Richie Evans 2/15/80  

I was there... 

The modified even was run on Friday of Speedweeks, which also included the IROC race, and I think one year included a non qualifiers race for the cup cars, even though no one transferred to the Sunday's 500 starting field which was kind of strange.

Friday was never as crowded as Thursday or Sunday, but I always enjoyed being there as it was a lot easier getting in and out of the track, and more comfortable to be in the stands.

When the modifieds first went to Daytona, they ran on the road course which resulted in quite a few strange looking creations.  When they moved them to the tri-oval, I remember the pole winner for the modifieds being faster than the pole winner for the 500 on at least one ocassion, which probably didn't make those in charge of the big Sunday show very happy as it kind of made the cup cars look slow compared to the modifieds.

Thanks for posting Jack - Was the picture of Richie coming taken off of turn 4 headed toward the start finish line, or was it between the start finish line and turn one?