Several years before the formation of NASCAR, promoter Bill France Sr promoted races in central Florida among other places. Yes, most are familiar with those races that ran on the beach and A1A course. But France and Charlie Reese also promoted an event on December 1, 1940 at the Volusia County Fairgrounds half-mile dirt track in DeLand, Florida.
The day of racing was advertised as 135 laps - but that was the planned TOTAL amount of laps. The schedule was comprised of a:
- 10 lap helmet dash (not sure what that was)
- 25 lap consolation race
- 100 main feature
A 25-lap race for college and high school aged drivers was also planned - though I'm uncertain if it happened. If it did, the lap count wasn't included in the 135 laps advertised distance.
Big Bill was not only the promoter but also a participant. He led much of the race until the dusty air affected the outcome. Unable to see clearly, he clobbered the fence, went through it, and overturned before coming to a stop. Remarkably, he climbed from his car and then took over the PA duties for the remainder of the event.
Georgia's young Lloyd Seay took over the top spot and continued to the win in the dust-shortened main feature. Rival driver Roy Hall was also expected to race in the event, but I haven't been able to determine if he did.
Buck Mathis finished second with Curtis McMillan in third.
--
Schaefer: It's not just for racing anymore.
updated by @tmc-chase: 12/05/16 04:00:58PM
