The first 88 model from the Oldsmobile stable came out in 1949. One of the best performing with a high compression V8 engine this Oldsmobile model was very popular during the initial years.

The 4th generation Oldsmobile that was released in 1959 was given a longer and wider body. It was this model that was used by Lee Arnold Petty to win the race under controversial circumstances.

In the very inaugural race at Daytona, Petty drove alongside Joe Weatherly and Johnny Beaucamp (see image)in the final lap of the race. Petty drove a 1959 Oldsmobile Super 88 # 42, while Beauchamp drove a 1959 Ford Thunderbird # 73 and Weatherly did so in a 1959 Chevrolet # 48.

Though Beauchamp was declared the winner, Petty protested the results by saying "I had Beauchamp by a good 2 ft. This was in the days when they had no sensitive instruments to record the winning car. It finally took NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. three days to decide the winner after he and his team went through the national newsreel. Lee Arnold Petty was officially declared as the winner.