Posted June 24, 2005

Daytona history preserved

Mar. 7, 2002 - A crowd of more than 500 people gathered for the unveiling and dedication of the new Daytona 200 monument this afternoon at Ocean Front Park in Daytona.

The monolithic black granite monument is engraved with an image of the start of the 1959 race and the likenesses of the 12 champions of the old 4.2 mile beach race course, which was the site of the Daytona 200 from 1937 to 1960. Major contributors to the memorial effort are inscribed around the base, while the back dedicates the work to the people of Daytona Beach.

This tribute is largely the work of Ohio native Dick Klamfoth an his wife Beverly, who have spent eight years raising funds and working with the city of Daytona Beach to get approval to place the monument near the beachfront site of the old course. Klamfoth is best known for his Daytona victories in 1949, '51 and '52 and his later work as a motocross promoter.

A number of former racers who campaigned on the old beach track (above) were present for the dedication. The most notable was Ben Campanale (above, right), winner of the 200 in 1938 and '39, who is also the oldest living Daytona 200 champion. Also present were some of the bikes that ruled the old beach course in years past -- a 500 Norton Manx, a '29 Indian and a pair of vintage Harley-Davidsons.

Donations are still needed to complete the monument. For information contact Klamfoth at 614-228-0690 or by mail at 10213 Honda Hills Road, Thornville, Ohio 43076.

© 2002, Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum