The fashionable-day NASCAR Cup Collection would possibly look modern {and professional}, however its historical past might be traced instantly again to the Prohibition period, when the longing for alcohol endured regardless of bans on its manufacturing and distribution. Drivers modified their vehicles to outrun police, then began taking these vehicles to the monitor for a extra legit type of competitors. Now, as the enduring North Wilkesboro Speedway prepares to welcome the NASCAR circus as soon as once more for the annual All-Star Race, it’s throwing again to the outdated days of inventory automotive racing with a trophy designed to seem like a moonshine nonetheless.

In keeping with the Speedway, the copper-and-wood trophy has been designed by Name Household Distillers in partnership with the Checkered Previous Speakeasy, and it — together with a hefty money prize — shall be handed out to the winner of this month’s non-championship All-Star race. Occasion logos and the phrase “born to shine” shall be branded onto a trophy so large that NWS say it’ll require two individuals to carry it.

“NASCAR and moonshining had been locked arm in arm throughout the sport’s early days and lots of the biggest drivers obtained their begin bootlegging in quick vehicles by way of the backroads of Wilkes County,” stated Jessica Fickenscher, govt director of the NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway. “We’re thrilled to have Name Household Distillers present these distinctive moonshine nonetheless trophies. They are going to present an excellent tribute to NASCAR’s early days with a throwback really feel that winners throughout NASCAR All-Star Race week will cherish.”

It’s a enjoyable, cheeky option to welcome NASCAR again to North Wilkesboro Speedway, a monitor that fell into disrepair after being closed and reopened a handful of instances. It gained prominence within the widespread creativeness once more because of Dale Earnhardt Jr., who led a marketing campaign to encourage iRacing, a sim racing platform, to scan the monitor. The revived curiosity constructed momentum, resulting in the renovation of the monitor and its amenities. Now, it’s the house of the non-championship All-Star race, the place NASCAR winners and champions are invited to compete for a big money prize — and simply the best trophy in motorsport historical past.