This doesn’t involve the Talladega or Spoiler cars directly but it does deal with racing. Before there was a big super speedway to race on in Daytona there was the beach. The first race ran 2 miles north up the beach and then transitioned to a 2 mile run south on asphalt. There were some pretty wild races and spectacular wrecks. Although I have attended the Daytona 500 and the “Firecracker” 400 I have always wished I could have been there for a beach race.
In an attempt to escape some of the cold and ice of the current unusually wicked Tennessee winter we made a short but warm and fun trip to Central Florida recently. It was the week before the Daytona 500 and the area was a buzz with racing activities. We took in some terrific dirt track Outlaw racing a Volusia Speedway and will certainly do that again on a future trip.
Other than the typical amusement park attractions we wanted to find some original Daytona Beach race activities. We were fortunate enough to attend one of several events and shows that were being held but had to miss the parade on the beach of the vintage cars due to our own mechanical breakdown.
We did manage to have lunch at the North Turn Restaurant which we highly recommend and also take in the display of race cars at the Light House at Pounce Inlet.
I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I did taking them. If you are ever in Florida the week before the 500 make sure you take in some of these pre-race day activities. The crowds are light but the cars are great.