Speed Week – How Did The Daytona 500 Become The Signature Race of NASCAR?

July 25th, 2011 admin

Even the most casual of racing fans recognizes the name of NASCAR’s most famous race, The Daytona 500. The 500 mile track is located at the Daytona International Speedway (who’s construction was the idea of NASCAR founder, Bill France Sr.) in Daytona Beach, Florida. The race is 200 of the most intense laps that auto racing has to offer. The Daytona 500 kicks off the NASCAR season with its race being held every year in February, a time of year when most other tracks aren’t yet suitable for racing due to weather conditions.Get more information here. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/775084-nascar-top-10-all-time-winners

The Daytona 500 may be held at the beginning of NASCAR’s season, but there isn’t a race that these drivers don’t want to win more than The Daytona 500. A win here not only gets your name on the Harley J. Earl Trophy, but it puts you on a list of NASCAR’s immortal drivers and former Daytona 500 winners like Richard Petty, Bobby Allison, Dale Earnhardt, Cale Yarborough, Lee Petty, A.J. Foyt, Dale Jarrett, Bobby Allison, and Jeff Gordon, just to name a few.

With a nickname of “The Super Bowl of Racing”, The Daytona 500 is the biggest auto race there is. It offers the biggest payout of all the NASCAR races and for 15 straight years it has been the highest rated auto race on television. Not only is it viewed by millions each year on television, but the race is sold out on a yearly basis. There isn’t a race in the world with the popularity of the Daytona 500.

With a lineup of young drivers such as Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kyle and Kurt Busch, and 2011 Daytona winner Trevor Bayne looking to make their own way in the sport, The Daytona 500 looks to continue to be NASCAR’s signature race for many, many years to come.

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