Racing Champions Lee Petty 1955 Chrysler 300

Tomorrow is the Daytona 500.  It's a good time to reflect on how far NASCAR has come over the years.  This is a Racing Champions 1:64 rendition of the 1955 Chrysler 300 driven by NASCAR's original superstar Lee Petty.  This shot was taken near an office park in suburban Atlanta.  It's a good looking car that looks beautiful at night.

Racing Champions #42 Lee Petty Chrysler 300

Of course, a static display of a model of an old race car isn't enough.  You've got to see how it moves.  Fortunately, that can be arranged.  Here is the same car driven to victory in a NASCAR race in Plattsburg, New York.  I think NASCAR has evolved a bit.

According to DriverAverages.com, Lee Petty won $1000 for winning the race.