7/2/1959

Record updated

Daytona International Speedway was formally opened.

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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.

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