The stars and cars of the NASCAR Nationwide Series have long been recognized as carrying on the tradition of stock car racing as it was originally intended. Fast, furious, and undertaken with the conviction that, no matter what the odds may be, you can still prevail and win the race.

It is that conviction that drives the current crop of eager, young racers, believing talent, courage and a little luck can carry them on to victory, and a shot at fame and fortune in NASCAR’s premier division. And that’s why savvy observers of stock car racing know that the series known as Nationwide represents the true heart and soul of NASCAR.

Let’s take a look at the series itself, which has been continuously promoted for more than 60 years, and has raced under six different names since it was founded by Bill France, Sr. in 1950. Originally known as the Sportsman Division, the series title changed to Late Model Sportsman Division in 1968, then Budweiser Late Model Sportsman in 1983-84 when the brewery giant Anheuser-Busch signed on as the series sponsor.