AT A GLANCE:
WHAT: 9th Annual Historic North Turn Legends Parade
WHERE: 4511 South Atlantic Avenue, Ponce Inlet
WHEN: February 8, 2020
COST: FREE
Come to “Where It All Began” and experience Daytona Beach’s powerful racing legacy. The 9th Annual Historic North Turn Legends Parade pays homage to Daytona Beach’s iconic contribution to auto-racing history — and it all takes place nine days’ prior to the year’s preeminent NASCAR event: the DAYTONA 500.
Going to see the parade is a rite of passage for racing enthusiasts — or really, anyone who enjoys history or old cars in general! The parade is the perfect way to set the tone for DAYTONA Speedweeks, which all culminates in the 62nd running of the “Great American Race.” This event is a unique way to discover Daytona Beach’s past (in the very spot where NASCAR is rooted!) and see the stars of today — and all in one trip to the area!
At this parade, the cars move with a lot less velocity than those at the Speedway. The parade honors racing legends and their fierce racing machines on Daytona’s famed beach course by admitting as parade vehicles only vintage cars made between 1936 and 1958. Each car must be an original or a replica with a number on it.
For many, this parade has become an important tradition for kicking off DAYTONA Speedweeks. The inaugural parade was held on February 18, 2012, to honor the years of NASCAR’s historic beach racing day. And now, the parade is a cooperative effort with Volusia County, the Town of Ponce Inlet and Racing’s North Turn Beach Bar & Grille.
You’re likely aware that Daytona Beach is known for its need for car racing, but did you know that stock car racing became a regular pastime along the hard-packed beaches of Daytona Beach as far back as the beginning of the 20th century? The races were held on the sands of the beach and A1A between the North Turn and the South Turn in Ponce Inlet between the years 1948 and 1958.
Motivated by the popularity of the beach and road races in the area, Bill France, Sr. founded NASCAR in 1947 and built the “World Center of Racing,” Daytona International Speedway, in 1959. Since then, the pursuit of speed has carried on. In fact, the Speedway recently underwent a major renovation — so you can enjoy the DAYTONA Speedweeks events and races in even more comfort and enjoy world-class amenities.
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip for DAYTONA Speedweeks and DAYTONA 500 now!
