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Speed Weeks Kicks Off On The Beach

Daytona Beach, Fla. – Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne wasn’t born when beach racing at Daytona Beach took place, but he got a history lesson today when he fired up the Wood Brothers Racing Ford, driving it on a portion of the beach course before heading west to the Daytona International Raceway. Bayne’s drive was part of the opening day ceremonies for Speed Weeks 2012.

Beach racing ended in 1958 and for the most part, that part of the history has all but disappeared, except to historians and older fans. But today history came alive when the sound of a racing engine reverberated off the high-rise condominiums along the beach, and the sounds pleased the crowd attracted to the event.

Hopping into the legendary Wood Brothers Ford, Bayne drove a quarter-mile north, stopping at the north turn of the historic 4.1-mile beach course where he was greeted by NASCAR dignitaries, guests and fans, who were drawn there by the publicity that preceded the event.

Once the ceremonies were finished, Bayne, holding a large green flag and aided by a police escort, drove the 2011 winning Ford car to the Daytona International Raceway to officially open Speed Weeks. En route to DIS, he was allowed to do donuts in one intersection, to the delight of the fans that gathered at that corner.

At the beach-side festivities, Bayne was welcomed by Brian France, NASCAR CEO and chairman; Joie Chitwood III, president of DIS; International Speedway Corporation executives; Eddie and Glen Wood, co-owners of the family’s Wood Brothers Racing team; drivers from the past and local dignitaries.

Said France about the festivities, “This brings you back to where this sport came from. This is a neat event and a great way to reflect on our history and in 10 days it gets going again with the Daytona 500.”

Added Chitwood, “The elements on the beach are so unique, we thought about ways to connect with the community and the rich heritage it enjoys with the community. It is hard to think that 100 years ago people were setting speed records on this surface, so the creation of speed in this community was on the beach. And here 100 years later, the biggest race on NASCAR’s schedule will take place. As we chart the course for the future, we have to make sure we are respectful of the past.”

In the past year, Bayne has had numerous memorable experiences during his year-long victory tour and he said today’s event resides near the top of the list. “This is probably the coolest thing that I have gotten to do,” he said. “As a driver, you watch races on the beach and I wish we could come back out here. This is an unbelievable feeling, being on the beach where it all started. I almost want to bottle up the sand and take it with me. And I am glad to be the first driver to do this new tradition, and I feel like I am part of history.”

Old-time drivers present were Marvin Panch, Ray Fox, Russ Truelove, Johnny Allen and others.

Once Bayne drove off, everyone was invited to the nearby North Turn Beach Bar & Grille to reminisce and look at the extensive accumulation of memorabilia that dots the walls of the beach-side restaurant owned by Walter and Rhonda Glosnak.

Additional insights into history will take place in next few days when old-time racing machines, drivers and nostalgia buffs will gather for a parade along the old course and to participate in ribbon-cutting ceremonies for a pair of commemorative plaques marking the north and south ends of the historic 4.1-mile sand and beach course.

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