The 1957 NASCAR Grand National race at the Daytona Beach and Road Course was a landmark event in the sport’s early evolution, contested over 160 miles on the 4.1-mile beach-and-road circuit. A full field of 57 cars started the race in front of an estimated 35,000 spectators, with Banjo Matthews claiming the pole position. The race itself was dominated by Cotton Owens, who led 30 of the 39 laps to earn his first Grand National victory—and Pontiac’s first win in the series—collecting $4,250. Johnny Beauchamp finished second almost a minute behind, followed by Fonty Flock in third, Buck Baker in fourth, and Marvin Panch rounding out the top five. The event was also notable for its speed, as Owens averaged just over 100 mph, underscoring the rapid advancements in stock car racing during the late 1950s.
