A racing legend in itself, the Daytona 500 is the first and easily most popular race of each NASCAR season. This iconic race takes place in February at Daytona International Speedway, and serves as an anticipation builder and predictor for the coming race season. Doing what no other race in the circuit can do, the season opener catches the attention of die-hard fans and casual spectators alike. The Great American Race at Daytona has made its mark on NASCAR and American history.
The very first Daytona 500 took place in 1959, crowning Lee Petty as its first champion. The list of winners now includes several notable drivers, such as Bill Elliot, Cale Yarborough, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Sr., Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, and the king of NASCAR himself, Richard Petty. The 1982 race, which was held on Valentine's Day and won by Bobby Allison, was the first year that it served as the season opener.
Not only does the race itself make history, the events leading up to it do as well. Providing a chance to show they're ready for the challenge of the new season, winning the Daytona 500 pole (qualifying in the first place spot) is a huge deal for drivers. Many drivers have helped make their name by getting this coveted spot. A well known record breaker, Danica Patrick became the first woman to win the pole. Some drivers proved themselves talented enough to win the pole in their rookie season. In his first 500 Chase Elliot, son of NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliot, was the youngest to ever win the pole at the age of 20. Other rookie winners include Jimmie Johnson and Loy Allen, Jr.
The race has made history in other ways as well. The 2001 Daytona 500 changed the face of NASCAR forever when it claimed the life of legend Dale Earnhardt. A crash in the final lap of the race resulted in fatal head injuries for the driver, which he succumbed to later that day. The injuries Earnhardt suffered weren't uncommon in racecar drivers, so his death helped prompt an improvement in safety equipment. These fatal injuries are now very rare thanks to the engineering that goes on inside each car.
2017 marks the 59th running of the Daytona 500. With the race coming up this Sunday, people are already making their predictions as to who will be the winner. Fox Sports reporter Tom Jensen states that he believes several drivers have a good chance at winning this year's 500 for the very first time. Among Jensen's bets are champion drivers such as Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski, and Chase Elliot, who has the pole for the second year in a row.
Tune in this Sunday at 2pm to see this iconic race. If you don't, you might miss a historical moment!
