Each February the Daytona 500 marks the start of the NASCAR season and we’re kind of excited to watch it. With everything happening in the world, racing makes us happy these days, no matter the type. Maybe it was all of the cool personalities, the neat drivers, the crafty crew chiefs. Maybe it was all of the different cars, the different engines, the complete and utter lack of aerodynamics, and the still fresh look of the Daytona International Speedway. Maybe it was something else, but we do know that this video kept us glued to our computer whereas the modern race had us looking for excuses to bail out on the coverage.
One of the most incredible stories from the 1963 event centers around the eventual winner, Tiny Lund. Lund had saved the life of Marvin Panch a week before after Panch rolled a sports car over and was trapped inside the burning hulk. The beefy Lund pulled his race car over and dragged Panch to safety. Unable to drive the car in the 500, he suggested to the Wood brothers that Lund drive. Tiny had been racing for 18 years and had not notched a victory to that point. It all rightfully changed on this day in ’63.
This was a different world, 57 years ago. The cars were brutes, the drivers were awesome, and the crew chiefs were all trying to out cheat each other with straight faces. You’ll dig this trip back a half century in time. We guarantee it!
These were real MEN driving real cars. Not cute little boys who earned their rides because of their sponsor marketing potential or those who bought their rides with family fortunes.
no power steering no fancy brakes no aero no bull crap just real men and real racing . we don need no stinkin stage weens