NASCAR is actually an acronym for the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing. The organization was founded in 1948 by Ed Otto and William France. The two men recognized the fact that people enjoyed watching car races, and that there needed to be some standardization behind the racing industry in order to attract more racers and to make the races equitable for those who entered. Having more who were willing to enter the races naturally increased the number of fans who were willing to pay to watch — a natural step in the marketing of Nascar.

During those early years of Nascar racing, cars were “strictly stock,” meaning they were basically exactly as the manufacturer released them. But a few accidents convinced those in control of the racing events that some modifications for safety would be a prudent step. It wasn’t long before other modifications were allowed to increase speed, handling and other racing performance issues.

After about another decade of this type of racing, those who were serious about the sport began creating cars that were exclusively for racing. In those cases, the cars typically incorporated all the modifications allowed by the Nascar officials. For several more years, the body of the cars would continue to resemble the stock cars of the early racing days — though in appearance only.

The fact that so many people were attracted to Nascar wasn’t lost on companies that wanted to find advertising opportunities. This period of Nascar history marks the beginning of full-time jobs as drivers, promoters and pit crews of Nascar racing. The earliest companies who used the advertising opportunities were largely car manufacturers, though the 1970s saw a marked increase in the number of companies that sponsored racers.

Some who aren’t tried-and-true Nascar fans think there is only a single Nascar racing circuit, but the fact is there are several circuits sanctioned by the parent organization. Some of the largest events are televised and it’s probably this fact that has created the number of fans that follow the sport so closely.

The sheer number of fans has created superstardom for many of the Nascar drivers as well. Not only do those drivers make their living by racing, many are also spokesmen for products and companies, making their Nascar status even more profitable.

There’s no doubt that Nascar has a huge following. Most people have heard of Nascar and even those who don’t watch the sport can name a few of the more successful drivers. And it started because two men realized the potential for a racing organization to oversee the sport.

Bob Benson is the founder of Nascar [http://nascar-race.info/2006-nascar-nextel-tickets.htm] online. We provide information on Car Racing [http://i-love-nascar.info/nascar-racing-schedule.htm]

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They’re still rare enough on the Midwestern US streets that the sight of a Mini Cooper does register no matter how many other things I have on my mind. When I saw a Mini Cooper Sport convertible zipping through the stoplight with a big grin on the driver’s face I knew I had to learn more about this car.

The Mini Cooper was designed and built to fulfill a very specific challenge. In 1957, the Suez Canal Crisis sent fuel costs in England soaring. So leaders at the Morris Car Company challenged their engineers and production teams to come up with a car that fit four very specific needs. It had to be small, fuel-efficient, capable of carrying four adults and affordable for just about anyone.

The Mini Cooper represented a real revolution in its design. To fit the small size requirement the engine was turned sideways. The make sure four adults could ride inside, the wheels were pushed all the way to the outside edge of the body. While people were a little skeptical at first, by 1961 the car was becoming very popular with younger british drivers. When racing legend John Cooper adopted and modified the Mini Cooper into his race car of choice, the Mini Cooper Sport was born. When it was driven to victory three years in a row in the Monte Carlo rally from 1964-1967 it’s worldwide popularity exploded.

More than two million Mini Coopers were sold by 1969 and variations of the car included a mini pick-up. By 1977 they were best sellers around the world. That is, they were popular everywhere in the world except America. America emission regulations kept them off the roads.

It wasn’t until March of 2002 that the first Mini Cooper was sold in the US. In 2003, it won the North American Car of the year award.

Great fuel economy wasn’t achieved at the expense of performance in the development of the Mini Cooper. Nor did it come at the expense of style or fun.

From the very beginning, people associated the Mini Cooper with fun. Over and over in market tests, drivers likened the handling of the car with that of a go-cart. Inside the new cars, the center console and even the door handles are set up to resemble roll bars similar to go-cart or race car interiors.

Outside, custom paint jobs have been as popular for Mini Coopers as they are for most motorcycles. The car’s small size makes such personalization affordable and further adds to the fun identity of the brand.

