The Great American Race

Beginning in 1959, NASCAR began holding a 500-mile race at Daytona International Speedway. The Daytona 500 would quickly become NASCAR’s premier event, which is unique in sports because it comes at the beginning of the season, rather than at the end. Known as “The Superbowl of NASCAR” and “The Great American Race,” the Daytona 500 is the most prestigious race on the NASCAR calendar, and teams prepare all winter for the event.

The Daytona 500 is preceded by Speedweeks, during which time the drivers practice on the track, qualify for the race, and race in the Gatorade Twin-125 qualifying races. Those who scored a pole position the previous year also race in the Budweiser Shootout.

Since 1995, the Daytona 500 has been the highest-rated auto race on U.S. television, surpassing the Indianapolis 500.

The first Daytona 500 was won by Lee Petty on Feb. 22, 1959 in a photo finish over Johnny Beauchamp.

See also:

• America's Fastest-Growing Sport
• Bootlegging Roots
• NASCAR History
• NASCAR Lore: The Call
• Organization
• Television
• The Birth of NASCAR
• The Growth of the Sport