There are reports that stock car racing began in the early 1900's in Daytona Beach. A mechanic named William France, Sr. moved to Daytona Beach in 1935 from Washington, DC. He was familiar with the stock car stories of the area and decided to enter into the 1936 event in which he finished fifth. After his experience in stock car racing, he thought that other people might enjoy watching these races as well. From his brief stint in racing, he observed racers getting taken advantage of by unscrupulous promoters who didn't pay them. Read Story »