Daytona: What It Means To A Nascar Fan

Events at Daytona International Speedway unfold in several days. NASCAR fans simply call it "Daytona".  A veteran fan has flashbacks of memorable moments at the mention of the word.  A fan new to the sport should place it at the top of their bucket list as a must see.

Daytona means history.  As one stands in the infield, visions of Petty, Pearson, Yarborough, Baker, Allison and others thundering around the banking appear real.  We can imagine the excitement during the 1959 photo finish with Petty and Beauchamp.  Beauchamp celebrated in Victory Circle with Petty declared winner days later.

Daytona was a strange, fast, high winged Dodge Charger vintage 1969.  It's companion the Plymouth Superbird followed quickly in 1970 as a highly modified Road Runner.  These cars were aerodynamic before aerodynamic was cool.  The massive spoiler was added to keep the wheels on the ground at 200 mph plus.  The front end was greatly extended to allow it to slice through the air.  It was radical!

Daytona with a road course snaking through the infield brings back memories of exotic cars racing in the rain with headlights blazing in the middle of the night.

Daytona is a place of great loss.  The most notable being the late Dale Earnhardt Sr. in 2001.  Many others lost their lives doing what they loved at a track they loved.  Collectively NASCAR fans honor the memory of Neil Bonnett, Rodney Orr, Friday Hassler, Bruce Jacobi and others sacrificed at Daytona.

Drivers in every series aspire to win at Daytona.  A win at this track is magnified, giving credence to a driver like no other track.

Daytona gives us dramatic moments never to be forgotten.  The heartbreak of knowing Dale Earnhardt Sr. was about to win his first 500 when a twist of fate took him out on the last lap.

Daytona gave us teary eyes in 1998 as we cheered when Dale Sr. finally took the checkered flag winning the 500.  We watched members of every team honor him on pit road.

Daytona gives us laughter.  We can't forget Darrell Waltrip doing the "Icky Shuffle" and spiking his helmet in 1989 after his win.

Soon the tunnels will open to hallowed ground for the Rolex 24. In mid January, Fan Fest will tease the NASCAR fans with a taste of what follows in February.

The anticipation built up during the off season will subside.  Heartbeats will quicken and Speedweeks will return bringing the NASCAR faithful back to Daytona.

This NASCAR fan can't wait!