The first manufacturer to really invest in NASCAR's Grand National Circuit was the Nash Motor Company. 1 series, replacing the Modifieds as the headlining attraction.Īutomobile manufacturers began to take notice, and with accelerated research and mechanical development, were producing more powerful passenger cars with high-compression, lightweight V-8 engines for the public. Entering its second season, NASCAR's Strictly Stock late-model division was renamed the "Grand National" division because, NASCAR president Bill France explains, "Grand National indicates superior qualities." Though only eight Strictly Stock races were staged in 1949, this newfangled late-model racing circuit was already a hot commodity. In 1950, the "NASCAR Grand National Circuit" became the new title for the previous year's "Strictly Stock" racing division. (5.0 L) inline six cylinder that used an old-style flat-head engine, proving there was more to winning than just a more powerful engine. However, in spite of the fact that several competing engines were more advanced, the aerodynamic and low-slung Hudson Hornet managed to win in 1951, 1952, and 1953 with a 308 cu. The bigger and badder the engine, the better the driver's chances were of winning and dominating races. In the earliest days of stock car racing, horsepower was king.