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For racing enthusiasts, one of the yearly events in Daytona Beach is no other than the Historic North Turn Beach Parade.
The Historic North Turn Beach Parade is a collaborative effort between Volusia County and the Town of Ponce Inlet to commemorate the rich beach racing history. The parade is held every year on the road/beach course, eight days before the Daytona 500.
As one of the anticipated yearly events by fans, the parade will start at 4511 S. Atlantic Avenue and move along the beach and finish on the sand.
Historic North Turn Beach Parade throughout the years
The first parade was held on February 18, 2012, to commemorate the years of NASCAR’s historic beach racing day.
The rebirth of the Historic North Turn Beach Parade was made possible thru the efforts of Walt and Rhonda Glasnak, who own the Racing’s North Turn Restaurant. The restaurant is a must-visit spot for race fans. There is a mini-racing museum inside the restaurant with hundreds of photos of nearly every driver who competed on the “Sands of Daytona”. Aside from the photos, there are also cars and various items used in the racing.
The parade is celebrated every year, eight days before the running of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Walt and Rhonda Glasnak along with Dargan Watts and dozen others collaborate to organize the yearly event.
In 2020, the event attracted more than 30,000 spectators and the crowd reached up to 6,500 despite the COVID-19 crisis. Although it is a one-day event, several car owners, drivers, and spectators remain for several days. The event is sponsored by the Town of Ponce Inlet, Volusia County, and the Racing’s North Turn Restaurant.
The 5th annual Historic North Turn Beach Parade
For the 5th annual Historic North Turn Racing Legends Beach/Road Course Parade on February 13, it will return to the exact race track that was used by the veteran drivers up until the Daytona International Speedway opened its doors in 1959. Drivers must be in cars that were manufactured before 1959 and should have numbers displayed on the sides like what it was in the early days.
Fans line both sides of South Atlantic Avenue to witness the start of the parade at 4511 S. Atlantic Ave and make their way to the beach to see the finish on the sand. Cars and drivers from 12 states have participated in the parade.
The 10th annual Historic North Turn Beach Parade
On the 10th annual Historic North Turn Beach Parade on February 6, 2021, more than 40 vintage race cars were on display in Ponce Inlet.
During the event, the classic cars gathered on the beach between the North Turn beach and Winterhaven Park. After a flyover and the national anthem, the cars moved north from the beach to South Atlantic Avenue. The cars traveled south, moving through the beach via the Beach Street ramp, and proceeded north on the beach to complete their lap and exit at the North Turn beach.
Those who attended the event were encouraged to park at Toronita Avenue Beachfront Park. Voltran Transportation buses provided shuttle service to passengers at the parking lot and took them to the parade route and shuttled them back to the parking area after the parade.
Final thoughts
If you want to take part in the legendary parade on the sand “where it all began”, the yearly Historic North Turn Beach Parade is a must-see event for race fans out there.
Get ready for the next Historic North Turn Beach Parade in 2022. Make the necessary preparations to make your visit truly worthwhile by checking out the best Daytona Beach hotels. These hotels boast superior accommodations, services, and amenities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable at the same time.
Stay updated with the upcoming parade next year here. Do not miss out on the Historic North Turn Beach Parade on February 12, 2022. 
