Today in Florida history... February 22nd, 1959 The first "Daytona 500" race, with a purse of $19,000, was won today by Lee Petty of Randleman, N.C. Petty averaged 135.42 mph in his 1959 Oldsmobile. Johnny Beauchamp of Harlan, Iowa, finished second in a 1959 Ford Thunderbird. Petty's win was disputed as the two men finished neck-and-neck in a photo finish. Photos/Video Photos:  ...