1906: Racing's First Airbnb?

If you're going to the 2019 Daytona 500 you may be thinking about an Airbnb. Founded in 2008, Airbnb has provided new lodging options for travelers, including those traveling to major sporting events like the 500. The company has a variety of lodging rental options available, from guest rooms to homes in gated golf communities.

This is a revolution in traveling, right?

Not quite.

At the 1905 Ormond-Daytona Beach races there seems to have been a shortage of lodging options. To address the gap, race promoter W.J. Morgan had a novel solution. He solicited a list of lodging options from the Ormond-Daytona beach locals via an announcement in the November 4, 1905 edition of The Daytona News-Gazette. Morgan intended to share that list of lodging options with the Northern fans who were excited to escape to Florida for the major racing tournament in spring 1906.

If only Morgan had access to the Internet, imagine what innovations he would have brought to the race fan experience.