Daytona 500

[12Nole]

Any race fans on here? I've lived in Florida all my life and I have never been to the International Speedway. Not a race fan myself, but Daytona being so close and it being a popular event, I'm going to check it out this year.

What should I expect? Any tips on parking or getting into the venue? I've heard it's a traffic jam on 95 getting there.

 

[F4Gary]

I'm a racing fan, but not so much Nascar anymore. Been to Daytona twice back in the 90's. Traffic will be worse after the race because everyone is trying to leave at the same time.
Try to sit high up in the stands so you can see the whole track.
Also try to take something that will allow you to listen to the radio broadcast of the race so you know what is going on.
It is a major event, enjoy.

 

[TazluvNoles]

I went for the for time last year. We left from Tally around 5:30am on race day and came in off the 95 but we went about 2 or 3 exits south of the main exit (Beville Road) and came back up through town( Williamson Road and the airport across from the track). My rule for any of the Nascar races (California, Sonoma, Phoenix, Vegas, Charlotte) is plan on getting there early to Check out souvenirs and the atmosphere around the Midway. I always plan on hanging around the parking lot for 90 minutes to let traffic light up. We eat dinner at Outback across the street after the race. If we are staying for the whole weekend. On Friday or early Saturday, take a test drive to the track to get familiar with the roads (good and bad), parking lots and places to eat. Enjoy! Last year was your first time there and it was amazing! It will be better than you can imagine. ENJOY.

 

[NoleFan2U]

I get my redneck on yearly at multiple tracks. The Daytona 500 is a great race but I prefer the Coca Cola 400 in the summer at Daytona. If you have disabled parking, it is easy in/easy out on Speedway Blvd and free. If not,there is a lot behind the airport (Turn right off Speedway Blvd toward the airport just past the track, then left at the first light. Make the 2nd right and you will see them) that the Boy Scouts run, parking for $20 and not a far walk to the track. It is past Turn 4 so if you are sitting past the start finish line, it can get kinda far.

Get there early to check out the midway outside the track and to walk inside the track. Each car company has some cool displays to view.

You can bring in all the cans of alcohol/bottled water/food you like in a soft cooler. Make sure its a soft cooler and there is no glass. This is the best part of NASCAR IMHO. Also, get the racing electronics scanner and headset for the race. Fan Vision is good but over priced. I own both. Listen to MRN (I believe it is channel 69). Those announcers during commercial breaks are hysterical! If you dont rent the headsets, be sure to have ear plugs. it is LOUD!

The best is to hear and feel the rumble of all 40 cars flying by you for the first time at a race. There is nothing like your first time!

 

[Bsims01]

Not a race fan either, but I've been to the Vegas Speedway 2-3 times. I will agree with NoleFan2U, when the 40 cars come flying by and you feel the rumble for the first time you will be a fan for the next 3 hours or so for sure! My only advice is don't get in a hurry after the race to get out of the parking lots. Vegas is an absolute mess for 2 hours after the race is over, and even then it's still very slow moving. Hopefully Daytona is better in that regard. Everything leading up to the race is fun. The flyovers are usually very good but maybe that's just because Nellis AFB is close by to the Vegas speedway. The starting the engines at the beginning of the race is pretty cool also. Daytona should be very fun.