Nascars early roots stemmed from the need of moonshine runners needing fast cars to escape the revenuers in the southeastern United States. Its history is colorful and quite unique. Originally founded in 1948, its first official race was run in Daytona beach on a track that was part beach and part asphalt. It was won by Red Byron , who would eventually win the first championship.
Six days later, at a meeting at the Streamline Hotel in Daytona, Nascar was born. Bill France was the first president. Known as the Grand National division until 1972, when France approached RJ Reynolds it became known as the Winston Cup as part of the agreement. Soon after, Nascars popularity blossomed with most of the races being sold out months before the race.
The drivers became household names. Lee and Richard Petty, the Flock brothers, Junior Johnson and others became legends . Richard Petty ended up winning an almost unthinkable and probably never broken record of 200 races. As far as Daytona, Nascar wasn’t only founded there, the fastest lap ever was recorded when Bill Elliott qualified at over 210 mph. It was started in 1957 and completed in 1959 with Lee Petty winning the inaugural race. Since then Daytona International Speedway has been home to one of the most prestigious sporting events, the Daytona 500. In the last 50 years Nascar has run all of its top three divisions at Daytona.
Many people from around the country vacation and live in Daytona Beach due to the races and NASCAR. To be up close and personal, to understand and feel the need for speed is what NASCAR is all about. Thinking of making Daytona Beach your home or are in search for the perfect condo or second home. Call me!
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