Was there ever a time that cars in NASCAR where 100% stock?

Question

I was wondering if there was ever a time that cars in Nascar where 100% stock, from the manufacture. I can understand roll cages and safety equipment but where changes made to the mechanical parts and engines, that where different then what they came with

Answer 1

For all intents and purposes....the answer to your question is YES. The mystique and legends of "ridge runners" being the forerunners of modern "stock" car racing is of value, but begs the question. NASCAR was formed in 1948 and began regulating competition on paved ovals, as well as regulating what constituted an eligible "stock" car. From 1948 until at least 1972 NASCAR required that the competing vehicle body and it's major components be also available to the general public. From year to year various manufacturers dominated the sport based on the introduction of it's latest aero-dynamic body styles, power plants, cooling systems and braking systems. GM, Ford and Chrysler expended significant funds toward winning on Sunday.

While some would argue that the "rule changes" started prior to 1972 to appease Ford....since 1972 "stock car" racing (under NASCAR) has been between fairly comparable cars capabilities and focused on exceptional driver and team skills.

Answer 2

Some of the answers are correct. Back when it first started, the majority of the drivers owned their own cars, basically modified the engines. Many were racing their cars that hauled moonshine. Many were caught making moonshine and spent time in prison. They drove their cars to the tracks, raced and drove them home. Yes, basically stock bodies.
There is a history of how NASCAR began. Contact Speedchannel I think had a series recently with all the history. It was fascinating.

Answer 3

The early race cars were the personal vehicles used by bootleggers to deliver their product. The cars may have been street legal but were modified for performance. The "runners" would gather and race each other to see who had the faster car. A 100% stock from the factory car may have shown up from time to time, but on the whole, most were modified.

Answer 4

Ezz17. Since NASCAR started in 1947 the cars have never been 100% bone stock. You will see in early photos of the 1937 - 38 Ford Coupes with non-standard rear ends. Most used a truck center sections with axles that bolted to the rear hubs with 8 bolts. The fords of the day had lightweight aluminum Jahns pistons, racing camshafts, aluminum fly wheels non-stock shock absorbers. In the fifties came the onslaught of "The Fabulous Hudson Hornets" Piloted by Tim and Fonty Flock. The mastermind head wrench on these cars was none other than Smokey Yunick. He introdused reverse rotation of the crank shafts inside Hudson motors to completely cancel the piston to cylinder wall thrust back to zero without relocating piston pins. The car moved forward by flipping the rear axle 180 degrees. He introdused pressure washing the intake and exhaust ports with silicon carbide grit to gradually open and permit better flow patterns. In the fifties and early sixties extensive chances were made to frames. Upper and lower A frames were boxed to make them more rigid. As long as a flat tappet camshaft was used anything went and still goes today. The Sixties brought about wide spread use of the Ford 9 inch third member. At first Chevrolets had to hide it inside a chevrolet truck housing. The early 70's brought about the famous Chevrolet trailing arm links to offer two legs of triangulations to all Ford, Chevrolet, AMC and Chrysler race cars. Since the late fifties forward evryone has been using forged pistons of any brand, camshafts, connecting rods, crankshafts, valves and springs, oil pans and modified oil pumps. Today dry sump oilling systems are used. Cylinder port and intake manifold grinding has been allowed forever. In mid - 1967 NASCAR instituted use of body templates at the Fire Cracker 400 at Daytona EVERY (49) cars failed inspection with the exception of Bud Moore's entry. Tubular framed cars have been used 15 years or more. Tubular upper and A frames have been as long also. Trasmissions flywheels and clutches are non stock items aince the early seventies. Who would guess that Joe Gibbs team has their motor oil specially made. They use 0-w for qualifing, 0w-20 for plate racing and 5w-20 every where else. Brake calipers, pads, and rotors are top shelf racing items. Every one uses titanium valves and retainers. Radiaters are all aluminum cross flow design.

Answer 5

Nascar was never "Stock" there could have been other racing organizations that were stock but Nascar was not... The whole idea was to race stock cars. On the outside they looked stock, but on the inside (engines and such) they were much more than that... That is how it started for Nascar

Answer 6

Yes,prior to the "modern era" the main car was stock from the factory.But in the mid 70's the cars were lightened up and it became more cost efficient to build them in their shops.Now the hood,green house and rear deck are all that is stock.

Answer 7

yes, back in the 1940s up until the early 1970s, NASCAR was primarily "stock" car racing. parts on the cars had to street legal.

Answer 8

As you may know, NASCAR, originated from moon shine runners in North Carolina. Even then, I doubt, that they were stock because they were trying to out run the police. Then again, I'm no NASCAR history buff.

Answer 9

Back in the beginnings of NASCAR, the drivers drove to the track the car they were going to race.

Answer 10

To my knowledge, ever since theres been stock car racing, theres been cheatin', so I would answer no. If there was an advantage to be had, someone was there to attempt it, within the rules or not. Although , it's a bit more difficult to get away with it in todays sport.