Today, NASCAR is one of the hottest sports out there. It seems that everywhere you turn you'll see someone wearing a NASCAR racing number or hear people discussing the weekend's races. You can't watch the news or read the sports section without coming across a report or update on NASCAR. Just like people have NFL game day parties, people get together to drink beer, cook out and watch NASCAR. If you don't understand the sport or follow the sport regularly, it's easy to feel left out. Fortunately, NASCAR is a fairly easy sport to get into, understand, and follow. All it takes is a little bit of research and some commitment to what has become a way of life for many Americans.

1. THE BASICS OF NASCAR:

NASCAR is short for National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing.

NASCAR is the governing body for the majority of racing in the US. It's highest form of competition is the NEXTEL Cup Series.

Racers in NASCAR earn points for their finishing place. Obviously, the winner gets the most points, with each subsequent finisher earning a progressively lower amount of points. The racer with the most points at the end of the season is the champion.

Races are held on gigantic oval tracks across the country. There are a handful of races on closed courses with various twists and turns like with Formula One races.

Stock cars are used in the races, and they must meet basic standards of horse-power, weight and other mechanical requirements.

Four brands of cars are used in NASCAR, Dodge Charger, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Monte Carlo and the Toyota Camry.

The NEXTEL Cup Series consists of 36 races throughout the season, the first and most important of which is the Daytona 500. Other high-profile races are: the Brickyard 400, the Bristol Motor Speedway, the Coca-Cola 600, and the Talladega Super Speedway.

The NEXTEL Cup Series season runs from February to November.

NASCAR races are typically several-hundred mile races (the Daytona 500 is 500 miles) lasting upwards of 2-3 hours. Tracks are anywhere from half-mile to 2.5 miles long.

Drivers are just one part of a full team for each car. A car is sponsored by a major company, such as Budweiser or Home Depot, which pays for entry-fees, salaries and more. The team also consists of marketing personnel, pit crew, coaches, and mechanics, among others.

Famous drivers include: Tony Stewart, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Mark Martin, Bobby Labonte, and Jeff Gordon,

2. OFFICIAL SITES:

The best resource website for someone trying to get into the sport and learn to follow NASCAR is the official NASCAR home page. This site is located at www.nascar.com. Here you will find everything you need to get into the sport. Not only does it list the latest news and highlights, it also has race schedules and results. The best page for NASCAR rookies is the NASCAR 101 page accessible via a link found at the top of the NASCAR homepage. At NASCAR 101 you will get lessons on everything imaginable that is NASCAR related, from information on the drivers to how the cars work and are maintained. Most of the lessons are taught by a professional NASCAR driver and come in video format that can be viewed directly from the site.

Watch Races with Diehards

Know a friend who is a NASCAR fanatic? Although their non-stop talk about the sport may be nauseating at times, they are probably your best resource for learning to follow the sport. Most fans are more than enthusiastic about introducing others to the sport they love. Invite them over to watch a race sometime. While watching the race, ask questions and have your friend explain everything that is going on. Often times the best way to learn something new is by doing it. Although you really can't learn NASCAR by driving in a NASCAR race, the next best thing is to learn by watching a race. If you can, see if your friend will go with you to a live race, even if it is just a local one. There really is no better way to learn than from an expert while watching the action in person or on the screen.

Join a Fan Club

If you are really committed to following the sport and working your way to becoming a diehard NASCAR fanatic yourself, the next step to take is to join a NASCAR fan club. There are many clubs to choose from, from local clubs that get together to watch weekend races and organize an annual trip to Daytona to national clubs that produce magazines and other benefits for members. There are also fan clubs for each racer or car.

3. HEAD TO THE BAR:

There is a NASCAR race every weekend during the season from February to November. And chances are, your local tavern or sports bar will have that race on, and there will be NASCAR fans cheering their favorite racers. Why not saddle up to the bar, order some social lubrication, and start chatting with a fan. You'll get true, blunt insights into the sport, and have fun doing it.

Become a Bookworm

The best way to learn the details and intricacies of any sport, including NASCAR, is to read books on the topic. Your local library or bookstore will be full of NASCAR related books and materials. Browse through the sports section and see what you can find, and try to get a variety of reading materials. You should read at least one book on the general rules and regulations of the sport to learn how everything works. With individual races, the point system and overall standings, things can become confusing if you lack a general grasp on these rules. You should also get some books on the history of the sport. NASCAR may seem like it just became popular overnight, but in fact it has a long history that every true fan should know. Finally, one must read about the racers. Most of the top racers in the sport will have at least one book devoted to them and their life. This is also an easy way to pick a favorite driver, which makes following the sport all the more easier and enjoyable.

4. OTHER SITES:

A good site for reading about NASCAR is http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar, which has information, as well as when NASCAR events will air on the Fox Sports network.

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