<P> One of the oldest existing purpose - built automobile racing circuits in the United States, still in use, is the 2.5 - mile (4.02 km) - long Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana . It is the largest capacity sports venue of any variety worldwide, with a top capacity of some 257,000 + seated spectators . </P> <P> NASCAR was founded by Bill France, Sr. on February 21, 1948, with the help of several other drivers of the time . The first NASCAR "Strictly Stock" race ever was held on June 19, 1949, at Daytona Beach, Florida . </P> <P> From 1962, sports cars temporarily took a back seat to GT cars, with the FIA replacing the World Championship for Sports Cars with the International Championship for GT Manufacturers . </P> <P> From 1972 through 2003, NASCAR's premier series was called the Winston Cup Series, sponsored by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company cigarette brand Winston . The changes that resulted from RJR's involvement, as well as the reduction of the schedule from 48 to 31 races a year, established 1972 as the beginning of NASCAR's "modern era". </P>

What type of race car is the fastest