International Speedway Corporation (isc) history

By 1955, France's dream of a modern speedway facility in Daytona began to take shape when he entered into negotiations with the Daytona Beach Racing and Recreational Facilities Authority to construct and operate a $2.5 million motorsports arena.

In November of 1957, the Daytona Beach Racing and Recreational Facilities Authority signed an agreement with France and his Daytona International Speedway Corporation to lease the property indefinitely.

With much fanfare and publicity, the Daytona International Speedway hosted its inaugural race on February 22, 1959.

The last motorcycle race on Daytona Beach was held in 1960; one year later it was moved to the Speedway, with Roger Reiman winning the first Daytona 200 on a Harley-Davidson.

In 1962, Dan Gurney won the first Daytona Continental Sports Car Race in a Lotus Ford.

The company officially adopted the International Speedway Corporation (ISC) moniker in 1968.

Darlington Raceway in South Carolina was purchased in 1982, and Tucson Raceway in Arizona also was acquired.

In addition, management decided to acquire a 50 percent interest in Watkins Glen International Road Course in New York in 1983.

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan was the Grand Marshal for the NASCAR Winston Cup Race, won by Richard Petty.

Also responsible for providing catering services to corporate customers in suites at these facilities, in 1995 Americrown expanded its services to other unaffiliated sporting events, such as the LPGA championships.

In 1997, it acquired the remaining shares of Watkins Glen International and Phoenix International Raceway.

"International Speedway Expands," Wall Street Journal, December 2, 1999.

In 2003, Nextel Communications Inc. usurped Winston's 32-year position as the sponsor of NASCAR's premier racing series.