Rare Walk Through NASCAR History at Private Daytona Museum
NASCAR fans and racing enthusiasts alike may not be aware of the hidden gem tucked away in Daytona Beach, Florida. Behind inconspicuous signage and tinted glass doors lies the Daytona International Speedway Archive and Research Center, a private museum housing a remarkable collection of racing artifacts. While not open to the public, those lucky enough to enter this treasure trove are treated to a comprehensive journey through the rich history of racing at Daytona International Speedway and its surrounding area.
A Second Hall of Fame
Although the official NASCAR Hall of Fame is located in downtown Charlotte, North Carolina, the DIS Archive and Research Center can be considered a second hall of fame. It focuses specifically on Daytona Beach’s longstanding association with racing that predates NASCAR’s arrival. Daytona Beach is where Bill France Sr. founded NASCAR in 1947, where NASCAR’s headquarters remains, and where France built the iconic Daytona International Speedway in 1959. Over the years, the speedway has become one of the most iconic venues in all of motorsports.
A Vast Collection
Inside the archives center, visitors are greeted with an overwhelming collection of racing memorabilia. The shelves are filled with thousands of books, programs, magazines, and rulebooks. File cabinets house newspaper clippings, registration cards, business documents, and race records. Trophies line the shelves around the building, while an ever-changing display of historic cars rotates in and out of the garage area. One notable car on display during our visit was Richard Petty’s 1981 Daytona 500-winning car.
A Glimpse into History
During a recent tour of the archives, The Athletic had the opportunity to explore the incredible artifacts collected over the years. Some highlights stood out from the rest. One notable exhibit was a near-exact recreation of Bill France Sr.’s office. Complete with wood-paneled walls adorned with family photos and awards, the office includes France’s authentic desk, chair, and couch. A turquoise rotary phone, an ashtray, and pens and pencils that France used are all on display. The level of detail in recreating the office brought tears to the eyes of a long-time DIS employee and was described as “perfect” by Jim France, Bill France Sr.’s son and current NASCAR CEO.
Preserving the Past
At the end of the main hall, visitors will find a double-doored vault. Inside, a climate-controlled walk-in vault houses the center’s film archives and photo negatives. From reels to VHS tapes, DVDs, and now digital servers, this impressive collection contains copies of televised NASCAR races dating back to before 2003. The exact value of this collection is indeterminable due to its immense scope.
Evolving Rulebooks
One fascinating exhibit showcases the evolution of NASCAR’s rulebooks. Starting with a sparse two-page pamphlet in 1949, the rulebooks have expanded over the years to accommodate technological advances and close any discovered loopholes. The last published rulebook in 2014 totaled 208 pages, highlighting just how far NASCAR has come in its 76 years of existence.
A Piece of History
Amongst the artifacts at the archives center are three original workbenches from the first garages built at Daytona International Speedway. Unfortunately, most of these workbenches were disassembled and discarded in 2004. However, one remains at the archive center, with the other two held by Jim France and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. While it is unknown who specifically used these workbenches, their presence provides a tangible connection to the legends who spent time in DIS’ garages.
A Surprising Addition
The DIS Archive and Research Center does not shy away from acknowledging the less glamorous aspects of racing history. Amongst its collection of motorsports periodicals, the center includes a series of NASCAR-themed romance novels from the mid-2000s. These novels, with titles like “Peak Performance” and “In High Gear,” serve as a reminder of NASCAR’s popularity during that time and add an unexpected touch to the museum’s diverse collection.
A History Lesson Like No Other
The Daytona International Speedway Archive and Research Center offers a unique and immersive history lesson for racing enthusiasts. From the meticulously recreated office of Bill France Sr. to the vast collection of memorabilia, this private museum provides a rare glimpse into NASCAR’s past. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply curious about racing history, this hidden gem in Daytona Beach is a must-visit for any motorsports enthusiast.