Daytona International Speedway

The Daytona International Speedway is one of the most famous race tracks in the world, partly because of the fact that it serves as the venue for NASCAR's biggest race of the year. In addition to being the home of the Daytona 500, this renowned track also serves as the venue for an array of other races throughout the year. These races feature motor vehicles of all kinds, including stock cars, motorcycles, go karts, and sports cars. The track at the Daytona International Speedway can be modified to fit different events, and interestingly enough, part of the 180-acre infield can be converted into a lake for powerboat racing! Numerous events take place at the Speedway throughout the year, and part of the track has even been used for the city's annual half marathon, which is a newer event. Other Daytona Speedway events revolve around things like car shows and swap meets. It seems like there's always something going on at this featured Daytona Beach attraction, and Daytona Speedway tickets are definitely a hot commodity.

Of all the Daytona Speedway events, none is bigger than the Daytona 500. This race, which is often referred to as "The Great American Race" and the "Super Bowl of Stock Car Racing," is a fine ending to the Speedweeks celebrations. The Speedweeks, which is held over the course of a month in late January and early February, features a number of other races that racing fans will also do well to attend, including the Budweiser Shootout and the Rolex 24 At Daytona. If you can't make it to the Daytona International Speedway for the Speedweeks festivities, you might try to catch the Coke Zero 400, which is held on the first Saturday in July. Two smaller races lead up to the Coke Zero 400, and after the big race, a dynamic fireworks display lights up the sky. It's all about celebrating NASCAR and Independence Day when it comes to the Coke Zero 400.

In addition to catching a race at the Daytona International Speedway, visitors can also visit the Daytona 500 Experience, which was formerly known as Daytona USA. This interactive museum of sorts is labeled "The Official Attraction of NASCAR," and you can find it right at the Speedway. It's open every day of the year, save for Christmas and Thanksgiving. If you are a racing fan and are planning a Daytona Beach vacation, the Daytona 500 Experience is an attraction that you won't want to miss. The winning car from the last Daytona 500 race is displayed at the Daytona 500 Experience, which is reason enough to visit.

Like the Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama, the Daytona International Speedway requires that drivers use restrictor plates on their cars to slow them down. This helps to make for safer racing conditions, though it doesn't mean that crashes don't happen. Unfortunately, the Daytona International Speedway was the site of one of the more infamous NASCAR related deaths in 2001. It was during that year that driver Dale Earnhardt crashed during the last lap of the Daytona 500, which resulted in his death. Earnhardt, who hailed from North Carolina, was one of the most famous stock car drivers of all time, and his son Dale Jr. continues to carry the family torch.

Should you be planning on catching a race during your Daytona Beach vacation, it's a good idea to get your Daytona Speedway tickets in advance. The bigger races like the Daytona 500 and the Coke Zero 400 definitely sell out fast. It's also a good idea to secure your hotel room or vacation rental in advance when coming to town to see a race, as it can be hard to find accommodations at the last minute. NASCAR in Daytona Beach is a big deal, partly because of the fact that the company's headquarters can be found here, and the NASCAR related events are definitely among the top events in the land.

While looking for Daytona Speedway tickets, you might entertain the idea of booking a special vacation package. Daytona Beach vacation packages that feature racing tickets are available, and more often than not, they also include things like your accommodations, your transportation between the hotel and the track, and things like pit passes and admission to a hospitality tent. All of the Daytona Speedway events are fun and exciting, and if you can't make it to one, there are plenty of others to choose from. When you're not hanging out at the track, the other Daytona Beach attractions will more than keep you entertained. Aside from the Daytona International Speedway, the beaches are one of the most popular places to visit and hang out in town.