On this day: February 22

POSTED: 08:56 PM PST Feb 21, 2013    UPDATED: 11:00 PM PST Feb 21, 2013 

The pilgrims get their first taste of popcorn, George Washington is born, Elvis hits the charts for the first time, and Team USA pulls off a "Miracle on Ice," all on this day.

OTD February 22 - Daytona 500
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Caren Firouz/Reuters

1959: Lee Petty wins the first Daytona 500 in a controversial finish that would take several days to sort out. Petty and Johnny Beauchamp drove side-by-side across the finish line for a photo finish. Eventually, Petty was crowned the inaugural champion of the race, winning $19,050. The race, NASCAR's second 500-miler following the Southern 500, has been held every year since.

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