The 2009 models of the Mini Cooper Sport (or S as it is now known) will offer “spats,” or fenders, that come in contrasting colors to the car’s body much like the very first Mini Coopers. It also will offer rear support pillars hidden behind the windows that help maintain the car’s four star safety rating as well as its looks. The 2009 Mini Cooper S with automatic is also epa rated to get 32 mpg highway and 23 in the city.

With all that going for it, I wonder how long it will be before there are so many on the roads that I stop noticing them.

Diana Campbell has been in love with cars since she got her first hand me down Tonka truck from her older brother. She writes about cars, SUVs, trucks and energy issues for a number of different online outlets including http://minicoopersportblog.com

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In February 1989 the Mazda MX-5 debuted at the Chicago Motor Show and ever since MX5 car parts have been a hot commodity. What is it about this car that makes it so desirable? Well, I guess that just depends on whom you ask. Is it the beautiful design or the superb handling, or just the flat out FUN?

1. With over 400,000 units sold of it’s first generation from 1989 – 1997 Mazda has produced on of the most beloved sports cars of all time. In its history the MX-5 has won over 150 awards. These include Car and Driver magazine’s annual Ten Best list seven times. Wheel Magazines car of the year for 1989 and 2005 Sports Car International’s best sports car of the 1990′s and “ten best sport cars of all” 2005-2006.

2. Because this car has an approximate 50:50 front/rear weight balance, the car has nearly neutral handling. This makes the MX5 a popular choice for amateur and stock racing enthusiasts. This of course creates a huge demand for parts

3. Compared to other popular sports cars the Mazda MX-5 comes with a very reasonable price tag. With a base price of $22,500 the 2009 model becomes a possibility for many that find higher priced vehicles out of range. With the money saved and many MX5 car parts available online it is possible to make modifications and really customize the vehicle as you see fit.

It is very easy to see why the Mazda MX-5 is such a beloved automobile and why MX5 car parts are sought online with such feverish vigor.

Click Here to watch a video on the new Mazda MX-5 or the find the absolute lowest prices for
MX5 car parts. Please feel free to visit CarPartsSpecialValue.com

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Have you ever wanted the interior of your car to look like a Ferrari or Jaguar, or even a Rolls Royce? One of the differences is how the dash and trim in the car looks. The high end cars have exotic woods or materials in them, and the average stock street car has a painted metal or vinyl dash board.

If you want to improve the look of the interior of your car, one of the things to consider is a Dash Trim Kit. As the name suggests this kit contains new trim for your automobile

There are a variety of manufactures that make these kits. Some of the differences are in the materials, the colors and how the kits are installed. Choices of materials can range from a thin vinyl in different patterns to actual wood in a variety natural materials. Kits also vary in the number of pieces. Some kits contain trim pieces only for the dash, while other kits will have trim for the doors and rear passenger area. Some kits also allow you to start with a couple of major pieces and then add additional trim when you are ready.

These kits are relatively inexpensive and very easy to install, as long as you follow the directions that come with your kit. Typically the instructions will advise you to:

- Match each piece with the area where it is supposed to be placed. All of the piece should line up correctly, but it’s best to double check before you start applying any pieces.

- Use some type of a marker, like a soft lead pencil to draw an outline of the trim piece where you want it permanently placed. This will assist you when you are ready to install.

- All of the mounting places should be cleaned. Typically you will use isopropyl alcohol. If the area is not cleaned correctly the trim may not stick.

- Some kits have a promoter that works with their adhesive. Other kits do not use this. If your kit uses a promoter, brush it on in the areas you outlined.

- Now you should peel off any backing from the trim.

- Carefully place the piece in the correct place. You might want to use your finger to tack a couple of different spots while you make the final adjustments.

- When it looks like it’s in the proper position use your fingers to smooth out the entire piece.

- Continue with the remainder of the pieces.

- Make a final pass on all of the trim, to insure that they are all bonding correctly. Areas that curve and the edges need particular attention.

Now sit back and enjoy the fresh new look of your interior.

Dennis Dater has been involved with cars since he drove an MG TD to high school. He has also been a member or officer in Porsche Club, Ferrari Club, Jaguar Club, Maserati Club, and other sport car clubs. Visit his blog: http://www.accordmania.blogspot.com

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