Editing IMSA (section)

===Beginnings===
[[File:Logo IMSA.svg|thumb|Original logo, used from 1969 to 2013]]
[[Bill France Sr.]] was instrumental in the creation of the International Motor Sports Association.  France founded [[NASCAR]] as a professional oval track series and wanted to do the same for road racing.  After discussions with Bishop, IMSA  was born and Bishop was given the sole control of the organization (like NASCAR, there was no board of directors). France financed the majority of the organization and owned 75% of the stock; Bishop owned the remaining 25%. The articles of incorporation were filed in [[Connecticut]] on June 23, 1969.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailysportscar.com/2019/06/25/imsa-at-50-part-one-overview-and-the-1970s.html|title=IMSA At 50: Part One, Overview & The 1970s – dailysportscar.com|website=www.dailysportscar.com|access-date=2019-06-28}}</ref>

The first race to be organized by IMSA was a [[Formula Vee]] and [[Formula Ford]] event at [[Pocono Raceway]] in October 1969. The SCCA threatened the circuit management and asked them to block IMSA from racing there. The event was held, although IMSA had to pay an additional $10,000 in rental fees. The race had an attendance of 328 spectators.<ref name=":0" />

The organization soldiered on despite the small crowds, and another ten races were planned. Bill France, suffering from financial setbacks, brought on new investors to take over part of his stake in the series.