Passing Lane
A NASCAR BLOG BY Mike Hembree
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Daytona: A place apart
Feb
12
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Say what you will about Darlington or Indianapolis or Charlotte or even the dear-departed North Wilkesboro. Daytona is the vibrant heart of NASCAR.
The speedway here is perhaps Bill France Sr.’s best touchable legacy, a remarkable facility that was years before its time when it opened in 1959 and remains one of the most challenging race courses in international motorsports.
The drivers and mechanics who saw its vast expanse for the first time almost 50 years ago admit that it sent chills up and down their spines. Over the years, the track has proved to be relatively easy to drive – some say a monkey or even a sports writer could do it, but winning on it … that’s a different matter.
The right engine, the right chassis, the right aero package – all are important. But there’s something extra in the air at Daytona. It often takes special circumstances and special drivers to succeed in NASCAR’s biggest race on its marquee track.
Many drivers have won the Daytona 450. Those last 50 miles, though, often tell the story.
We await them – and the rest of one of the special Sundays in all of sports – this week.
The speedway here is perhaps Bill France Sr.’s best touchable legacy, a remarkable facility that was years before its time when it opened in 1959 and remains one of the most challenging race courses in international motorsports.
The drivers and mechanics who saw its vast expanse for the first time almost 50 years ago admit that it sent chills up and down their spines. Over the years, the track has proved to be relatively easy to drive – some say a monkey or even a sports writer could do it, but winning on it … that’s a different matter.
The right engine, the right chassis, the right aero package – all are important. But there’s something extra in the air at Daytona. It often takes special circumstances and special drivers to succeed in NASCAR’s biggest race on its marquee track.
Many drivers have won the Daytona 450. Those last 50 miles, though, often tell the story.
We await them – and the rest of one of the special Sundays in all of sports – this week.
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