Daytona’s Groundbreaking Debut
When Bill France unveiled the 2.5-mile Daytona International Speedway, it was a bold departure from the small dirt tracks where NASCAR had traditionally raced. This state-of-the-art venue was unlike anything the sport had ever seen, presenting a steep learning curve for drivers and teams.
Before Daytona, the closest comparison was South Carolina’s 1.33-mile Darlington Raceway. Larger tracks like Charlotte Motor Speedway (opened in 1960) and Talladega Superspeedway (opened in 1969) were still years away, making Daytona a monumental leap forward.
With its steep banking and expansive straightaways, Daytona delivered speeds previously unimaginable. Bob Welborn’s pole speed of 140.1 mph shattered Curtis Turner’s record from the inaugural Southern 500 at Darlington in 1950. Moreover, the average speed during the first Daytona 500 was a staggering 53 mph faster than that earlier milestone event.
—
A Race for the Ages
A massive 59-car field raced caution-free at an average speed of 135.5 mph, thrilling nearly 42,000 fans. In the final 30 laps, Lee Petty and Johnny Beauchamp fought fiercely for the win, staying neck-and-neck as they approached the checkered flag.
When they crossed the finish line, Joe Weatherly’s lapped car complicated matters by positioning himself between Petty and Beauchamp. This led to one of NASCAR’s earliest and most significant photo finishes. Officials initially declared Beauchamp the winner, marking what seemed to be his first Cup Series victory.
However, Lee Petty protested, insisting he had beaten Beauchamp to the line. After reviewing photographs taken by T. Taylor Warren, NASCAR reversed its decision. Three days after the race, on February 25, 1959, Petty was officially named the winner of the inaugural Daytona 500.
—
A Legacy That Endures
Lee Petty’s Daytona 500 triumph remains a cornerstone of his storied career, standing alongside his 53 other Cup Series victories and three championships. Over six decades later, his name is permanently tied to the history of one of motorsport’s most iconic events.
Every February, as highlight reels recount Daytona’s legendary moments, the dramatic finish between Petty and Beauchamp is always front and center. That first Daytona 500 wasn’t just a thrilling race—it was a defining moment for NASCAR, helping solidify the sport’s place in American culture.
Unlike other major sporting events, such as the lopsided first Super Bowl or the inaugural NBA Finals, which lacked drama, NASCAR’s first Daytona 500 delivered an unforgettable finish. The 1959 race became the cornerstone of what is now the sport’s marquee event and a key draw on its calendar.
While Daytona has since hosted countless thrilling finishes, the first will always hold a spe
