The International Motor Contest Association (IMCA) hosted a stock car race at Plant Field in Tampa, Florida on February 4, 1951. The 100-mile, 200-lap race was the featured event during the Florida State Fair.
Plant Field was the first sizable sports facility in Tampa. It was named for Henry Plant, an industrialist who owned railroads, hotels and other business interests. About 32 years before the IMCA race, the legendary Babe Ruth slapped a 500+ feet home run. I'm guessing the record still stands. Maybe it still does - or doesn't. I'm not sure because I'm not a baseball guy, so I really have nothing more to add other than "HOLY COW! 500 ft IS A FRIGGIN' LONG WAY AWAY!" - From FloridaTraveler.com.
I don't know the starting line-up. But Frank Luptow was seemingly in command of the race as it got well under way. Then Luptow ... with a nine-lap lead ... had issues with his fuel system. After an extended pit stop to make the repair, Speed Thompson soldiered around, made up this laps and claimed the win. Eddie Anderson finished 2nd, and Luptow fell all the way back to 3rd. - From St. Petersburg Times
Sadly, Luptow was killed about 18 months later in an accident during the September 21, 1952 AAA stock car race at Lakewood Speedway near Atlanta. Article from St. Petersburg Times
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Schaefer: It's not just for racing anymore.
updated by @tmc-chase: 12/05/16 04:00:58PM