20 Vintage Raceway Photos Packed with Energy

If you were a moonshine runner during the prohibition era, having a fast car was essential for evading the police and looking stylish while doing so. Wilkes County, North Carolina was a hub for moonshine production, and many early NASCAR stars were involved in the industry, driving high-powered vehicles to escape law enforcement. In 1947, Bill France Sr. gathered these drivers at the Streamline Hotel in Daytona Beach, Florida, leading to the official formation of stock car racing a year later.

Although the cars and tracks of the past were vastly different from what we see today, the fearless and adventurous spirit of those early racers remains a defining characteristic of American culture. The NASCAR Hall of Fame website offers a glimpse into this history, but for a visual journey through old-school raceways, take a look at these 20 vintage photos showcasing the high-octane action and style of the early days of racing.