The 127 mile Modified-Sportsman Race was held on the 4.1 mile long Beach-Road Course on February 24th, 1956. Tim Flock won the pole for the event with a speed of 137.405 over the measured beach run. Joe Lee Johnson had the second fastest time. Flock jumped out to an early lead in the field of 70 plus cars. The actual number of starters is not certain, but there were only 70 official finishers. Tim Flock ended up leading the entire 31-lap race including the 36 seconds he lost for a 24-lap pit stop when his car ran out of gas. Flock from Atlanta, GA finished 7.2 miles ahead of Glen Wood’s second place Sportsman Ford. The local newspapers called Flock “America’s
#1 Back Seat Driver”. The Joe Wolf prepared Modified 1939 Chevrolet Coupe “#47-A” had the engine (and drivers seat) set back at least 26”. To the 12,000 fans, it looked like there was no one driving the winning coupe. Flock won $1525 for the victory.(Note-view Full-size to enlarge)
From February 25, 1956 Daytona Beach Morning Journal
From Bill Rankin's collection
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