The Race

It is interesting being here for a major sporting event. On Sunday, after church, we drove down to the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse (#2 in the U.S in height after Cape Hatteras). The air was cool with a hint of rain. We knew the race was developing just 20 miles away. We explored the area, including the historical race area. We could see a blimp off in the distance. Then the F-15’s flew over in formation. It was at that point we decided to drive out to see the race area.

Speedway Boulevard is a main causeway from the beach to the racetrack, the airport, and beyond. During the race we drove in light traffic. Cars were parked deep on both sides of us 4 miles before we reached the venue. The race had started an hour earlier but still, on two occasions, entrepreneurs held tickets in the air, for sale. We heard the roar of the engines and the stadium loudspeaker as we drove by. The grandiosity of the setting was only rivaled by my Rose Bowl experience.

We did a U turn and headed home. Rain was in the forecast and unfortunately it proved true. Shortly after arriving back to our condo, we tuned the TV in to the rain delay. Then we received the news that it was over. Barb walked out to hallway, a western view, to see the live fireworks that I was watching on TV.

Earlier that Sunday, as we explored the area, we happened upon that site that first hosted the races. Walking down the beach it was noted where, in the early 1900’s, racing enthusiasts gathered to race down this pristine beach. It was an odd mix. NASCAR has its roots in the moonshiners that drove these roads in the 30’s and 40’s (1950’s song – “And there was thunder, thunder over thunder road. Thunder was his engine and white lightning was his load.”). But it was the Brits and the French that set the early speed records here. In 1903 Ransom Olds came down with his brand new car to visit his friend, John D. Rockefeller, who wintered here. Olds came in second at 69 MPH. In 1906 the Stanley Steamer, a US product, won at 121 MPH. During those years, the races of varying distances were one way up the beach. Land speed record events were held here. In 1927 a Brit broke the 200 MPH barrier. Official races continued and in 1941, Lloyd Seay won the race but was killed the next week by a family member over a dispute in the family’s moonshine business.

In the 50’s the race developed into an oval, a 2 mile stretch north up the beach, then a 180 degree turn south onto a paved road (A1A) which is the main street through town. The Daytona Race, mainly with southern drivers, gained international notoriety.

In the mid ‘50’s the organizers met in a hotel here and established NASCAR. Then in 1959 they built the present track just 10 miles out of town.

Monday we enjoyed the sun and the beach. Tuesday found us at the NASCAR Experience (again we are not NASCAR fans but NASCAR is America). The tour was great. I was very critical of Canton and I enjoy the NFL. I don’t watch NASCAR but this presentation was first rate. I now understand how a street-looking vehicle can travel 200 MPH. I also understand why all those vehicles with their flags of colors and numbers passed us as we migrated south. NASCAR has got it right. Pure entertainment. A sport, relatively unspoiled, and truly American. However, its history of running from Gmen and its early technology having European roots, depicts it not as so.

The lighthouse, the track, Barb in the stands and by this year's winning car.