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NASCAR Sprint-Cup Series
CUP: Ten Reasons To Love Daytona
The 2010 Daytona 500 is scheduled for February 14th...
Mike Hembree  |  Posted January 29, 2010   Charlotte, NC
The 52nd running of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Daytona 500 is February 14th. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

The Daytona 500 began in 1959 with a sense of wonder. More than a half-century later, it continues in that vein.

When drivers and crew members drove through the turn four twin tunnels to access the Daytona infield for practice and qualifying leading to that first 500, many of them were shocked – some, frankly, were scared – by what they saw. The infield seemed to stretch into the next county, and the track’s long, sweeping frontstretch was intimidating. Somewhere, at the end of it, there was a left turn.

Since that first season, the word Daytona has represented a dreamscape of sorts for kids who want to grow up to be race-car drivers. Thousands of short-track racers across the country wonder what it must be like to take a lap at stock car racing’s most famous track, and a relative handful of them actually find out. A small percentage ultimately realizes what it’s like to win the Great American Race.

Almost all would agree that there’s nothing else like the Daytona 500. It’s not only NASCAR’s biggest race, but it’s also NASCAR’s best.

Ten reasons why:

1. It happens at the cathedral of stock car racing. Give Darlington, Charlotte and Indianapolis their due, but Daytona International Speedway – even the name has a sort of magical, lyrical quality – always will be the ultimate stock car racing destination.

2. Great history. From the controversial finish of the first 500 to the early discovery of drafting to the grand finishes of the 1976 and 1979 500s to Dale Earnhardt’s cleansing win in 1998, few race places can match Daytona’s story.

3. Anticipation. It’s been a long (and, for some, cold winter). Engines haven’t been fired in anger since mid-November. The Daytona 500 annually provides that remedy.

4. Legends live – and win – here. The list of Daytona 500 winners – Richard Petty, David Pearson, Junior Johnson, Fireball Roberts, Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, Bobby Allison, Dale Earnhardt, Cale Yarborough, Bill Elliott, Darrell Waltrip, Jeff Gordon and other stars – would make a race for the ages.



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