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Longtime Daytona speedway employee turns 100

Juanita “Lightnin” Epton celebrated her 100th birthday (Daytona International Speedway, Daytona International Speedway)

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – NASCAR’s oldest employee celebrated a birthday. Juanita Epton, or as folks at Daytona International Speedway call her, “Lightnin,” turned 100 years old. Her co-workers put together a parade to help her celebrate

“It is just wonderful. I have never seen so many friends at one time. It is great how nice of people to take time out to say, ‘Happy Birthday,‘” said Epton.

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Epton started working at the speedway when it was built in 1958 and she is still employed at Daytona International Speedway in ticket operations. “Lightin” says she has no plans to retire and can’t wait to be able to get back to work.

“I love the people I work for, and it is a nice place to work, so why not stay until they tell me to get out?” she said.

Epton’s birthday parade even included a visit from Nascar CEO Jim France.


About the Author
Jamal St. Cyr headshot

Jamal St. Cyr is an award-winning sports anchor who joined the News4Jax sports team in 2019.

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