Joseph Whitley

Professor Raymond
UWRT 1104
3 April 2017

Writing Prompt #9: Conversations about the Semester Long Project

For this writing prompt, I held my conversation about the multi modal project with my

roommate Ethan. We had our conversation in our dorm room in Holshouser. While we had our

conversation a few different questions and topics came up.

One question that my roommate asked was, how did bootlegging connect with

NASCAR? I told him that bootlegging was the reason the ideas of NASCAR originally formed.

People used to run from the police while transporting their alcohol. In order to out run the

police, they had to sup up their cars so they could not catch them. Then eventually, they began to

race each other and the rest is history. Another question he asked was, what type of alcohol was

being transported and why? I then told him that they mainly transported moonshine and hard

liquors. This was because an amendment was passed which supported prohibition. The reason

moonshine and liquor were the main alcohols was because people were only able to get their

hands on limited supplies, so stronger drinks were desired.

One thing that surprised me about the conversation was that my roommate had no idea

where NASCAR originated from. I think many people are unaware that a lot of NASCARs

history was started here in Charlotte, where we live. Unless they are a NASCAR fan, all they

really know is that it started somewhere in the south. For such an iconic sport, I dont believe

Charlotte gets enough credit.

After a few more questions, something came to mind that I wanted to know more about.

He asked me if it just originated in the south. So, I researched some and concluded that

NASCAR really did just originate in the south. Bootlegging and prohibition were connected all
around the United States but they did not come up with anything like the south did as racing

became bigger and bigger.