While it’s true Daytona is usually given the credit for the speed records, much of the speed record efforts as well as future stock car events were actually run on Ormond Beach, a small beach side community just north of Daytona. This spot first attracted the interest of billionaire John D. Rockafeller who in turn lured a regular flow of millionaires that wanted to be associated with him and the community he cherished. They brought their families and their vehicles. They competed for glory.
On March 29, 1927 Great britain’s Major Henry Seagrave broke the 200 mile per hour barrier at Daytona in his Sunbeam Mystery S, dual engine machine. Year after year brand new competitors came from all across the globe in order to make their own mark. Several found success and fame, yet not one discovered more of both than England’s Sir Malcomb Campbell. He set five of his 11 World Speed records on Daytona Beach, where his greatest effort clocked him at 276.82 miles-per-hour in his Bluebird V on March 7, 1935. The actual Bluebird V is on exhibit at the Daytona 500 Experience situated at the Daytona International Speedway. (Since 2010 the museum, once opened to the public all year long, is only available for special attractions on a limited schedule).