly Stock race would be held at Charlotte Speedway in North Carolina.

Ford has maintained a constant presence in NASCAR from the very beginning.

In 1950, Ford would take its first win in an officially branded Ford vehicle.

Jimmy Florian would earn this achievement after winning at Dayton, Ohio.

Over the decades, Ford has unleashed a variety of machinery in its NASCAR-focused efforts.

It has used iconic models such as the Thunderbird, Galaxie and Taurus.

The Thunderbird, used from 1992-1999, won the manufacturers’ champion in 1992, 1994 and 1997.

As part of the Generation 4 line-up, the brand would introduce the Taurus in 1998.

It would lead Ford to 100 Cup race wins, as well as manufacturers titles in 1999, 2000 and 2002.

The Taurus was replaced by the Fusion in 2006, and it would give Ford 108 Cup wins.

Ford currently uses the Mustang, as well as the Mustang Dark Horse to compete in NASCAR.

It is the vehicle of choice for drivers such as three-time champion Joey Logano, as well as Brad Keselowski.