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Short History of the US Auto Races

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Auto racing has a long history in the United States, with its roots dating back to the late 19th century. Here are some key events and milestones in the history of auto racing in the US:

  • 1895: The first recorded automobile race in the United States takes place in Chicago. The winning vehicle, a Benz, has an average speed of 7.5 miles per hour.
  • 1903: The first 500-mile race is held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The inaugural race is won by driver Louis Chevrolet.
  • 1911: The first Indianapolis 500 is held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Driver Ray Harroun wins the race in a Marmon Wasp.
  • 1927: The first 24 Hours of Le Mans race is held in France, featuring American drivers and cars.
  • 1949: The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is founded, establishing a formal organization for stock car racing in the US.
  • 1950s: The 1950s are known as the “golden age” of American auto racing, with the introduction of the NASCAR Cup Series and the rise of drivers like Richard Petty, Lee Petty, and Junior Johnson.
  • 1960s: The 1960s are marked by the rivalry between American drivers and European drivers in sports car racing, as well as the popularity of drag racing and the establishment of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.
  • 1970s: The 1970s are marked by the dominance of drivers like Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt in NASCAR, as well as the introduction of safety improvements like the HANS device and the SAFER barrier.
  • 1980s: The 1980s see the rise of driver Bill Elliott in NASCAR, as well as the debut of the International Race of Champions (IROC) series.
  • 1990s: The 1990s are marked by the emergence of driver Jeff Gordon as a dominant force in NASCAR, as well as the introduction of new safety measures like roof flaps and restrictor plates.
  • 2000s: The 2000s are marked by the continued success of NASCAR, as well as the establishment of the Grand-Am Road Racing series and the rise of drivers like Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart.
  • 2010s: The 2010s are marked by the continued dominance of NASCAR, as well as the rise of electric and hybrid cars in racing, including the establishment of the Formula E electric racing series.

Throughout its history, American auto racing has been characterized by innovation, competition, and a passion for speed and performance.

History of the Wentzville factory where they produce Chevy vans

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The Wentzville factory is a General Motors manufacturing facility located in Wentzville, Missouri, USA. The factory produces a variety of vehicles, including full-size vans, mid-size pickup trucks, and SUVs.

Wentzville factory is a General Motors manufacturing facility located in Wentzville, Missouri

The production of Chevy vans at the Wentzville factory began in 1985, with the introduction of the first-generation Chevrolet Astro and GMC Safari vans. These vans were designed to compete with other popular vans on the market, such as the Ford Econoline and Dodge Ram Van.

Over the years, the Wentzville factory has undergone several expansions and upgrades to accommodate the production of new vehicle models. In 1995, the factory began production of the second-generation Astro and Safari vans, which featured updated styling and improved safety features.

In 2003, production of the Chevy Express and GMC Savana full-size vans began at the Wentzville factory. These vans were designed for commercial use and offered a range of engine and body options to suit various needs.

In 2014, the factory underwent a major expansion to prepare for the production of the third-generation Chevy Express and GMC Savana vans. This expansion included the addition of a new body shop, paint shop, and general assembly area, as well as upgrades to existing facilities.

Today, the Wentzville factory is one of General Motors’ largest and most advanced manufacturing facilities, with over 4,000 employees and the capacity to produce over 400,000 vehicles per year. The factory continues to produce the Chevy Express and GMC Savana vans, as well as the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon mid-size pickup trucks and the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon full-size SUVs.