Prompt Cast
The History of Moonshining and Bootlegging in the South
TLDR Moonshining and bootlegging in the rural South were driven by factors like prohibition and the Great Depression, leading to the use of fast cars to sell alcohol in dry counties and avoid taxes. Techniques like the Bootlegger's Turn and drafting were developed to outrun cops and revenuers, eventually leading to the creation of NASCAR.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
Moonshining and bootlegging, which are interconnected with NASCAR, are the topics of discussion in this episode.
04:03
Moonshiners and bootleggers in the rural south, driven by factors like prohibition and the Great Depression, used fast cars to sell their alcohol in dry counties and avoid paying taxes.
08:06
During the time of prohibition and the Great Depression, young teenagers in the South were driving cars modified for speed and outrunning cops and revenuers while delivering moonshine.
11:47
Moonshine runners during prohibition modified their cars with custom switches to turn off their brake lights or tail lights, and had good shocks and struts to avoid bottoming out, and would use false bottom trunks and hidden cargo panels to stash liquor, but eventually it came down to who could drive better than the cops, leading to NASCAR and techniques like the Bootlegger's Turn and drafting.
15:43
Drafting, a technique used by moonshine runners during prohibition to avoid being caught by the police, involved driving closely behind another vehicle to take advantage of the reduced air resistance and increase speed.
19:46
Whiskey running continued well into the 80s, with one moonshine runner even having bullet holes in his car from that time period, and during the 30s, 40s, and 50s, dirt track racing became a popular form of entertainment in the rural South.
23:40
Stock car racing in the South began in 1947 when bootlegging dried up and people realized there was money to be made, and it started as a way for fans to identify with the drivers by using stock cars that were heavily regulated and required driving skills rather than modifications.
27:42
Whiskey cars and moonshining are also discussed in the podcast, and listeners are encouraged to learn more about these topics through articles and other episodes.
31:31
The hosts provide information about upcoming events and encourage listeners to attend and participate in the All Star Tribunites.
Categories:
Society & Culture
