NASCAR has its roots in moonshine running, when good ole boys would deliver illegal alcohol and outrun authorities in their souped-up cars during Prohibition. But runnin' 'shine didn't end when Prohibition did. Many parts of Appalachia prohibited the sale and transport of alcoholic beverages through the rest of the 20th century, and some places still do. That culture of outrunning the police lived on in the sport of NASCAR, and there have been rumors for decades that there was an illegal moonshine still at North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Carolina. But no one knew where it was.
However, recent repairs at the speedway may shine a light on that history. Last week, cracks in the concrete bleachers were discovered, and repairs ordered. When the cracked section was removed, workers found an empty space underneath where a sinkhole had opened up the earth, who knows how long ago. The cave is about 700 square feet, with an interior wall indicating that it has been used for something. No moonshine still has yet been found, but it would have been the perfect place for one. Read more about the discovery at the North Wilkesboro Speedway's website.
(Image credit: Mike Kalasnik)