Daytona Speedweeks — Living Legends
On the sand at Daytona Beach
On the wide expanse of sand at low tide in 1903 Ransom E. Olds [think Oldsmobile & REO cars & trucks] is credited with the first timed run at Daytona Beach, Florida. Just to the north of Daytona Beach is Ormond Beach, proclaimed by the city as the Birthplace of Speed because racing started there in 1902. On a roll, Ormond Beach had their first race where Alexander Winton’s Winton Bullett powered by a 492 cubic-inch 57 horsepower engine beat the Olds Pirate, a stripped down and light weight version of the Curved Dash Olds, for the Challenge Cup by .2 second.
Beach racing had started, the press was there to cover the action, and the public followed these activities. Nascar ultimately came out the beach races and the famous Daytona International Speedway. Historic racing fans have a special love and respect for beach racing.
An annual return of the old / historic / classic racing cars to the beach happens in February and is associated with Speedweeks activity leading up to the Daytona 500 in February. To say that there is heritage, courage, and deep respect for these vehicles and their drivers, mechanics, and owners is understatement.
Russ Truelove signing autographs on the fender of his 1956 Mercury
The wife of the late Fireball Roberts was in attendence on February 11, 2009. I had hoped to meet her and express my condolences. As a youth, he made a strong impression on me because he was a dynamic personality and Pontiac driver who tragically perished as the result of a crash and fire in 1964.
Under the hood of the Hudson Hornet
Photos for the Fabulous Hudson Hornet speak for themselves. Under the hood and in prominent view on each air intake is the logo proclaiming Twin H-Power. Some of the senior drivers were in attendance including Russ Truelove who was signing and autographing photos on the fender of his 1956 Mercury.
On US1 in South Daytona you will find the Living Legends of Auto Racing Museum. LLOAR was founded in 1993 in an effort to recognize, honor, and promote the pioneers of beach racing and stock car racing. This is a stop that you should make if you come to Daytona.
