Photo Time...1957 Daytona

[Joseph T.]

Now that we are approaching the 50th Anniversary of Fuel Injection!

I thought some would like to see my car at Daytona..February 1957.

This car was built Nov.12th..my birthday!

NASCAR's Inaugaral Sports Car Race!

1st in Class..driven by Paul Goldsmith.

4th overall..behind Caroll Shelby, Marvin Panch and Lance Reventlo..all top 4 cars were 1st in their class.

The car still has the original Chevrolet Engineering Engine and the original prototype Fuel Injection...that introduced Fuel Injection at the Nassau, Bahama's Governors Trophy Race in Dec. 1956.

As featured in Corvette News Vol.1 #1

Joe Trybulec

[Robert S.]

Re: Photo Time...1957 Daytona

Wow, great picture Joe! That doesn't look like the beach. Did they already move inland in 1957?

Thanks for sharing,
Bob

[Joseph T.]

Re: Photo Time...1957 Daytona

In 1957..the standing and flying mile runs were done on the beach. The NASCAR Grand National Race ( full size cars )was also held on the old beach course.

In February 1957..NASCAR held the inaugaral Sports Car race..at near by New Smyrna airport.

A number of private entry Corvettes were entered including Don Yenko. Ed Cole was eager to maintain the momemtum of his Corvette program..and sent over Paul Goldsmith and the Fuel Injected Nassau car..to make sure of a good result.

Paul Goldsmith would have won the Grand National race on the beach course that same week in the Fuel Injected 57 Chevy but burned a piston late in the race. Paul Goldsmith was partners with Smokey Yunick at that time...and both worked for Ed Cole.

Paul Goldsmith came back and won the Grand National beach race in 1958 the final year of the Beach races.

The Daytona Speedway was opened in 1959.

Both Goldsmith and Marvin Panch who raced each other at New Smyrna Corvette and Thunderbird..went on to each win the Daytona 500 at the new Speedway.

Caroll Shelby retired early with heart trouble.

Joe