Auto enthusiasts are beginning to flock to the greater Daytona Beach area today for a month and a half of auto racing. From the Stanley Steamer to the National American Stock Car Association, we'll have something for everyone.

Did you know that Ormond Beach, Florida is the "Official Birthplace of Speed"? It's true! 1903 was when racing began on the beaches of Ormond Beach for the "Ormond Challenge Cup." Winton "Bullet" driven by Alexander Winton raced The Olds "Pirate" owned by Ransom Olds driven by HT Thomas The race was "so exciting it is still discussed today" The "Bullet" managed to win by 1/5^th of a second. Thus began beach racing.

In 1906 Fred Marriot broke the land speed record on the beach at 127.659 mph in Ormond Beach in a Stanley Rocket Racer built by F. E. Stanley.. They re-enacted that race last year, and I missed it. I always forget about the race until I see the steam cars around town, their drivers in period costumes. It's such a neat thing to see.

Also Ormond Beach is home to John D. Rockefeller's winter home, The Casments. The Casements sit on the Halifax River and help to kick off "Speed Week" by hosting an antique car parade featuring the horseless carriage and Stanley Steamers.

Ah, but you say that's not til Jan 24^th, and today is Jan 4^th, how's that work? Well today thru Jan 6^th at the Daytona International Speedway they are testing for the ROLEX 24. If your in town and anywhere in the area of the Speedway, it is FREE to go watch them test (bring earplugs), and you never know who you may see if you are fortunate enough to go into the infield.. The Rolex is a 24 hour endurance race, each car has a team of 3 or 4 drivers, and there are a couple NASCAR drivers scheduled to race like Bobby Labonte and Tony Stewart, Paul Newman is usually around too. The cars of choice seems to be the Porsche Crawford, Lexus Riley, Pontiac Riley, Porsche GT3 Cup, a couple of Corvettes but just one Ferrari 360GT. The official race is January 27^th-January 28^th.

On January 12^th-14^th The Craftsmen Truck Series comes a knocking to test those lightning fast trucks on the Speedway. Those big boys are loud, if you go to watch them test or race, bring ear protection. I can hear them on the Daytona Beachside near the Ocean Center and Main Street during a race.

Then we have NASCAR Nextel Cup testing on Jan. 9^th-10^th, once again ~ it is FREE to go watch the drivers test their cars at the Speedway, And! Flash photography is allowed! All the big names will be here, and all the more experienced drivers are fan friendly. I've never met any of the "Young Guns" heck I don't even know if they are still called that. I've kind of lost interest in the race since it went to Nextel Cup, and lost certain drivers to retirement or death and so there are many rules now, I'm more old school Winston Cup.

On 1/20 -2/2 we have Indy Series testing, hey this is something new or at least I've never knew about! Maybe I can meet my idol Danica Patrick, man can that girl drive.

NASCAR Busch Series usually tests one or two weeks after the Big Boys do, but I can't find the dates, I'm finding all of last years info.

BOOGITY! BOOGITY! BOOGITY!

LETS GO RACING!!!!

Ya Gotta Love DW!