Racing North Turn Restaurant in Daytona Beach, Florida

Eating at a nice beach front restaurant can be done anywhere in the world. But when you bring elements of history, racing, seafood and beach that is when the dining experience truly comes to life. And that is exactly what eating at Racing North Turn restaurant in Daytona Beach Florida is all about.

Another great option to eat in Daytona Beach is at Crabby Joe’s, I have an amazing review that you can take a look at! And if you enjoy beach front a good to stay in Daytona Beach is at Hyatt, an incredible beach front hotel.

Related Read: Sailfish Marina Restaurant 

So Many Restaurants in Daytona Beach – Why Racing North Turn

• The restaurant is located right where history of car racing began in Daytona Beach.

• The races took place on the beach from 1936 until World War II and then continued with the first Grand National Race in 1948 until 1959.

• As of February 15, 2007, the Ponce Inlet Historic & Archaeological Preservation Board announced that Racing’s North Turn will be recognized as a Historic Landmark.

• It is quite common for some of today’s famous drivers to take a seat at the bar  – unfortunately didn’t happen on our visit.

• They are proud to exhibit an extensive photo library, with many photos donated by some of the most famous race car drivers and bike racers in history.

• The photo library was renovated in 2012 and it is now larger than ever.

• And don’t forget the food

• But the location for me is just as important as the cool history and background

History of Car Racing on Daytona Beach

• Races started on this beach on 1902, but became popular across the country until the early 1930’s.

• The lap length in early events was 3.2 miles (5.1 km), and it was lengthened to 4.2 miles (6.8 km) in the late 1940s.

• It hosted land speed record attempts beginning in 1904, when William K. Vanderbilt set an unofficial record of 92.307 mph (148.554 km/h).

• Washington D.C. resident Bill France Sr. was familiar with the history of Daytona. He moved there in 1935 to escape the Great Depression and he set up a car repair shop.

• On March 8, 1936, the first stock car race was held on the Daytona Beach Road Course, located in the present-day Town of Ponce Inlet. But it wasn’t making money.

• France Sr. took over the job of running the course in 1938.

• But World War II came and Bill France had to spend it working at the Daytona Boat Works. Most racing stopped until after the war. Car racing returned to the track in 1946.

• France St. founded NASCAR in 1948. This marked the end of the races on the beach. The World Center of Racing, Daytona International Speedway was built in 1959.

More Fun Facts That Need to Be Shared

• Land speed racers from Barney Oldfield to Henry Seagrave to Malcolm Campbell would visit Daytona repeatedly and make the 23 mi (37 km) beach course famous.

• Cars are still allowed to go through the beach, but no faster than 16km/h.

• 15 world records were set here.

• The course was featured in the video game “NASCAR Thunder 2004”.

Video Fun

Information for Racing North Turn

Hours: Mon – Fri opens at 11am; On Sat – Sun opens at 8am; Live Music every Night.

Address: 4511 S. Atlantic Ave. Ponce Inlet, FL. 32127

Phone: 386.322.3258

Price: Between $6 and $22