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Thousands of motorcycle riders descended on Daytona this week to celebrate Bike Week, but the annual event has been a fixture on the Florida sands since 1937. LIFE Magazine was there in 1948 when the Daytona 200 race was held on the beach and brings us some classic images from the event.![LIFE_Daytona_for_Gary_1]()
155 motorcycles entered the 1948 race, but only 45 finished. The winner, Floyd Emde, got paid $2,000.![LIFE_Daytona_for_Gary_4]()
There were several deaths and injuries among the "375 helmeted daredevils and plenty of non-racing hell-raisers" at the event, prompting stricter safety measures in later years. More 1948 Bike Week photos from LIFE.com.![LIFE_Daytona_for_Gary_3]()
Dues served as grandstands for spectators drawn to the seaside track.![LIFE_Daytona_for_Gary_5]()
The lure of the open road has no age limits. Click here for more motorcycle madness from LIFE.com.
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- Daytona Bike Week 1948
