Daytona Speedweek History

The first Daytona 500 ran in 1959. It can be traced back to 1903, when some enthusiasts thought that Ormond Beach would be the perfect racetrack due to the hard-packed sands. The level surface seemed like the ideal place to test their machines. The venue gained popularity and became what is now known as Speed Week at Daytona.

The founder of NASCAR, "Big Bill" France, moved to Daytona in 1934 from Washington D.C. Trained as a mechanic, France's vision was the future of racing. He had the foresight to capitalize on the popularity of the sport and organized it into a veritable asphalt goldmine.

France organized the small races, that were occurring throughout the Southeastern states, when he announced plans to build Daytona Motor Speedway in 1955. The first Daytona 500 was run 5 years later.

The track was repaved this year for only the second time in it's history! It should make for an exciting season at the track. Come see for yourself!

We still have a few rooms available! Give us a call at 386-423-4940 or visit us on the web at http://www.nightswan.com.

Hope to see you soon!

Martha

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New Smyrna Beach Bed and Breakfast Recipe Bonus

Well, we were asked by one of our guests, so nicely, to publish a recipe that we are skipping protocol and adding another one for January!

Night Swan Intracoastal Bed & Breakfast Egg & Cheese Bake

EGG AND CHEESE BAKE

Makes 1 8x8 pan

325 F. 1 hr

1 1/4 cup egg-white

5/8 cup skim milk

1 teaspoon sugar

8 oz. light Monterey Jack, grated

2 oz. light cream cheese, cubed

8oz. non-fat small curd cottage cheese

2 tablespoons margarine

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Beat together eggs, milk, and sugar. Add the cheeses and margarine. Mix well (5 minutes), then add the flour and baking powder. Mix for a short time. Pour into a greased (Pam) 8x8 inch glass baking dish. Bake in a 325 degree oven for 60 minutes or until knife inserted in the center comes out clean. This may be made ahead of time and refrigerated. Let stand 10 minutes. Serves 4-5.

ENJOY!!!

Hope to see you soon!

Martha

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Daytona Speedweek 2011 Racing News

Hey race fans! You don't have to wait until February to get your fix! There is lots of activity at the track this month. We are ready to deal on a room rate, so beat the crowds and catch the action! Stay with us at the Night Swan Intracoastal Bed & Breakfast in New Smyrna Beach, enjoy our friendly town, then head to the track.



2011 NASCAR Preseason Thunder At Daytona

• Sprint Cup Series Teams To Receive First Taste Of New Racing Surface On Jan. 20-22;

• NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fest Coincides On Jan. 21-22

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Daytona International Speedway’s new racing surface will receive its NASCAR christening in January, during a three-day NASCAR Sprint Cup Series test.
The session, known as NASCAR Preseason Thunder, is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 20 through Saturday, Jan. 22. Sunday, Jan. 23 is the rain date.

The 2011 edition of NASCAR Preseason Thunder will help teams acclimate to the new pavement, plus speed their preparation for the 53rd Daytona 500 on Feb. 20 – the series’ traditional season-opener. The repaving project – only the second in track history and first since 1978 – began immediately after the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event on July 3. “This allows everyone an equal opportunity to work on their setups and get everything in order leading up to Speedweeks and the running of the Daytona 500,” said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition. “Additionally, it gives the teams the chance to get accustomed to the new pit road and the added run-off areas on the backstretch. We’re excited about the new surface and believe it will only enhance the racing experience at Daytona.”

• All NASCAR Preseason Thunder sessions begin at 9 a.m. and end at 5 p.m., weather permitting. Each includes a lunch break from noon until 1 p.m.

Fans seeking to rev up their new year can do so at the NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fest at Daytona – the companion event to the January test. Along with watching NASCAR Preseason Thunder track activity from Daytona’s Sprint FANZONE, fans can enjoy two Fan Fest sessions – from 5-9 p.m., on Friday, Jan. 21 and from 5-7 p.m., on Saturday, Jan. 22.

Driver question-and-answer and autograph sessions are planned. Tickets for the NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fest are $20. Autograph session wristbands will be available at a later date. Fans that purchase NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fest tickets early will receive the first opportunity at securing those wristbands. Fans also can watch each day’s testing at no cost from a section of the Oldfield Grandstands. “We’re looking forward to welcoming the stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series to our new racing surface in January,” said Joie Chitwood, Daytona International Speedway president. “NASCAR Preseason Thunder will be an important test session for all teams as they acquire data from their first laps on the new asphalt at Daytona.
“The test is also going to serve as a great opportunity for fans to interact with their favorite drivers in advance of Speedweeks 2011 and the 53rd annual Daytona 500.”

Teams from the NASCAR Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series are expected to receive extra practice time during Speedweeks 2011 to get acclimated to the track’s new surface.

• The Roar Before The Rolex 24, the tune-up session for the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series teams in advance of the 49th running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona, is set for Jan. 7-9. Tickets are $15 for the Roar Before The Rolex 24.

Tickets for both the NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fests and the Roar Before The Rolex 24 are available online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Give us a call and let us help you make your race season plans!

Hope to see you soon!

Martha

Make sure to click below to "FOLLOW" our blog. http://www.nightswan.com