Juanita ‘Lightnin’ Epton, NASCAR legend who worked every Daytona 500, dies at 103

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Juanita “Lightnin’” Epton, the longest-tenured employee at Daytona International Speedway, died Thursday at the age of 103.

The speedway’s ticket office was named after Epton, who had attended every Daytona 500, when she was honored in a ceremony in August 2022.

NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France released a statement Thursday, recognizing Epton and her service to the circuit.

“She worked alongside our family from the very first Daytona 500 through this year’s 66th running of the race, bringing an 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.”

Frank Kelleher, president of Daytona International Speedway, said the loss is hard to put in words.

“Lightnin’ having been part of the NASCAR family since the very first Daytona 500, she has had an influence on so many employees, not just here at Daytona but across all NASCAR-owned racetrack properties and different businesses,” Kelleher said. “She’s just part of the foundation. Just a staple employee. A north star for many of our employees.”

He added that Lightnin’ Epton was committed and passionate, always putting the customer first.

“She treated every day like it was Daytona 500 race day,” Kelleher said. “She was right here in her office just a few days prior to her passing. She had an awesome life. She had a lot of fun. A wonderful family and so many family and friends will miss her.”

Epton grew up in Grenada, Mississippi. She declined a junior college basketball scholarship, opting to stay closer to home, according to NASCAR.

Epton worked in her hometown’s sheriff’s office, selling car registration and license tags.

She married Joe Epton, a NASCAR official who became the sanctioning body’s first head of timing and scoring. He is credited with giving his wife her nickname.

“He always said he never knew when or where I might strike,” Lightnin’ said in a 2008 interview with the Orlando Sentinel. “I am full of mischief.”