NASCAR: History of the Daytona 500

One of the most prestigious races on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is the annual Daytona 500 held at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. One of four restrictor plate races on the NASCAR schedule, the race enters its 51st season in 2009.

Daytona 500 Background

A 200-lap, 500 mile oong race, the Daytona 500 is held by many NASCAR fans and enthusiasts as the most important races of the season with the largest purse. Opening the season for racing fans, it has surpassed the Indianapolis 500 as the most viewed race of the NASCAR season normally occurring after the Super Bowl in the second or third Sunday of February close to President's Day weekend. The winner of the Daytona 500 is given the Harley J. Earl Trophy after the race.

Daytona 500 Origins

Daytona 500 history has its origins as a succeeding race to a number of shorter, 200 mile races held at Daytona Beach on the sand and highway near the ocean. In 1959, the inaugural Daytona 500 was held at the International speedway. Lee Petty, won the first Daytona 500 over Johnny Beauchamp in a photographic finish, but not until three days after the race was completed. The Daytona 500 was also the first major NASCAR auto race to be completely televised in its 20th season in 1979. Starting in 1998 after the track had lighting installed, the race time has shifted later in order to accomodate west coast viewers and has been finishing after sunset in recent years to include this year's upcoming race.

Repeat Daytona 500 Winners

Since the first photo finish in 1959, the 50-year history of the Daytona 500 has had a number of repeat winners. Richard Petty has the most wins with seven spanning three decades. Petty won in 1964, 1966, 1971, 1973, 1974, 1979, and 1981. Cale Yarborough is second all-tim in Daytona 500 history with four wins coming in 1968, 1977, 1983, and 1984. Three NASCAR drivers have won the Daytona 500 three times: Bobby Allison winning in 1978, 1982, and 1988; Dale Jarrett winning in 1993, 1996, and 2000; and Jeff Gordon winning in1997, 1999, and 2005. There are also three drivivers who have won the race two times: Bill Elliott 1985 and 1987; Sterling Marlin 1994 and 1995; and Michael Waltrip 2001 and 2003.