A popular 1960s hit song “Daydream Believer” became a reality for a group of young men who shared a fondness for Corvettes, willingness to work jointly rebuilding cars, and the camaraderie of road rallies, and speed events. Farrell Hardiman, Lee Resoa, Ray Sisk, and Mike Ungeman, of Pensacola,

Florida spent their weekends competing in events sponsored by Autocross of America. Since the coastal area has long carried the nickname “Miracle Strip,” the men formed the Miracle Strip Corvette Club (MSCC) in 1967 as part of the National Council of Corvette Clubs.

Their original focus was hosting high and low speed events. Early on, organizers officiated at trials using an old fashioned stop watch. Municipal landing strips were a popular location for autocross. In addition, parking lots at local shopping centers were available on Sundays.

These events were extremely popular for local residents and served as an attraction during winter months for Corvette enthusiasts who wintered in the area. Graduating to righteous timing equipment, the growing club extracted Corvette performance at the Casino Beach parking lot on Santa Rosa Island and Bronson Naval Auxiliary Field.

Interest in the organization began to expand when residents in the area learned there was a group promoting sanctioned speed events and rallies for Corvettes. Later, with the cost of cars increasing, combined with the expense of fuel and maintenance many owners became hesitant to race their cars. Then in the late 1970s the availability of racing venues declined.

Shopping centers, which previously closed on Sunday, began opening their doors seven days a week, and the military began to use the once abandoned Bronson airfield again for training.