You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly. You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
alternatehistory.com
In the 1960s and 1970s, manufacturers often went to extreme lengths to make a vehicle eligible for NASCAR. Ford almost produced a vehicle with a 483 cubic inch (7.9 L) engine before NASCAR limited vehicles to 427 cubic inch (7.0 L) engines starting in 1963, which led to the race for aerodynamic improvements and the creation of distinctive aero cars such as the Dodge Charger Daytona, Ford Torino Talladega, Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II, and the Plymouth Superbird. These vehicles were often difficult for dealers to sell due to their unusual styling, and NASCAR was concerned that engine and aerodynamic improvements were outpacing developments in tires and safety technology, creating dangerous conditions, so further restrictions were placed on vehicles starting in the 1970s. Two other factors worked to see the end of racing with generally available vehicles: R.J. Reynolds sponsoring NASCAR starting in 1972, bringing money to the sport, and the 1973 Energy Crisis.
Would it have been possible for stock car racing to have continued with generally available vehicles despite these changes and challenges?