“A group of racers and promoters met in a smoky barroom in Daytona Beach to forge a plan to oversee the explosive postwar growth of stock car racing.”
forge
(forge ahead) To move forward heavily and slowly (originally as a ship); to advance gradually but steadily; to proceed towards a goal in the face of resistance or difficulty.
(forge ahead) To advance, move or act with an abrupt increase in speed or energy.