Thousands of residents have signed up for free beach driving and parking permits in Volusia County, according to officials.

Billed as the "world's most famous beach" in the 1920s after its firm, driving-ready sands began drawing crowds of racing enthusiasts, Daytona has long been synonymous with seaside fun.

Driving the No. 24 car made famous by Jeff Gordon, now one of his bosses at Hendrick Motorsports, William Byron joined ...