• A half-hour television program entitled "Wire Wheels" makes its debut on WABD-TV in New York City with the entire first show devoted to Daytona's Speedweeks activity.

• Other auto racing oriented programs follow, with NASCAR driver Mel Larson producing "Desert Dust," a half-hour weekly show that airs on KYTL-TV in Phoenix. Another program, "Autorama," hits the airwaves on WICC-TV in Bridgeport, Conn.

• Tim Flock and team owner Ernest Woods experiment with two-way radio communication in the Daytona Beach Grand National race. It is the first time radios are used in NASCAR's premier level of stock car racing.

• Flock wins the race but is disqualified following a post-race technical inspection. Lee Petty is declared the official race winner.

• NASCAR president Bill France Sr. announces the beginning of the NASCAR Auto Association, an auto club that provides travel information and hotel, restaurant and garage service recommendations and discounts for all 11,000-plus NASCAR members.

• Bob Barkheimer brings 10 West Coast tracks into the NASCAR fold, stretching the growing organization from coast to coast.

• The first road race in Grand National history is staged at Linden, N.J., on June 13. Al Keller wins in a Jaguar. This remains the only Grand National event won by a foreign automobile.

• A 1.5-mile high-banked dirt oval opens in LeHi, Ark. The first race is staged Oct. 10, with Buck Baker winning in an Oldsmobile. Newcomer Junior Johnson captures the pole in a Cadillac.

• Bill France Sr. announces plans for a 2.5-mile high-banked track to be built in Daytona Beach, Fla.

• Seven-time race winner Lee Petty bags the Grand National championship.