A mere three days before the green flag waves over the most historic race in the history of NASCAR, the DAYTONA 500 Experience welcomed two new DAYTONA 500 champions into its Past Champions Walk of Fame today, including seven-time race winner Richard Petty. Arguably the sport’s most successful driver, Petty captured his handprints, right foot and signature in a cement block to be displayed in the Goodyear Heritage section of the Experience.

The 50th Running of the DAYTONA 500 will honor the achievements of the drivers who have been fortunate enough to capture its checkered flag over the past 49 years, but the race will also showcase the future of the biggest, richest, and most prestigious stock car race in the world. For the first time in its history, the winner of the 50th Running of the DAYTONA 500 will participate in a new Victory Lane tradition, casting his prints in concrete. The ceremony is expected to rival that of other “hallowed” sporting event traditions such as the garland of roses at Indy or the green jacket bestowed upon The Masters’ champion.

“Today we honor two of the most recognizable legends of NASCAR for their achievements on the race track and also in life,” said Robin Braig, president for Daytona International Speedway.  “By inducting these ‘Legends of NASCAR’ into the DAYTONA 500 Experience Champions Walk of Fame, we’re ensuring their legacy will forever remain a chapter in the great history of the DAYTONA 500.”

Joining Petty in the induction was 1989 DAYTONA 500 winner Darrell Waltrip, who also gave his right footprint to be added to the legendary cement blocks. By casting their footprints and signatures into concrete slabs, these legends of NASACAR cement their place in NASCAR lore as members of an elite group – Champions of the DAYTONA 500.

 About DIS

Daytona International Speedway is the home of the "Great American Race" -- the DAYTONA 500 -- NASCAR's biggest, richest and most prestigious race in America and NASCAR's Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola -- The Mid-Summer Spectacular under the lights.  Daytona boasts the most diverse schedule of racing on the globe -- from stock cars, sports cars, go karts and motorcycles -- earning it the title of "The World Center of Racing." For more information, visit www.DAYTONA500.com.