The Daytona 500 has been around for 52 years and is also known as, “The Great American Race”.  Daytona Beach began their traditions by hosting races on the beach, and later built their Super Speedway in 1995.  The new Super Speedway was used as an official racecar track for locals and international drivers. This track is now considered one of the most famous asphalt tracks in the industry, drawing in fans and drivers from all over the world.

With all of the great history and good times that the 500 has had its fair share of bad times as well.  A total of 24 drivers have died in fatal crashes over the years.  Almost all of the drivers killed in these accidents, at one point, won The Daytona 500. Of the drivers that died, Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Fireball Roberts were the most well known.

Although the Daytona 500 has had tragic moments, there have been many positive historical moments as well. Those moments began with Richard Petty Sr. and Bobby Allison, who were two of the most recognizable winners of the Daytona 500. Winning the Daytona 500 is no easy job. The drivers are very aggressive, they even flip each other just to increase their chances of winning. Yet each of the 500 winners have gone on to have successful racing careers in the race  car business.

The Daytona 500 has had the best and worst times in the history of NASCAR. The Daytona 500 has brought drivers and fans from all over the world together to see 200 laps of ”The Great American Race”. The Daytona 500 has been around since 1958 and has helped the economy in Florida by bringing in the mullah. The Daytona 500 has made history and is going to keep making history for many years to come!! 

   By Carl K.

Posted in 2009 - 2010 Archives |