Roaring V8 engines make you tremble with excitement? Drivers like Richard Petty and Jeff Gordon are your heroes, and Monster Energy is more than a soft drink to you? Then, you absolutely must visit the Daytona International Speedway. In this epicenter of American motorsports, events like the Daytona 500 attract tens of thousands of fans. Countless NASCAR records have already been set here.
But the Daytona International Speedway is more than just a race track. It is a super-sized motorsports city. No matter if you want to cheer your favorite drivers from the ranks, pay tribute to racing legends in the Hall of Fame or go shopping at the One Daytona – the Speedway is a haven for guests with a passion for high-octane fun.
DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY IN A NUTSHELL
The Daytona International Speedway was opened in 1959, making it one of the true pioneers of American motorsports. NASCAR-founder Bill France was personally responsible for creating this permanent racetrack. Since its opening, the Speedway has been home to the Daytona 500, one of the most important and prestigious races in the USA. But high-powered sports cars are not the only stars here. At this stadium with a capacity of more than 100.000 people, you can also watch pick-up truck and superbike competitions. Even triathlons are held here.
The Daytona Speedway not only amazes with its 2.5 miles of tracks. Thanks to a 400 million USD overhaul, it also ranks among the most modern race tracks in the world. A state-of-the-art entrance system leads visitors to their zone in no time, the number of toilets has been doubled, and the seats are now more comfortable than ever. Tickets come in many different forms and price categories.
EVENTS AT DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY
No matter what kind of vehicles you want to see: at the Daytona International Speedway you are guaranteed to find the right event for you. Here is a short selection:
- Daytona 500: THE classic American NASCAR race
- Historic Sportscar Racing: four day event featuring legendary antique cars
- Rolex 24: 24 hour sports car race
- Bike Week: 10 days of exciting events for motorcycle fans
- Daytona Supercross: dirt bike race with daring stunts
- Challenge Daytona: three day triathlon.
Fans of American sports events already know: The warm-up to the race is as important as the event itself. At the Daytona Speedway, the fun begins when you enter the so-called injectors. These are more than just simple entrances to the ranks. Walking through the 4 injectors, you can admire high-powered cars by Toyota and Chevrolet, test your skills at the driving simulator and browse through tons of merchandise. In addition to the stands, the Speedway also features numerous fan areas and lounges, complete with air-con, TVs and catering.
TICKETS AND OFFERS AT THE DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY
If you want to experience events like the Daytona 500, you can choose from a wide range of tickets. The price is largely determined by one factor: How close to the action do you want to be? Tickets for the lower ranks, far away from the start/finish line and the pit road, are available for 98 USD. But if you want to sit on the highest ranks with a direct view of the starting line, expect to pay up to 700 USD.
In addition to basic tickets, there are special offers available at the Speedway:
UNOH FANZONE / PRE RACE ACCESS
The Fanzone in the center of the race track is nothing short of a sacred place for NASCAR enthusiasts. Here you can watch the teams refuel and change tires on the Pit Road, take a peak into the garages and get close to famous drivers on the Main Stage. Prior to the race, music bands get the fans in the right mood, and afterwards, you will experience the victory ceremony on Gatorade Victory Lane. Expect to pay 98 USD a day for this privilege.
CAMPING
It might seem strange to non-motorsports fans, but camping is a favorite pastime at the Daytona Speedway. For seasoned veterans, there is only one place to be: the Infield. During races, this area inside the tracks turns into a sea of RVs and caravans. Just put up your camping chair on the roof, grab your beer and snacks, and watch the cars fly by. This is the true NASCAR spirit! Unfortunately, it is also expensive, and spots sell fast. Camping at nearby sites in Daytona Beach and taking the free shuttle to the race tracks is by far the cheaper option.
ACTIVITIES AT DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY
Even when there is no race, the Daytona International Speedway offers many exciting activities for motorsports fans.
SPEEDWAY TOUR
On a ride with the open-air tram, you will learn everything about the history of the “World´s first Speedway”. Afterwards, you can take a photo on the podium before admiring the winning car of this year’s Daytona 500 – with all the bumps and scratches it sustained in the race. Renowned trophies and race cars from 60 years of motorsports history are displayed at the Hall of Fame. In addition, the museum showcases drag cars, motorcycles, antique cars and even power boats.
The Speedway Tour takes 30 minutes and costs 19 USD for adults.
ALL-ACCESS TOUR
This tour takes an additional 60 minutes and also includes a trip to the start/finish line. Guests can walk the 31-degree high banks and take a look into the pit stalls and the press room. From the ranks, you will enjoy unmatched views of the race tracks. The All-Access Tour costs 26 USD.
VIP TOUR
If you are looking for the ultimate fan experience, you should book this 3 hour tour. With a small group, you will ride the air-conditioned tour bus across the Speedway. At the ISC´s Archives and the Research Center you can gaze at the most valuable trophies in NASCAR history, Sir Malcom Campbell´s famous “Bluebird” and a life-like replica of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr´s office. Of course, non-motorsports fans will hardly appreciate all the little details. For seasoned fans, however, this tour is a must. Included in the 55 USD ticket is a trip to the Press Box, plus all the activities of the Speedway and All-Access Tours.
ONE DAYTONA
Being a true motorsports city, the Daytona International Speedway offers many opportunities for shopping and dining. But guests who only expect merchandise shops for racing fanatics will be surprised. The One Daytona is a Lifestyle & Entertainment Center complete with 12 stores – from fishing shop Bass Pro and sweets-store It´Sugar to sportswear, sunglasses and guitars. The center also houses 16 restaurants. Here you can enjoy burgers, steaks, Italian and Mexican specialties, ice-cream, smoothies, coffee and much more. The newest blockbusters are presented at the Cobb Luxury Theatre, and “Painting with a Twist” offers creative arts and crafts workshops. In addition, you can get fit at Gold´s Gym and have your nails done at the Venetian Spa. Last but not least, the One Daytona also features 2 hotels for guests who want to stay close to the race tracks.
WHAT AWAITS YOU ON A TOUR AT THE DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY?
Check out this video and see what makes a day at the Daytona International Speedway so exciting.
MORE INFORMATION
To find out more about events, important dates and tour details, visit the official website www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com. Here you can buy tickets from the online shop, find an interactive map of the race tracks and stay up to date on the latest motorsports news.
