Starting Line

FIRST START, PHOTO FINISH
The inaugural Daytona 500, in 1959, ended in a dash to the checkered flag between Lee Petty (42) and Johnny Beauchamp that was too close to call. Though NASCAR deemed the finish unofficial, Beauchamp celebrated his "win" in Victory Lane. About 60 hours later officials ruled that Petty had won.

WING AND A PRAYER
Sporting a towering tail wing, little-known Massachusetts driver Pete Hamilton and his Plymouth Superbird flew to victory in the 1970 Daytona 500. In '71 many variables, including engine restrictions, forced car owners to shelve the winged car (only one ran in the '71 race), ending its short but successful run.

HARVICKTORIOUS!
Amid a shower of confetti and beverages, Kevin Harvick stood atop NASCAR after the '07 Daytona 500. In seventh place on the last lap, Harvick swung his Chevy to the outside and, with 200 yards to go, nosed past Mark Martin in the closest 500 finish since computerized scoring began in 1993.