A different viewpoint
Automotive history means a lot to me. I love it! I’ve had the chance to meet most of the significant players in the automotive and racing world that have had an effect in at least the last 70 years. You probably know that my dad and uncles, were deeply involved in racing of all types since before World War II. When it comes to stock car racing, they were involved with it well before the formation of NASCAR.
They started with sponsoring cars and teams before the formation of NASCAR. Then becoming the first sponsors in NASCAR with numerous photos documenting their presence and participation. In addition, they created the first team uniforms in the history of NASCAR when they paid for the creation of over 500 shirts for almost every driver and crewmember in the inagural 1950 Southern 500. This was NASCAR’s first super speedway race and also the first 500 mile race for stock car racing, which was held at Darlington race track in Darlington, South Carolina. (I hope to tell the shirt story in an upcoming Weblog) The only teams that did not wear their shirts, were those of the Fabulous Hudson Hornets. They were sponsord by PURE Oil, a somewhat competitor at that time to my dad and uncles. These shirts can be seen in many of the photos of the early NASCAR heros, like the Flock Brothers; Fonty Bob & Tim, Red Vogt, Lee Petty, Buck Baker, Ed Samples, Joe Eubanks, Rex White, Buckshot Morris, Herb Thomas, Johnny Thompson, Frank Mundy, Johnny Mantz, Buddy Shuman, Red Byron, Curtis Turner, Fireball Roberts, Jack Smith, and numerous others.
I guess after reading the above, I really shouldn’t have to say that I am a supporter of stock car racing and most that comes with it. That’s why when I voice my observations below; it is with the respect of the tremendous history that my family has with NASCAR and the sport of stock car racing.
When it comes to discussing the significance of the Daytona 500, it should be pretty obvious that the Daytona 500 is one of a few truly significant events in the world of auto racing that is known the world over. While Bill France is given a lot of credit for things in NASCAR that maybe others were responsible for, when it comes to putting his future on the line in the building of the Daytona Motor Speedway, he deserves the credit for his guts and vision and drive to build this monument to stock car racing. Similar to Walt Disney and his roll-of-the-dice when building Disneyland, both projects are part of what defined the men behind them.
A lot is said about the siginificance of winning the Daytona 500 for a stock car competitor. This has now expanded into the siginifcance of winning the Daytona 500 for race drivers in general. So much so, that similar to the old adage of retired race drivers “The older we get, the faster we went”. Much said about Daytona now exceeds the realistic belief of any educated racing competitor, serious race fan or historian. Some in the media have stretched the siginificance of winning the Daytona 500 way beyond reason and now put it into an area where its image starts to border on the absurd.
What exactly am I talking about? In specific, two statements made in NASCAR ILLUSTRATED’s March 2008 issue. The article titled, THE MAIN EVENT, which talks about the significance of the 50th anniversary of the Daytona 500, states in its subhead, “Nothing comes close to matching the Daytona 500’s 50-year run” (page 60). This statement goes up against almost 100 years of the Indy 500, the over 80 years of the 24 Hours of LeMans, or the almost 80 year history of the Monaco Grand Prix. This statement put in another context would be similar to saying “Nothing comes close to matching the construction of the Empire State Building”. You would have to ask, "What about the pyramids of Egypt, the Great Wall of China or a number of other milestone feats of construction by man".
In this article, a caption for the Harley J. Earl Trophy that is presented to each Daytona 500 winner states, “For a driver, nothing compares to having your name added to the Harley J. Earl trophy” (page 64). Again, winning the Daytona 500 is a major milestone for any driver and as stated above one of the few races that is recognized around the world. But if you were to ask Mario Andretti or A.J. Foyt if nothing else in there driving career compares to winning the Daytona 500 (they both are winners), it shouldn’t shock you if they didn’t agree with this. After all they are both Indy 500 winners (A.J. with 4, Mario with 1), and Mario is a World Formula 1 champion (1 of 2 American’s to do this) and A.J. is the winner of the 24 hours of LeMans to just begin to scratch the surface of records in their amazing careers.
So what’s the point? The point is excessive hyperbole and gross exageration is not necessary to bolster stock car racing and the siginificance of the Daytona 500. What matters is what happens on the track. If the racing is bad, hollow claims will not prop up the events or race series. If the racing is good, people will come and have a great time sharing in the experience.
And by the way, Darlington, NASCAR’s first superspeedway track and home to the Southern 500 which was NASCAR’s first significant pavement race celebrated its 50th year back in 1999. Of course, this race ended a few years later due to NASCAR’s removal of its date to Southern California. A situation that still grates both the competitors and fans that really care about stock car racing and feel you shouldn’t touch or mess with its rich history.
As my friend Ed Pink, the engine builder once said about a situations like this, “Ed, those who matter know, and those that don’t know, don’t matter”.
Which are you?
Copyright MMVIII Ed Justice, Jr.