Comparing the two sports is almost pointless, as aside from the high speeds, there is little similarity. In simple terms, though let’s have a look at the differences and some similarities between the two codes.
Both sports have a long history: NASCAR’s being born from the exploits of bootleggers in the prohibition era, who modified their cars to outrun the police. Eventually, semi-organized racing became increasingly popular particularly after the Second World War. However, the organizers often made more money than the drivers who invested the time, the costs associated with running the vehicle and the risk, leaving the drivers out of pocket.
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It was Bill France Sr., a part time racer from Florida, who pulled the various independent competitions under one umbrella in 1947. Yet, it really wasn’t until a few years later that NASCAR came to fruition, when the first NASCAR Sprint National was won by Jim Roper in 1949. The France family still maintains controlling interests in the sport, and there is some criticism from fans who complain about elements of the structure and rules. Perhaps in one of the few areas of similarity, fans critical of NASCAR organizers, share sentiments similar to F.1 fans who resent the control F.1 boss, Bernie Ecclestone and FIA chief, Max Mosley, have over the direction of the sports future.
NASCAR though has always had a grass roots appeal, where essentially close to “stock” cars race door to door at high speed which has high spectator appeal. The tracks, generally being speedways or ovals allow excellent spectator viewing, and with the close specifications of the vehicles, drafting is necessary for overtaking - which can lead to spectacular accidents. Part of the appeal is seeing vehicles which we recognize, to some degree, as being similar to our own road versions blasting around the track. For the major manufacturers, particularly the Dodge, Chevy and Ford brands, it was vital advertising which boosted sales.
While NASCAR is a truly an American sport, Formula One has it’s origins in Europe and England, and is marketed as a global event. Races are held in Australia, Asia, and the Middle-East, and it boasts one of the biggest television audiences. Paradoxically, North American races have been controversially axed from the season in the last few years. Nevertheless, Formula One is seen as the pinnacle of open wheeled racing earning the highest revenue in motorsport, the next biggest being NASCAR.
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