They are called stock cars because initially that's what they were... back in the 50's. The organization "NASCAR" was founded back then, perhaps the should change the name to NAMCAR now. Each oval they race on is different believe it or not, and the cars handle each corner different on each track. They may be faster thru turns 1-2, but slower in 3-4. The whole oval concept was to allow the fans to watch the entire race, and not only be able to see 1 corner. I've watched several road races, and to me it's boring sitting in 1 turn with no idea what's happening when the field is out of sight. After the first series of pit stops I can't even tell who's in what position except for the first 5 on the leader board. Anyways like it or love it. Speed Vision knows where the $$ is. They can replay old IRL races, and get 10,000 viewers, or replay a NASCAR race, and get over 100,000 viewers. More viewers, means more $$ collected for commercials.