The Atlanta 500 will be an historic event this year because for the first time in nearly 20 years the field of 43 will have a black driver competing. Bill Lester will be in the 19th position in todays competition. The Atlanta 500 is part of the NASCAR'S Nextel Cup racing series. The Nextel Cup racing series (formerly Winston Cup racing series) is one of the world's premier racing series. NASCAR is a multi-billion dollar industry and is said to be the last bastion of white male athlete dominated sports. NASCAR is also one the largest spectator sports as well. A major event at a super speedway such as Daytona or Talladega can draw up to as many as 300 thousand fans.
http://www.sportsline.com/autoracing/story/9316367
http://www.sportsline.com/autoracing/story/9316367