The Daytona 500 is more than just a race— it’s a cornerstone of NASCAR and one of the most iconic events in motorsport history.
Often referred to as the “Great American Race,” it has captivated millions of fans since its inception in 1959. Held each year at the legendary Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, FL, the race marks the start of the NASCAR Cup Series season. It represents the pinnacle of stock car racing.
For drivers, winning the Daytona 500 is a career-defining achievement. For fans, it’s the culmination of excitement, tradition, and speed.
From the beginning where a photo finish in the first race sparked controversy, to its status today as a global spectacle, the Daytona 500 has evolved into a symbol of racing excellence. With its high-speed thrills, dramatic finishes, and rich history, the race has seen unforgettable moments— from the dominance of legends like Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt to the rise of modern-day stars such as Chase Elliott and Jimmie Johnson. This is where heroes are made, history is written, and every lap is filled with the promise of glory.
NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. created the Daytona 500 to build a race that would be the crown jewel of the newly established stock car racing league. It was a groundbreaking moment for the sport when it was first run on Feb. 22, 1959.
The inaugural race was held at the newly built Daytona International Speedway, a superspeedway designed to be faster and more challenging than any track before it. The race marked the start of a new era.
The first Daytona 500 was a star-studded event, with legendary drivers such as Lee Petty, Glen Wood, and Buck Baker taking to the track. Lee Petty became the first winner of the Daytona 500, taking the checkered flag in a dramatic race that ended in a photo finish between him and Johnny Beauchamp.
The race was so close that officials initially gave the victory to Beauchamp before later declaring Petty the winner after a review of the photo finish. This controversial finish only added to the mystique of the race, and it set the stage for many more thrilling moments to come.
Over the years, the Daytona 500 has been the site of some of the most unforgettable moments in NASCAR history. The race has delivered drama and excitement from thrilling finishes to heart-stopping crashes at every turn.
The 2000 Daytona 500 is remembered for the emotional moment that marked Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s long-awaited victory in NASCAR’s biggest race. After years of frustration, including many close calls and heartbreaks at Daytona, Earnhardt Sr. finally secured his first Daytona 500 win in his 20th attempt. It was an emotional triumph for the man known as “The Intimidator,” who had become the face of NASCAR through his aggressive driving style and undeniable talent.
Tragically, Earnhardt’s triumph was bittersweet. Just one year later, in the 2001 Daytona 500, Earnhardt Sr. was killed in a fatal crash on the final lap of the race. His death left an indelible mark on the sport and changed the way NASCAR approached safety, leading to significant improvements in car design and track barriers to prevent similar tragedies.
No driver has been more synonymous with the Daytona 500 than Richard Petty, Lee’s son. With seven Daytona 500 wins (a record that still stands), Petty is regarded as one of the greatest drivers in the history of NASCAR.
His first victory came in the 1964 Daytona 500, and his last came in 1981. Petty’s dominance at Daytona earned him the nickname “The King,” and his legacy is forever tied to the race. He remains one of the most iconic figures in the sport, and his Daytona 500 wins solidified his place in NASCAR history.
One of the most successful drivers of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Jeff Gordon won the Daytona 500 three times (1997, ‘99, and 2005). Gordon’s victories cemented his legacy as one of NASCAR’s all-time greats, and his competitive spirit and success in the sport helped elevate NASCAR into the mainstream. Known for his consistency and skill, Gordon’s Daytona 500 wins remain highlights of his storied career.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. made history by winning back-to-back Daytona 500s in 2023 and 2024. This is a rare feat in NASCAR and solidified his place as a Daytona 500 specialist, showing that 2023 wasn’t just a fluke.
The Daytona 500 is more than just a race— it’s a tradition, a spectacle, and a symbol of everything NASCAR represents. It has seen incredible triumph and heartbreak, and its winners have etched their names into the history books as legends of the sport. With its mix of speed, strategy, and drama, the Daytona 500 will continue to be one of the most exciting and iconic motorsports races.
The race will continue to provide thrilling moments, and its legacy will only grow as new generations of drivers aim for their place in Daytona’s storied history.
About Jessica Kleinschmidt
Jess is a baseball fan with Reno, Nev. roots residing in the Bay Area. She is the host of "Short and to the Point" and is also a broadcaster with the Oakland A's Radio Network. She previously worked for MLB.com and NBC Sports Bay Area.