Today in sports history: Richard Petty wins his second straight Daytona 500 in 1974
In 1974, Richard Petty wins his second straight Daytona 500, the fifth of his career. See more notable sports moments that happened on this date:
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1924: Johnny Weissmuller sets a world record in the 100-yard freestyle
1924 — Johnny Weissmuller sets a world record in the 100-yard freestyle swim with a time of 52.4 seconds.
In this 1924 file photo, Olympians Johnny Weissmuller, left, and Duke Kahanamoku are seen at the 1924 Olympic games in Paris. (AP Photo/File)
1941: Joe Louis knocks out Gus Dorazio in the second round to defend world heavyweight title
1941 — Joe Louis knocks out Gus Dorazio in the second round in Philadelphia to defend his world heavyweight title.
Gus Dorazio, No. 14 in heavyweight champion Joe Louis's knockout toll, is completely out after the end of the count, and referee Irving Kutcher tries to lift him from the floor. Louis disposed of Gus in the second round of their scheduled 15-rounder at Philadelphia Feb. 17, 1941. So complete was Dorazio's knockout that he was not aware that the count was tolled over him and he exclaimed in his dressing room afterward: "Why did the referee stop the fight?" (AP Photo)
1974: Richard Petty wins his second straight Daytona 500
1974 — Richard Petty wins his second straight Daytona 500. It’s the fifth Daytona 500 title for Petty, who also won in 1964, 1966, 1971 and 1973.
Richard Petty of Randleman, N.C. in car 43 crosses the finish line Sunday, Feb. 17, 1974 to win the Daytona 500 for the fifth time. Second was Cale Yarborough, car 11 from Timmonsville, S.C. third was Ramo Scott of Keokuk, Iowa in car 83. (AP Photo)
1998: U.S. women’s hockey team wins the sport’s first Olympic gold medal
1998 — The U.S. women’s hockey team wins the sport’s first Olympic gold medal. Sandra Whyte scores on an empty-netter with 8 seconds left to give the United States a 3-1 victory over Canada.
U.S. Olympic women's hockey goalie Sarah Tueting jubilates with a U.S. flag during the team's gold medal victory over Team Canada at Big Hat arena, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 1998. U.S. defeated Canada 3-1. (AP Photo/Hans Deryk)
2010: Americans Lindsey Vonn and Julia Mancuso finish 1-2 in downhill at Vancouver Olympics
2010 — Americans Lindsey Vonn and Julia Mancuso finish 1-2 in the downhill at the Vancouver Olympics. It’s the first time since 1984 that the U.S won gold and silver in a women’s Alpine event.
In this Feb. 17, 2010, file photo, Lindsey Vonn of the United States, reacts in the finish area after completing the Women's downhill at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics in Whistler, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Gero Breloer, File)
2013: Danica Patrick becomes first woman to win Daytona 500 pole
2013 — Danica Patrick wins the Daytona 500 pole, becoming the first woman to secure the top spot for any Sprint Cup race.
In this Feb. 17, 2013, file photo, Danica Patrick removes her earplugs by her car on pit road after qualifying for the Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Terry Renna, File)
2014: Meryl Davis and Charlie White win the gold medal in ice dance, first for US
2014 — Meryl Davis and Charlie White win the gold medal in ice dance, the first Olympic title in the event for the U.S.
Meryl Davis and Charlie White of the United States compete in the ice dance free dance figure skating finals at the Iceberg Skating Palace during the 2014 Winter Olympics, Monday, Feb. 17, 2014, in Sochi, Russia. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
2018: Japan’s Yuzuru Hanyu first man to defend Olympic figure skating title since Dick Button in 1952
2018 — Japan’s Yuzuru Hanyu becomes the first man to successfully defend his Olympic figure skating title since Dick Button in 1952.
In this Feb. 17, 2018, file photo, Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan performs during the men's free figure skating final in the Gangneung Ice Arena at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Gangneung, South Korea. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)
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