Daytona Beach Bike Week is a 10-day long annual festival for motorcycle enthusiasts held throughout Volusia County, Florida. The festival features the Daytona 200 race. Originally a 3.2 mile-long road and beach course, in 1961 it was moved to the Daytona International Speedway. The rally has been known to attract a rough crowd, especially in the late 1960s, when a task force was set up to address what many locals perceived as a dangerous crowd.Official Bike Week Site: History of Bike Week (2009)
Timeline
- 1937: First bike week held
- Beach and road race won by Ed Kretz, Jr., at an average speed of 73 mph
- 1942: Event called off due to WWII
- 1947: Race resumed, promoted by Bill France, co-founder of NASCAR
- Record number of riders in race - 176
- 1948: New 4.1 mi beach-road course, located further south
- 1960: Last Daytona 200 to take place on beach-road course
- 1961: Course moved to Daytona International Speedway
- 2006: Record number of deaths - 20
References
Fast Facts
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Deemed the "World's Largest Motorcycle Event"Official Bike Week Site: History of Bike Week (2009)
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First Bike Week
January 24, 1937
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10-day festival
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Held annually, usually first week of March
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Held in Daytona Beach, Florida
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2006 had highest death toll at 20 people
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Festivities include live music, street vendors, parties and food
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Daytona 200 called "Handlebar Derby" in years before WWIIDaytona Bike Week: History of Daytona Bike Week
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Known to attract a rough crowd
