Curator’s statement
You or your significant other have been watching NASCAR and the Daytona 500 for a while. You decide you're ready to cross off your bucket list of attending the Daytona 500 or your first NASCAR race. The Daytona 500 is also perfect to celebrate a milestone birthday like a 40th birthday or a 50th birthday. Why the Daytona 500? It's the first race of the season that typically kicks off in February. The Daytona 500, is one of the most iconic races in the NASCAR cup series, spanning 200 laps and covering a total track distance of 500 miles. Where else would you rather be in February than in Daytona Beach, Florida? You will easily be able to escape the cold winter. Once you attend the Daytona 500, you will be hooked on other NASCAR 500 series or 400 races, as each race is unique. If you are unable to attend the Daytona 500, there will be other NASCAR Cup Series or 400 series races held at other iconic locations such as the Cookout Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina, the NACAR Cup Series Race at Richmond Raceway in Virginia, the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas, the YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway in Lincoln, Alabama or the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona. The racing season spans February to November. There are plenty of opportunities to attend the race, but this is a guide to attending the Daytona 500 – the only way to attend for a stress and worry free experience.
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The only way to attend the Daytona 500
I always tell my clients: you can always attend a sports event by doing it yourself and just buying a ticket but what I offer are experiences. There are options that clients do not know about, that a travel advisor can provide. Travel advisors work with official partners and suppliers of the Daytona 500, that not only provide them with safe and secure Daytona 500 tickets, but also packages with access to events such as the Hard Rock Bet FANZONE.
Hard Rock Bet FANZONE Access is similar to F1® Pit Lane Walk. You will have pre-race access for driver introductions, driver Q and As and VIP appearances, live entertainment, views of the grid up-close, pre-race shows and more.
In addition to the Hard Rock Bet FANZONE access, as a travel advisor, I can package transportation to the race and accommodation for the weekend — more on this below. A package is the only and best way to attend the Daytona 500.
When attending a NASCAR race, having a RE3000 rental scanner to listen in on the radio chatter is recommended. With a package, you won't have to wait in line to pick up or return your scanner.
Where to stay for the Daytona 500
The Daytona 500 is held at Daytona International Speed which is just over an hour from Orlando International Airport (MCO). Staying in Orlando is ideal for attending Daytona 500.
How to get to Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway?
You can of course do it yourself by renting a car and driving yourself to Daytona International Speedway. You and 150,000 people will be fighting traffic and navigating the parking lots. Why not sit back and relax on a deluxe motorcoach that drops you off at a preferred parking area near turn one to the track’s entry gate? No need to waste your time driving yourself, parking and then having to make a long walk to the entry.
I have attended several events and this is the most important part of the package: pickup at my hotel and transport to the venue and back to the hotel. This takes away most of the stress and makes attending Daytona 500, or any race, more enjoyable. Sit back.
How long should I plan on attending Daytona 500?
Daytona 500 takes place on a Sunday. You can check in on the Saturday before race day and check out on Monday after race day. Account for three days and two nights for attending the Daytona 500. All the race festivities occur on Sunday.
If you are traveling with kids or want to extend the trip and add-on a trip to Disney, I can help with creating a VIP Disney experience.
Ready to attend Daytona 500?
Having a package of tickets to Daytona 500, access to Hard Rock Bet FANZONE, transportation to the Daytona International Raceway and access to an RE3000 scanner is the only way to attend. This takes the stress and worries out of attending Daytona 500 or any NASCAR race.
If you are ready to make your plans for the Daytona 500, fill out the form below and I will get back to you as soon as possible. See you on the raceway.
Day trip
Add on a trip to Disney before or after Daytona.
Places to eat & drink in Daytona Beach
Hollerbach's German Restaurant: Legendary German restaurant with a second floor biergarten.
Prato: Pizza and pasta. I don't need to say more.
AVA MediterrAgean: Mediterranean and Greek inspired food.
Let's talk about customizing this itinerary for you. Or, about other destinations.
Travel Advisor
Robert Huie
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Florida.
Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, A Guide to Attending an F1® Race in the Formula 1 Paddock Club™.