Here’s Why the Cup Series Trophy for the Daytona Road Course Race is a Special One

You would think that the winner of NASCAR‘s first-ever race at the challenging Daytona Road Course can let his guard down in relief. But that will not be the case this Sunday as the winner of the Consumers Energy 400 race. The winner will have another job at hand – that of handling the unique trophy with care.

The one-of-a-kind trophy is made entirely out of glass by the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York. The trophy for races at Watkins Glen International is also made by the Corning Museum of Glass. Sunday’s race was shifted from Watkins Glen to the Daytona Road Course due to scheduling constraints caused by the coronavirus. Corning Museum is located just minutes away from the Watkins Glen course.

Inspired by the history of NASCAR

The trophy, which is 18” tall and 4.5” wide, sports a blown glass cup. It is said to be inspired by the history of NASCAR, the Daytona International Speedway which is called ‘The World Center of Racing’, and the Daytona Beach where competitive racing began in the early 20th century. The trophy is designed especially for this weekend’s historic race at Daytona.

Eric Meek, Senior Manager of Hot Glass Programs at The Corning Museum of Glass, threw more light on the idea behind the design. “Thinking about the history of the track and long-held traditions, I was reminded that historically, trophies used to be cups and have evolved into sculptural forms,” Meek said.

Special trophy for the race at Daytona Road Course

“We took this trophy back to a more traditional shape. Daytona is the most historical track, and in thinking about a trophy design for a race held in this storied location, I was transported back to the golden age of speed. I wanted to design something that felt like a bit of a throwback. Like it belonged in the era of streamline racers and the quest to go faster,” Meek added.

The Corning Museum and Watkins Glen have partnered for the race trophy since 2012. “Typically we have created a trophy that embodies Watkins Glen International and the celebrated region in which it resides. It’s always exciting to be a part of something that so many people love. We’re thrilled to continue the tradition this year at Daytona,” Meek further said.

Also read – NASCAR Set for Debut at the Daytona Road Course – All You Need to Know