NASCAR stands for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, and it’s the governing body for one of the most popular sports in the United States. The speed and power of NASCAR stock cars – and the people who drive those cars – have enticed millions of fans to the sport in recent years, making it one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. If you’re a NASCAR novice, NASCAR For Dummies can help you with the basics of the sport – the differences between the NASCAR Winston Cup Series and the NASCAR Busch Series, Grand National Division – so you can build upon your NASCAR knowledge from there. If you’re more advanced, you'll discover the subtleties of the sport so you can sound like an old pro. No matter what level of NASCAR knowledge you have, you can find something new in the pages of this book: Get to know the race team and what they do - Peek at the rules and see how teams get around them - Check out a stock car's body and components - Find out how to attend a NASCAR race and get the most out of the experience - Understand why tires are such a big deal during a race - Figure out what happens during a pit stop - Know why a regular Chevrolet Monte Carlo at a local dealership looks nothing like the one on a racetrack - Discover the meanings behind all those colored flags - Know why corporate sponsorship plays such a large role - Examine the different NASCAR tracks NASCAR racing is a total body experience. When you sit in the grandstands, you can hear the cars roar by. You can feel the tremendous power of the engines when the stands shake and your guts rumble. Then you can smell the distinct odor of burned rubber. With NASCAR For Dummies, you'll gain an insider’s view of the sport, and enrich your experience. Author Mark Martin, known as one of the most focused and successful drivers in NASCAR racing, started racing cars when he was 15 years old. Like its teammates in the Dummies series, NASCAR for Dummies is cleverly organized and clearly focused. Winston Cup Series driver Mark Martin is in the driver's seat, providing a speedy tour through America's fastest-growing sport. In typical Dummies style, NASCAR for Dummies is filled with fun stuff such as lists of the 10 greatest drivers of all time, the 10 can't-miss races, and 10 future stars. It also contains plenty of information--from what NASCAR stands for and what makes a stock car a stock car to the rules of Pit Road and quick overviews of the 21 racetracks that host Winston Cup Series races. There's even good, practical advice about attending races (secure lodging well in advance, decide between infield and grandstand tickets, etc.) and pointers on how to best appreciate the televised races. After reading this book, you'll have no trouble qualifying as a NASCAR fan. --Sunny Delaney Expert tips for spectators, from where to sit and what to watch to picking a winner and getting the best deals on souvenirs. Complete coverage of NASCAR Winston Cup series tracks -- with Mark Martin's top track picks. An inside look at the business of stock car racing, from snagging sponsors to logging the best licensing deals. Exciting personal anecdotes and racing stories from veteran driver Mark Martin. 16 pages of full-color photos that capture the excitement. Color photos highlight the fun and excitement of NASCAR Mark Martin puts you in the driver's seat and shows you what NASCAR is all about Ever wonder what's under the hood of today's stock cars? Or how drivers train and qualify for the NASCAR Winston Cup Series Races? Or what really goes on during a pit stop? Packed with behind-the-scenes stories and insights, this fun and friendly guide by a top driver answers these and many other questions — and helps you get more enjoyment out of every race you watch. Officially Licensed by Discover how to: Understand the rules, regulations, and standings Get to know the race team Identify driver skills and racing strategies Locate NASCAR tracks near you Enjoy racing from the stands and on TV Get up to speed on NASCAR lingo Get smart! www.dummies.com Mark Martin has finished in the top ten of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series point standings every year since 1989.