NASCAR, one of America's favorite pastimes, got its start on Daytona Beach--"The World's Famous Beach." For decades people have flocked to Daytona's 23 miles of white sand not only for relaxation and spring breaks, but also for the racing action once offered on its hard-packed sand shore. Dozens of records were set on the beach during low tide before promoter Bill France Sr. organized the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing at the Streamline Hotel in 1947. From those humble beginnings years ago, France turned his vision of what NASCAR could become into the brand of racing known...

Daytona Beach, Florida, home of the world's greatest international speedway and a tourist haven, grew out of a small settlement established in 1876 and named in honor of its founder, Matthias Day. Located in Central Florida along the Halifax River, the Daytona Beach area developed after Day purchased Williams's Plantation, which was essentially destroyed during the 1836 Second Seminole War. Since that time, prominent and little-known individuals have created a unique city that is as visitor friendly as it is the ideal home for loyal residents. The striking images in this pictorial history...