13 Fast Facts About Daytona International Speedway
The Daytona International Speedway has long been hosting action-packed races including fan-favorite, the Daytona 500. Since 1959, this speedway has attracted millions of fans who enjoy rooting for their favorite driver to cross the finish line. With such a rich history, there may be some things fans don’t know about this iconic Daytona attraction. Check out these facts about the Daytona International Speedway and some helpful tips for visiting.
Daytona International Speedway: 13 Things You May Not Know
The Process Took Over a Year
It took 15 months to build Daytona International Speedway. Ground broke in November 1957, and it opened for business in February 1959.
It’s One of the Largest of Its Kind
The speedway is one of the largest outdoor stadiums in the U.S. It includes 11 social areas, known as neighborhoods, each measuring the size of a football field.
The Size of the Earth Mattered
Daytona International Speedway measures nearly 1 mile, and developers had to take the curvature of the Earth into account.
Houses the Most Stadium Escalators
Getting around is easy with 17 elevators and 40 escalators, the most in the U.S. of outdoor stadium escalators.
See Concerts and More
The track serves as a multipurpose venue, hosting everything from country music festivals to motorcycle shows. Find upcoming events.
Bike Week Draws Big Crowds
Bike Week is one of the most popular events, and the event has been running for more than 70 years. Bike Week at Daytona features vendors, expert riders, free demo rides and supercross events. Midway entrance is free during Bike Week.
Hosted Races for Nearly 60 Years
The first race held at the track was the Daytona 500 in 1959, and the speedway began hosting the Daytona 200 in 1961.
Legends Are Made Here
Dale Earnhardt Sr. won the most races at the speedway, with a whopping 34 wins. Only three drivers have won the Daytona 500 and Rolex 24: Jamie McMurray, Mario Andretti and AJ Foyt.
Visiting Daytona International Speedway
Renovations Add More Space
The stadium seats more than 100,000 racing fans. A major renovation project has led to more than 60 trackside suites and doubled the number of restrooms.
Tour the Speedway
Guests can tour Daytona International Speedway on special dates and times. Check the schedule to plan a tour.
Or Get in the Driver Seat
The NASCAR Driving Experience gives visitors a chance to ride along or get in the driver seat. The event is multiple times a month, excluding March.
Camping Is Encouraged
When camping, vehicles must be less than 8 feet in height and 20 feet in length. Pets are allowed at the GEICO Park West and GEICO Infield RV and in camping areas.
Share Experiences Easily
It’s easy to share the full Daytona racing experience at the speedway. Visitors can also enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the stadium, Midway and fan zones.
Want to visit? Book your Daytona vacation rental. Plan more fun at these top Daytona Beach attractions.