Leadership / 05.20.24

Lightnin’ Epton, Longtime Fixture of Daytona’s Ticket Office, Dies at Age 103

Access Staff

Nascar.com (05/17/24) Albert, Zack

Ticketing legend Juanita "Lightnin'" Epton, the longest-tenured employee at Daytona International Speedway, passed away last week at the age of 103. Epton was at the ticket window for the first Daytona 500 in 1959, having been hired one year earlier by NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. while the circuit was still a work in progress. The speedway's ticket office was named in her honor two years ago when she was still on the job. At the dedication ceremony, Epton said: "I remember Bill Sr. told me years ago that as long as I wanted to work, I could — and I've taken him up on that offer!" Epton was especially known for her sharp memory. When regular customers called up, she could typically recall where their grandstand seats were without even looking at her ledger.

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Tags: Leadership , Lightnin