January 13, 2022 – 1979 Daytona 500

Happy throwback Thursday! Today we’re spotlighting the year 1979. That year was the first time the Daytona 500 (or any 500 mile race, for that matter) was broadcast in its entirety on TV. Back then, races were usually aired on tape delay on the day they were run, and they were often broadcasting starting with the final half or quarter of the race. It was held on February 18, 1979. The timing couldn’t have been better – there was a huge snowstorm in the Northeast and Midwest, which increased viewership of the event. There was also a car crash and fight at the end of the race, which became water-cooler fodder the next day. Many people consider the 1979 Daytona 500 the most important race in stock car history. Learn more here.