It all begins with an idea. In 1936, Bill France helped lay out the first beach/road course in Ponce Inlet, Florida; in the first race on the course he finished fifth. Starting in 1938, he helped promote races on the sands of Ponce Inlet.

In 1947, France became the driving force behind the establishment of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing. NASCAR, it was called, resulting from a famous meeting at the Streamline Hotel on State Road A1A in Daytona Beach—a structure that stands to this day, as a racing landmark. “Big Bill” France passed away in June 1992. He left behind a lasting legacy.

Here at The Martinique Condominiums, we live on the site of the historic road/beach course infield that started NASCAR.