Moonshine (white lightning, homebrew, hillbilly pop, rotgut) was illegally distilled whiskey brewed during Prohibition. After the liquor was distilled, the moonshine was usually smuggled in modified cars with souped-up engines by drivers called “runners” or “bootleggers.” The runner’s extraordinary driving skills were often the difference between being caught by the “revenuers” or making a delivery.
After Prohibition ended, the out-of-work drivers kept their skills sharp through organized races, which led to the formation of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, better known as NASCAR. NASCAR is now one of the biggest sports in America.
Today you can legally get home-brewed moonshine from small-batch distilleries.