The inaugural 1959 Daytona 500, contested at Daytona International Speedway, marked one of the most significant events in NASCAR history as 41,921 fans watched a diverse 59-car field of both hardtops and convertibles tackle the brand-new 2.5-mile superspeedway for the first running of what would become stock car racing’s premier event. Bob Welborn earned the pole position after winning the 100-mile hardtop qualifying race on February 20, while Shorty Rollins captured the convertible qualifier and started second. The race itself was run at a blistering pace with no caution flags, producing 33 lead changes among seven drivers and an average speed of 135.521 mph.
The finish created one of the greatest controversies in motorsports history when Johnny Beauchamp crossed the line alongside Lee Petty in an incredibly close finish. Beauchamp was initially declared the winner and celebrated in victory lane while NASCAR officials reviewed photographs and race film. After more than three days of examination, officials reversed the original decision and declared Petty the winner by a margin of just two feet. Petty and Beauchamp were the only two drivers to finish on the lead lap. Charley Griffith finished third, followed by Cotton Owens in fourth and Joe Weatherly in fifth. Petty earned $19,050 for the historic victory, forever linking the inaugural Daytona 500 with one of the most dramatic and disputed finishes in racing history.
