Take a moment to think about how NASCAR has changed over the past sixty years. Not so long ago when someone mentioned NASCAR, they were merely referring to the organization that sanctioned, governed, and promoted their style of stock car racing. Now when we say NASCAR, were talking about a sport, a way of life, a phenomenon, and all things surrounding this type of racing. But the two key ingredients are still the driver and the fan.From the formation and era of the Strictly Stock division to the eras of Grand National and Winston Cup, to the current version of the elite series (Sprint Cup), being a fan and a driver in this sport has taken quantum leaps. So have media, advertising, and many other roles. For many it is hard to imagine the pioneers of this sport managing their racing adventures, traveling from track-to-track with race car in tow, sometimes racing many times a week. But for those early pioneers, working on the cars and driving all night to the next race was a small price to pay for the sheer pleasure of participating in this great sport. For those who were around back then, the memories of the way it was are priceless and cherished.In the early days, news of the sport came from word-of-mouth, eye-witness recollections from excited fans or the occasional newspaper account or sports publication. From that it grew to regular radio coverage. And from that, to some racing highlights on a major television sports show. Finally, after the infamous Daytona in-field fight along with contributions from major sponsors like R.J. Reynolds, we made it to regular TV coverage. Stop and think for a moment about those lucky fans watching the early Strictly Stock and Grand National races. Now fast forward to todays NASCAR fans who can see the race unfold, live, through the windshield of their favorite driver and who can hear the drivers communication with his team, all the while also hearing commentary from expert TV hosts. Numerous television programs recap races and provide the latest race and race-team news. Even in the off-season, fans can tune to countless hours of talk radio and hear drivers, crew members, owners, sponsors, and NASCAR representatives provide in-depth insight with their perspective of the sport.Race car drivers have been celebrities from Day One. And the burdens on a drivers time have always existed. But with the incredible task of managing their celebrity status as well as their day-to-day racing responsibilities to the teams and sponsors, todays drivers have little time for anything else. From racing in some field in front of a handful of spectators to racing on some dirt track in front of a few hundred or a few thousand fans to today, performing on TV in front of millions, not to mention those listening in on the team radio, a drivers life is always in the spotlight. This light shines much brighter today, and is always on. Its not enough to perform well in the most competitive era of NASCAR. Todays drivers must also be polished, professional, spokesmen.With this eras technological advancements, todays cars are more dependable and durable, and fewer cars fall out of races due to component failures. NASCAR has modified the rules and formatting to the point of providing racing excitement right down to the wire. Races today are won by a measurement of feet and/or inches rather than laps, and championships are determined in the last race of the season. NASCAR has created the ultimate test for a driver and in doing so has provided more priceless memories for fans to cherish. Its hard to imagine where well be sixty years from now.