WHERE IN AMERICA ARE YOU?
by Randy Karr

The name of the southern city you are visiting is synonymous with speed and racing. Auto pioneer, Ransom E Olds, made the first timed run on this city’s 500-foot wide beach. Between 1905 and 1935, 15 land speed records were set here. While high speed racing on the hard packed sand is now prohibited, 10-miles per hour low speed cruising is not. You are looking at the finish line of an international speedway that is the successor to these beach races. Located eight miles inshore, this track hosts The Great America Race, one of stock car racing’s most prestigious events. In 2008, NASCAR will celebrate 50 years of racing at this track, long considered the epicenter of the sport. Avid race fans will recall that of the 32 NASCAR drivers killed while racing, 10 died at this speedway, including Dale Earnhardt, who, on the last turn of the final lap, was killed in a crash. What will also be recalled is this track holds the record for most cars crashing at one time - a 38-car pileup. Where in America are you, anyway? Name the city where, in February, NASCAR begins its racing season.

Click on the photo to reveal the answer.

©2008 Randy Karr