On August 21, Art Malone and the team returned for another attempt. He upped his record to 178.253 mph. On August 27, he turned a lap of 178.571 mph, just four tenths of a second shy of the elusive 180 mph barrier. On Monday August 28, with about 350 spectators in attendance, Malone finally succeeded, officially breaking the 180 mph barrier, the first driver ever to do so at Daytona International Speedway. At approximately 4:00 p.m., Malone made two slow warm up laps, then turned a fast lap of 175.079 mph. His fourth lap was clocked at 49.59 seconds, for an average speed of 181.561 mph. It was a new world competitive closed course record, and a new track record that would stand for seven years. Malone's trap speed on the straightaway was estimated at over 220 mph. Malone nearly crashed after he crossed the finish line, as the car began to fishtail back and forth. He was able to safely bring the car under control, and returned to the pits where he received accolades from the spectators and press, and was later presented with the $10,000 check.
