Highlights
The most important of all NASCAR races, the Daytona 500 is different in that it is the first, rather than last, race of the season. The race was first held in 1959 in Daytona Beach, Fla., the brainchild of NASCAR founder Bill France, Sr.
France started this racing craze having cars that look like the cars regular people drive competing at the nearby beach before moving to the Speedway. The race is 200 laps on the 2.5-mile Daytona International Speedway. The race is also different in that the starting order, except for the first two spots, is determined by two 150-mile qualifying races, held the Thursday before the race.
The race, nicknamed the "Great American Race," is one...
France started this racing craze having cars that look like the cars regular people drive competing at the nearby beach before moving to the Speedway. The race is 200 laps on the 2.5-mile Daytona International Speedway. The race is also different in that the starting order, except for the first two spots, is determined by two 150-mile qualifying races, held the Thursday before the race.
The race, nicknamed the "Great American Race," is one...
The most important of all NASCAR races, the Daytona 500 is different in that it is the first, rather than last, race of the season. The race was first held in 1959 in Daytona Beach, Fla., the brainchild of NASCAR founder Bill France, Sr.
France started this racing craze having cars that look like the cars regular people drive competing at the nearby beach before moving to the Speedway. The race is 200 laps on the 2.5-mile Daytona International Speedway. The race is also different in that the starting order, except for the first two spots, is determined by two 150-mile qualifying races, held the Thursday before the race.
The race, nicknamed the "Great American Race," is one of four run with a restrictor plate, a devise used to keep speeds down. The 500 is the culmination of two weeks of racing at Daytona known as Speed Weeks. The first winner of the race was Lee Petty, father of NASCAR's all-time winningest driver Richard Petty, who won the Daytona 500 a record seven times. The race is also the scene of one of racing's saddest days when Dale Earnhardt was killed on the last lap of the 2001 race. His death led to changes in the safety harnesses drivers wear. The race in 2008 will be the 50th.
France started this racing craze having cars that look like the cars regular people drive competing at the nearby beach before moving to the Speedway. The race is 200 laps on the 2.5-mile Daytona International Speedway. The race is also different in that the starting order, except for the first two spots, is determined by two 150-mile qualifying races, held the Thursday before the race.
The race, nicknamed the "Great American Race," is one of four run with a restrictor plate, a devise used to keep speeds down. The 500 is the culmination of two weeks of racing at Daytona known as Speed Weeks. The first winner of the race was Lee Petty, father of NASCAR's all-time winningest driver Richard Petty, who won the Daytona 500 a record seven times. The race is also the scene of one of racing's saddest days when Dale Earnhardt was killed on the last lap of the 2001 race. His death led to changes in the safety harnesses drivers wear. The race in 2008 will be the 50th.
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Imagine how desolate the sports landscape would be without beer
I'm a bit tipsy right now. It's part of my assignment. Just this once my boss has given me permission to drink on the job. I've had two Miller Lites and am about to pop another one. Pop. You see, I am doing what every red-blooded, beer-bellied...Tags: Tiger Woods, Kentucky Derby, Mickey Mantle, Stan Van Gundy, Mike Vanderjagt
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Nap Time to Lap Time: 74-year-old James Hylton to race at Daytona
Autoblog.comFiled under: MotorsportsRacing is a young man's pursuit. Sometimes a young lady's pursuit, too. But try telling that to James Hylton. He was once NASCAR rookie of the year... in 1966. That's not a typo, and he's been racing pretty much ever since. This... -
J.J.'s run tops 2008
A look back at the 2008 Cup season is topped by Jimmie Johnson's championship feat, highlighted by seven wins. But Kyle Busch's early success and late failures surprised almost everyone. With nine wins, Carl Edwards is poised for a title in '09 after...Tags: Jeff Gordon, Indianapolis 500, Motor Racing, Formula One, Joe Gibbs
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NASCAR to ban testing in cost-cutting move
The Associated PressNASCAR has suspended all testing at its sanctioned tracks next season in a cost-cutting measure that should help teams save several million dollars in their 2009 budgets. The moratorium, announced Friday at Homestead-Miami Speedway, bans testing at any...Tags: Government, Furniture, Layoffs and Downsizing, Vehicles, Motor Racing
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We think: NASCAR's economic struggles will be felt in Central Florida
NASCAR's decision to ban testing at all sanctioned tracks in 2009 can be blamed on an economic flat tire. Like most businesses, NASCAR is having to downscale and discard frills once considered essentials. Testing is a big deal to NASCAR and the Central...Tags: Motor Racing, NASCAR, Jimmie Johnson
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NASCAR bans testing at sanctioned tracks for 2009 season
Orlando SentinelRichard Childress spent $3.053 million on testing for his three-car team this season. That's not counting parts or pieces. Next season he won't spend a dime at NASCAR sanctioned tracks. NASCAR informed its teams Friday morning that it banned testing...Tags: Daytona International Speedway, Motor Racing, NASCAR, Jimmie Johnson
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Edwards wins battle of qualifying
Of The Associated PressCarl Edwards got the jump on Jimmie Johnson in Friday's qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Edwards, facing a daunting 141-point deficit heading into Sunday's Ford 400, qualified fourth, trailing only first-time...Tags: Motor Racing, NASCAR, Vehicles, Tony Stewart, Joe Gibbs
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NASCAR testing ban receives mixed reviews
Sentinel Staff WriterThat preseason ritual where Daytona International Speedway opens up to NASCAR for two weeks in January won't happen in 2009. NASCAR informed its teams Friday morning that it will ban testing at all NASCAR-sanctioned tracks. The organization made the move...Tags: Government, Motor Racing, New York Yankees, Tourism and Leisure, Getty Images Incorporated
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The power of milk and cookies
Orlando SentinelIf it weren't for some milk and cookies back in 2005, there might not be a two-time champion gearing up to tie a historic three in a row today. In the winter of 2005, shortly before the 2006 season, Rick Hendrick brought together Johnson and his crew...Tags: Government, Milk, Daytona International Speedway, NASCAR, Motor Racing
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As driving career with Gibbs ends, Tony Stewart leaves little time for reflection
Orlando SentinelTen years of winning, losing and wrecking. Ten years of championship seasons, painful second-place finishes and stunning comebacks. He's thrown punches, picked fights, cursed on live television. He's helped out friends and helped out competitors. He's...Tags: NASCAR, Motor Racing, Tony Stewart, Joe Gibbs, Jimmie Johnson
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Tony Stewart ends Gibbs Racing era at Ford 400
Sentinel Staff WriterTen years of winning, losing and wrecking. Ten years of championship seasons, painful second-places and stunning comebacks. He's thrown punches, picked fights, cursed on live television. He's helped out friends and helped out competitors. He's been happy...Tags: Home Depot Incorporated, Motor Racing, NASCAR, Tony Stewart, Joe Gibbs
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