Daytona International Speedway
4.7(31K)google
4.1(285)yelp
Sports
Overview
Daytona International Speedway is a race track in Daytona Beach, Florida, United States, about 50 mi (80 km) north of Orlando. Since opening in 1959, it has been the home of the Daytona 500, the most prestigious race in NASCAR as well as its season opening event. The venue also hosts the 24 Hours of Daytona, one of three races that make up the Triple Crown of endurance racing.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration2-4 hours
Best TimeThe ultimate time to visit is during the racing season from January to March, especially for the iconic Daytona 500 in February to experience peak racing atmosphere. For non-race days, opt for the official track tours between 10 AM and 3 PM to capture well-lit photos of the tri-oval track.
Getting ThereDriving is the most practical option. Take I-95 to exit 261A, then head west on International Speedway Blvd (US-92 W) for about one mile to reach the main entrance. Massive parking lots surround the venue, though early arrival is crucial on major race days.
Travel Tips
- Non-race day track tours require a 48-hour online booking horizon. Access to the 31-degree high-banking turns is immediately revoked during private team tire testing or severe localized lightning storms; verify track operational status via the hotline on the morning of travel.
- Enforce event-day pitfall mitigation: during major race weekends like the Daytona 500, International Speedway Blvd becomes completely deadlocked. Spectators must utilize remote designated overflow parking lots (e.g., Lot 7); vehicles exceeding 20 feet in length are strictly prohibited from core entry zones.
- Enforce critical jurisdictional mandates: due to immediate proximity to Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), the speedway operates under strict FAA Class E airspace restrictions. Drone deployment within a two-mile perimeter triggers federal prosecution, equipment seizure, and statutory fines.
Reviews
Positive
- The speedway is massive; riding the tram tour around the track, victory lane, and grandstands allows you to truly feel the powerful history of racing.
- The tour guides give fantastic commentary; they are witty, humorous, and full of passion for motorsports, making it engaging even for non-racing fans.
- The facilities are highly modern and clean, the grandstand views are excellent, and the onsite audio and directional signage are very clear.
- The NASCAR Driving Experience is incredibly thrilling, allowing you to actually sit in a race car and experience the high-speed rush, totally worth the money.
Heads up
- Traffic around the venue during major race events is horrendously gridlocked, parking fees are very high, and lining up to enter takes a long time.
- The seating in the grandstands is quite narrow, and during races, fans in front often stand up, which easily blocks the view for small children behind.
- Food, drinks, and merchandise inside the speedway are exorbitantly expensive, almost several times outside prices, creating a bit of a rip-off feeling.
- If races are delayed or canceled due to rain, the refund and rescheduling policies are very tedious, and the onsite crowd management gets a bit chaotic.