In 1972, NASCAR signed a deal with the R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company to become the title sponsor of its premier series, which was renamed the Winston Cup. The partnership was a huge benefit to both companies. New federal laws banned tobacco advertising on television, so RJR had a large amount of money in its advertising coffers and nowhere to spend it, so they partnered with NASCAR, pouring huge money into the sport.

Winston’s arrival in 1972 is now referred to as the beginning of the “modern era” in NASCAR, which continues to this day with Sprint as the series title sponsor.

See also:

• NASCAR History
• The Birth of NASCAR
• The Growth of the Sport