Florida Flashback: February 19

In our penultimate Florida Flashback for 2022, we look at Speedweeks memories from February 19. Whether it's compacts at Daytona, the birth of the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing as we know it, or an unforgettable Daytona 500, there is plenty to celebrate.

1961 - Did you know NASCAR had a compact division? Did you know that Lee Petty won one of those races at Daytona on the road course? Back in 1961, Petty took a compact ride to victory in a 49-lap race. Petty drove the number 44 in the race and beat Fireball Roberts and Tim Flock. Just a few days later, he was involved in the infamous crash with Johnny Beauchamp where both cars went out of the track in turn four.

THE THIRD TURN: 1961 NASCAR Compact Division at Daytona

1969 - Bobby Brack won the first Super Late Model race at New Smyrna Speedway (FL) when it officially became a series. All reports show that in 1968, the World Series was a single race or night. Brack had the first win, while Dave McInnis had two victories and Gary Balough scored his first ever win at the World Series.

THE THIRD TURN: 1969 World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing

1989 - In one of the most popular victories in the Daytona 500, Darrell Waltrip stretched his fuel in his Tide Monte Carlo number 17 to score his only win in the Daytona 500. Waltrip gave a memorable victory lane interview expressing his disbelief before celebrating with an Ickey Shuffle.

THE THIRD TURN: 1989 Daytona 500

1995 - Mark Kinser flashes to victory at St. Augustine Speedway (FL) in World of Outlaws action in 1995. Kinser had three wins at the track before it was paved before the 1997 season. This victory was his second of the week as he won a 20-lap a few nights before. Between the two races he led all 50 laps. The track would close in 2001.

THE THIRD TURN: 1995 World of Outlaws at St. Augustine Speedway