Daytona International Speedway might be a scoundrel of a surface for NASCAR's best and brighter drivers come race day, but few sites have the appeal - and the history - of the 101,500-seat coliseum, known more affably as the World Center of Racing.

It is said cathedrals exist all around us, if only we have the eyes to see them. To the average person along the coast of Florida, the sands of Daytona Beach may not hold much wonder beyond being standard granular material and a suitable host for sunshine activities.