NASCAR CHAMPIONS Art Print Series by Alex Book
 
1949 NASCAR Strictly Stock: Red Byron’s Historic Inaugural Title
 
The 1949 NASCAR Strictly Stock season reached a definitive milestone on July 10th at the Daytona Beach Road Course, a 4.15-mile circuit unique for its dual-surface layout. The track consisted of a two-mile stretch of paved Highway A1A connected by tight sand turns to a two-mile straightaway directly on the sandy beach of the Atlantic Ocean. This environment required specialized mechanical preparation to combat salt air intake and the heavy ruts of the tidal sand. Red Byron, a former B-24 flight engineer and World War II veteran, drove the Oldsmobile Rocket 88 owned by Raymond Parks. Due to a combat injury that shattered his left leg, Byron operated the vehicle using a specialized metal bracket that secured his foot to the clutch pedal.
 
The Oldsmobile Rocket 88 was the technical centerpiece of the 1949 season, featuring the innovative 303 cubic inch overhead-valve (OHV) V8 engine. Producing 135 horsepower, the "Rocket" engine offered a significant power-to-weight advantage over the flathead V8 designs utilized by the majority of the field. Byron’s car, prepared by legendary mechanic Red Vogt, maintained the required "strictly stock" specifications, utilizing heavy-duty components to endure the high-speed transitions between asphalt and sand.
 
In the 166-Mile NASCAR Strictly Stock Race, which spanned 40 laps, Byron started from the pole position and secured the victory. The event was a grueling test of endurance, as the shifting sand turns caused multiple mechanical failures and incidents across the field. By winning at Daytona and maintaining consistent performance throughout the inaugural eight-race schedule, Byron became the first champion in NASCAR history. This victory established the Oldsmobile Rocket 88 as the premier technical standard of the early post-war era and marked the official beginning of the championship legacy in what is now the NASCAR Cup Series.
 
Note to Collectors: This artwork is an original creative tribute inspired by the rich history of motorsport. While this print accurately depicts iconic moments, cars, and legendary figures, it is an independent artistic production. It is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any official racing organizations, racing series, drivers, teams, or automotive manufacturers. All trademarks and brand names mentioned are used for descriptive purposes only and remain the property of their respective owners.