You love waking up with your kids on the weekend to watch races, whether that’s NASCAR, Formula 1, or IndyCar. Learning about the technical specs of each car and rooting for your favorite drivers never gets old.
But there’s still nothing quite like seeing a race in person, enjoying a cold beverage and sitting in awe as the cars zoom past you at speeds that look impossible.
And you just can’t replicate the energy of the crowd from your TV screen.
Fortunately, the Daytona Speedway is right in your backyard. And it’s time for a visit! With at least 9 major racing events held each year, there’s always something to look forward to.
Ready to learn all about the Daytona Speedway, including the complex’s races and attractions, so you can buy tickets and plan your next visit?
Then buckle up and let’s go!
“ ”Racing Events
During your visit to the Daytona Speedway, one of the first things you’ll notice is the sheer immensity of this 500-acre motorsports complex.
But the Daytona Speedway boasts more than size. It’s also home to numerous races, including the prestigious Daytona 500 race. This race functions as the start of the Nascar Nextel Cup Series and draws a huge crowd each year.
You may also be interested in attending a race like the Classic Motofest or the Rolex 24 at Daytona. The Rolex 24 at Daytona race is particularly interesting, as it’s a 24-hour endurance race that includes drivers from all different disciplines, such as:
- IndyCar
- NASCAR
- Formula 1
And if you’re more into motorcycles than cars? There’s an event for that, too. Each year, the Daytona Speedway hosts Bike Week. Not only is this nine-day event free (!) but it also provides visitors with the opportunity to look at hundreds of motorcycles.
You can drive straight into the action of Bike Week by attending a supercross race, which kicks off this event. Unfortunately, this and other races that take place during Bike Week aren’t included with the free entry to cycle displays. Individuals who want to enjoy any of the races that make up this event need to purchase tickets separately.
Attractions
We’ve talked a lot about racing so far. But don’t be mistaken: the Daytona Speedway has even more to offer.
Perhaps most significantly, you can witness what goes on behind the scenes at the Daytona Speedway by taking one of its daily track tours. The speedway offers both 30-minute and 90-minute tours, either of which is sure to delight race-loving fans.
And during your trip, you can learn about the incredible drivers and cars that visit the track at the Motorsports Hall of Fame. The museum features displays from many types of motorsports, including stock cars, drag racing, and motorcycles. Admission to the museum is included when you purchase a track tour.
Once you’ve taken a tour and learned about the history of the speedway, why not get behind the wheel yourself? The Daytona Speedway offers a NASCAR Racing experience that allows individuals to either drive a real NASCAR vehicle or enjoy a ride with a professional driver. Prices vary depending on experience and tickets can be purchased online or at the Speedway.
Finally, get into the holiday spirit by taking you and your loved ones to the Magic of Lights, which has the Speedway lit up with more than a million lights. This attraction is open from 6PM to 10PM during the holidays.
The Daytona Speedway is also the site of concerts, car shows, and other gatherings. Individuals and groups can host events and rent conference space for outings like birthday parties, weddings, or corporate gatherings.
“ ”Tickets, Location, and Where to Stay
The Daytona Speedway is located an hour northeast of Orlando in Daytona, making it a great day trip. You can find the speedway at the following address:
1801 West International Speedway Boulevard
Daytona, FL 32114
And if you want to turn your day trip into a weekend trip, you can choose from a variety of accommodations. Camping in the 180-acre infield (whether in a tent or an RV) will keep you as close to the action as possible, allowing you to beat the crowds and get that front-row seat first thing in the morning.
Or if you prefer a more relaxed get-away, you can choose from a variety of nearby hotels. The Daytona Speedway even offers travel packages with certain race partners, such as the Fairfield Inn & Suites and Daytona Hotel.
The price of tickets at Daytona Raceway depends entirely on the specific race or event. As you might imagine, the Daytona 500 is going to be a bit more of a draw — and thus more expensive — than some of the other races hosted at the track (as awesome as those other races are!). You can view the event calendar here to see what’s coming up and purchase your tickets.
Wrap-Up
Start your engines! You’re not going to want to waste another moment trying to decide when to visit the Daytona Speedway. With a variety of races and attractions throughout the year, there’s almost always something going on at this complex that will suit your fancy.