7/2/1959
Record updated
Daytona International Speedway was formally opened.
13 cars were on hand for the first Grand National and Convertible qualifying round, but 6 failed tech inspection. "Fireball" Roberts turned in a speed of 140.581 mph in a Pontiac to earn the pole for the 100 mile Grand National qualifying race. Marvin Panch ran 128.810 mph in a Ford to pace the two convertibles that timed in.