(FoxNews) – The 62nd running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday will mark the
start of a new era for NASCAR, following its landmark offseason acquisition
of International Speedway Corp.

NASCAR now owns the Daytona International Speedway, home of the
venerable season-opening race, as well as several other tracks included
in the $2 billion acquisition. While big changes related to the deal aren’t
expected until 2021, the transaction gives NASCAR unprecedented control
over its racing schedule as it reshapes its business to appeal to younger
fans.

“It makes a big difference,” NASCAR Chairman Jim France said of the merger.
“It gives us an opportunity to respond quicker to the changing environment
out here with the economy and all the things that are going on that impact motorsports. It was a major big step that we needed to make probably for
quite a while.”

NASCAR Chairman Jim France.

NASHVILLE, Tenn.–This weekend, Dale Earnhardt’s iconic No. 3 Chevrolet
Monte Carlo will return to the racetrack to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Talladega Superspeedway and Richard Childress Racing.

Childress will drive the No. 3 to pace the field at Talladega on Sunday prior
to the start of the 1000Bulbs.com 500. The iconic team owner started his
NASCAR career at Talladega’s grand-opening weekend and the track is
also home to Earnhardt’s last career victory in October 2000.

Ralph Dale Earnhardt (April 29, 1951 – February 18, 2001)

On February 18, 2001, Dale Sr. lost his life at the 43rd running of
The Great American Race following a devastating collision on the
outside wall at Daytona International Speedway. He was 49 years
old.

 
NASCAR & International Motorsports Hall of Famer Richard Childress.