Daytona International Speedway’s special employee and NASCAR icon, Junita “Lightnin” Epton, has passed away at the age of 103. She was the longest-tenured working employee at the iconic Speedway and one of the core members who worked with Bill France Sr and his team in the early days of NASCAR.

She started to work at the ticket counter in 1959, a year ahead of the very first Daytona 500 race. The ticket office at Daytona was named in her honor in 2022, and even then she was still working on her job. Bill France Sr had assured Epton that she would work at her office as long as she wanted to, and she gladly accepted the offer. She was still at the ticket booth for this year’s 66th running of the Daytona 500 race.

Saddened by the passing of Epton, NASCAR chairman and CEO Jim France, via a post on X, said, “Lightnin’ Epton and her husband Joe were part of my mom and dad Bill and Anne France’s tea, from the early days of NASCAR. They were scoring races, selling tickets, and did every other job that needed to be done… She worked alongside our family from very first Daytona 500 through this year’s 66th running of race, bringing incredible passion for the track to the ticket office every day. Lightnin’ was beloved by our staff, fans and drivers alike. Our family will miss Lightnin’ tremendously, and our thoughts are with her family and friends as we celebrate her life.”

After learning about Juanita Epton’s demise, several NASCAR fans took to social media and shared their heartfelt condolences with her family and friends. While also celebrating her passion and unwavering commitment to the sport.

Fans react to the loss of Juanita Lightnin Epton

Working at the ticket counter all her life, Epton had created a special bond with the fans, who were amazed by her longevity and sharp memory. Recalling meeting her during the Daytona 500 events, a fan wrote, “NOOOOOO I loved her so much Had the pleasure to meet her ever year when I go to Daytona”.

Interestingly, it was her husband Joe who is credited with giving Epton the nickname, Lightnin. And ever since this has stuck to her, the fans even referred to her by this nickname in sending their prayers and wishes after her death. “RIP Lightnin”. Another user chimed in by writing, “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO RIP LIGHTNIN 😢”.

Recently, FOX did a story about Epton ahead of the 66th Daytona 500 race, and fans were glad that they got to know about her life and contributions to NASCAR. “Loved that piece they did on her. So glad the NASCAR community got to see her. RIP”.

From the very first Daytona 500 race, witnessing the rise of NASCAR, to then seeing the sport transition into the modern era, Epton truly has experienced the ebbs and flows of the sport like no other fan. Commemorating her journey, a fan added, “Hate to hear this. One hell of a life she lived. RIP”.

The NASCAR community has always celebrated the life of the drivers and their success on the racetrack. It was indeed touching to see fans connect with Juanita Lightnin Epton, who is one of the many unsung heroes of the sport.