daytona 500 history
daytona 500 history
Daytona 500 tickets are hands down the most relished and sought after possession for stock car racing fans in the world. The race, held early in the year is the measuring stick for greatness in the minds of driver, crew chief, owner, fan, and media alike. The race is part of a massive celebration in Dayton Florida kicking off the NASCAR season know as simply “Race Week”. This week is an unrivaled spectacle that culminates on February 18th with the running of the Daytona 500. So much of racing’s history is set at this track and this event, it is hard to think of a venue or sporting occasion that has defined its respective sport anymore than Daytona and the 500 mile race of NASCAR’s best.
The two and a half-mile tri-oval that rose from beach races down the road has been the sight of and host of many amazing drivers and even more amazing events. David Pearson stealing the win from the seven time Daytona Champ Richard Petty in a crash that led to Peterson sputtering over the start finish line first in 1976 is one of the top memories for the NASCAR fans. Even more triumphant and more storybook is that of “The Intimidator” Dale Earnhardt who raced with and as the best for 20 years before claiming victory at Daytona International Speedway in 1998. Many news and sports authorities marked that as one of the greatest moments in sports in the 20th century.
Unfortunately, Daytona 500 tickets were a pass to witness tragedy in 2001. Dale Earnhardt died in a crash on the fourth turn at Daytona International Speedway and in doing so altered a sport and a nation’s consciousness all at once. That wreck and that man is remembered solemnly each year since and the winner always pays a bit of homage to a champion and well loved icon of the stock car saga. In 2006 Jimmie Johnson did the same after a plan of consistent patience and care led him to take the lead for good with only fourteen laps to go.
Daytona 500 tickets offer an experience that can be shared and admired through memories for life. No other sport rewards its hardy fans the same way NASCAR Nextel Cup racing does. So, the Daytona 500 will be making February 18th every fans personal birthday if they are able to be a part of the ongoing history and amazement that is naturally being a part of the greatest race in the country.
