DAYTONA, Fla. (WGHP) — Juanita “Lightnin'” Epton, a NASCAR legend known for her dedication to the sport from the ticket booth, has died at the age of 103.
On Thursday, NASCAR CEO Jim France released a statement announcing the passing of the beloved Daytona 500 ticket seller.
“Lightnin’ Epton and her husband Joe were part of my mom and dad Bill and Anne France’s team from the early days of NASCAR,” France said. “They were scoring races, selling tickets, and did every other job that needed to be done. The Eptons worked from the Carolinas, coming to Daytona Beach to help with races on the beach, and ultimately moving to Florida for the opening of Daytona International Speedway. 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.”
Epton had worked in the ticket office since 1959 and kept up her streak at the Daytona 500 in February 2024. She had hoped to return once again in 2025.
Over the years, Epton had become hugely popular with racegoers and drivers, and the track had even named the ticket office after her.
For some, it has become a tradition to check in on Lightnin’ every year before the Daytona 500.
“I love the race fans, and I love the race drivers,” Epton said. “They’re always so nice, and they come by and they say hello and they visit with me as well, but it’s special when they do because they’re so busy and they don’t have time for their own self, much less than anybody else, but they do take time out.”
In all that time, she had only seen the race once—and only part of it at that. But she said she did not mind.
“My place is here in this office,” Epton said. “I was hired to help people to get to the race, and I love doing it because the smile on their face when they get their tickets and head up to the booth.”
When asked about the secret to her longevity, she said, “Well, the secret is I like what I do and I work with some awfully nice people, so that keeps you in good spirits.”