“I am full of mischief.”
Juanita Lightin Epton, the longest-tenured employee at Daytona International Speedway, has died.
Epton, 103, worked at the ticket window for the very first Daytona 500 in 1959.
Courtesy Daytona International Speedway.
Epton recalled counting the tickets on the kitchen floor at the France family home the night before the race.
He is also responsible for giving her the nickname Lightnin.
I am full of mischief.
Sir, did I ask you your race when you called to order tickets?
No, maam, was the reply.
Well now, Epton would say, how would I know who youll be sitting next to?
The speedway honored Epton in 2022, naming the ticket office Lightin Epton Ticket Office.
Epton was still on the job at age 102.
Lightnin was beloved by our staff, fans, and drivers alike.
