Marvin and Bettie Panch Have Golden Celebration at Daytona

Marvin and Bettie Panch renewing their vows in Victory Lane on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2003. (Photo credit: Daytona International Speedway)

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (Jan. 2, 2003) -- Marvin Panch never got a chance to celebrate his 1961 Daytona 500 triumph in Victory Lane at Daytona International Speedway.

"When I won the race with the car, Victory Lane wasn't there and we did it out in the grass right in front of the pits," Panch said.

On Wednesday, New Year's Day, Panch took the opportunity to finally have a celebration in Victory Lane at Daytona when he renewed his wedding vows with his wife Bettie on their 50th wedding anniversary.

"It's wonderful," Panch said. "It's neat to have it in Victory Lane."

Marvin and Bettie Panch had close to 250 guests in attendance and had a private reception in the Bill France Room followed by an autograph session in front of DAYTONA USA.

Marvin Panch says he's thankful to his wife for all of her support during his racing career.

"She stuck by me all through it," Panch said.

Marvin and Bettie Panch drove to Victory Lane and to the reception in a 1960 Pontiac, the same car that he used to claim victory in the 1961 Daytona 500.