Daytona Speedway Tours – New Racing Experiences & Fan Events

As a motorsports journalist with over a decade covering races across the country, I’ve had the thrill of watching hundreds of laps at the iconic Daytona International Speedway. This legendary 2.5-mile tri-oval located in Daytona Beach, Florida hosts some of the most exciting events in racing – from the season-opening Daytona 500 NASCAR race to the historic Rolex 24 endurance event.

Over my career getting behind-the-scenes access at racetracks, I’ve gathered a wealth of knowledge about the attractions and experiences that Daytona Speedway has to offer. In this blog, I’ll provide an insider’s guide for fans looking to get the most out of visiting this racing mecca through Daytona Speedway tours and upgraded experience packages.

VIP Tours Take You Places Most Never See

For race fans who want to soak in the history and get behind the scenes, the Daytona Speedway Tour is a must. This guided walking tour takes small groups into areas most fans never get to see, like:

• The Drivers Meeting Room: This space hosts the critical pre-race drivers meeting. I still remember the intensity in 2015 when Joey Logano and Kevin Harvick had their infamous clash over blocking accusations.
• Champion’s Walk: Every winning driver in the Daytona 500 takes this path to victory lane. It’s surreal standing inches from the same pavement Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and other legends walked after their wins.
• Pit Road: Get an up-close view of the high-speed working area where pit crews service cars during races. It’s tighter than it looks on TV!
• Victory Lane: Pose for photos in the coveted spot where winning drivers celebrate over champagne and confetti. I’ll never forget watching Tony Stewart climb the fence here after his thrilling 2011 win.

During the tour, you’ll learn little-known facts about the speedway’s history and get to walk on parts of the actual racetrack itself. My favorite view is from the 31-degree high banks where you can feel the steep angle the drivers handle at nearly 200 mph!

Behind-the-Scenes Upgrades Let You Experience Racing Like a VIP

Beyond the main speedway tour, there are add-on experiences that get you closer than ever to the racing action:

• Scanners and Headsets – Listen to driver and team spotter communication during practice, qualifying, and races. This is a must-have to understand the critical team strategies and driver conversations unfolding during intense race moments.
• Hot Passes – Get exclusive access inside the garage area during race weekends to see cars up-close and drivers and crews at work preparing for competition. At the Daytona 500, these coveted credentials let you walk through the impossibly busy garage scene seeing superstars. Like Kyle Busch, Chase Elliott, and others prepare their cars.
• Premium Seats & Hospitality – Race watching is most thrilling from seats close to the high-speed pack. Hospitality areas like the Harley J. Earl VIP Suite provide indoor spaces to relax, premium food and drinks, and even appearances from drivers and celebrities. Upgrade your race ticket for these perks!
• Ride-Alongs – The ultimate racing experience at Daytona lets fans take 3 hot laps around the track at real racing speeds as a passenger in a specially prepared stock car. My first ride-along hit 180 mph going into turn one and I’ll never forget the immense G-forces pushing my body sideways! Add this to any package for the ride of your life.

New Behind-the-Scenes Attractions Coming for the 65th Running

2023 marks the 65th running of the Great American Race – the Daytona 500. As part of a massive renovation called Daytona Rising, the speedway has invested over $400 million into upgrades making the venue more modern and fan-friendly.

Some highlights I’m most excited about for fans on Daytona Speedway tours include:

• Expanded Tours & Attractions – More behind-the-scenes areas will be featured on tours like the Driver’s Meeting Room, and Gatorade Victory Lane, and fans can now walk across the start/finish line. New displays around the facility will showcase classic winning cars with info on racing legends.
• Upgraded Suites & Hospitality Areas – The new motorsports stadium has dozens of open-air social spaces called “neighborhoods”. ans can congregate with upgraded concessions and experiences. These social zones create opportunities for more appearances and events with drivers.
• Wider Concourses & Comfort Improvements – Concourses have been expanded so large crowds can move more easily. Giant video boards and new audio will enhance the experience so fans won’t miss any action. More restrooms, concessions, and shaded areas increase comfort for taking in races.

No racing facility has invested so heavily to put fans first. I’ll be there to cover all the action for the 65th running and can’t wait to see all the upgrades!

Planning Your Daytona Speedweeks Trip

The Daytona 500 kicks off a 2-week racing extravaganza centered around Presidents Day weekend known as Speedweeks. If you want to immerse in racing, plan at least a 4-5 day trip to take in these can’t-miss events:

• Rolex 24 at Daytona – This twice-around-the-clock endurance race is a fan favorite for the intense racing under the lights. Be there for the final hours as teams battle through the night for the championship!
• Daytona 500 Qualifying – These 2 days feature intense qualifying laps as drivers try to lock up a top spot for the main event. Expect drafting and lots of lead changes as they go all out.
• Gander Trucks & Xfinity Races – The races leading up to the 500 are filled with daring moves as up-and-comers try to make a name taking on veterans. The aggression and crashes make for dramatic entertainment!
• Daytona 500 – As the grand finale, the iconic 200-lap 500-mile main event has a party atmosphere with concerts, flyovers, and non-stop excitement. Stick around for victory lane celebrations long after the checkered flag flies!

Booking early ensures you get access to the best tour upgrades, experience packages, reserved seating, and hotels near the action. Plan with an experienced ticket provider to make sure your Daytona Speedweeks trip is truly unforgettable!

Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions about planning your ultimate Daytona Speedway tours and racing experience!

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