About Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is one of the most iconic motorsports venues in the world, home to the Daytona 500 - NASCAR's most prestigious race. Beyond race days, the speedway offers year-round experiences including the DAYTONA 500 Experience interactive museum, behind-the-scenes speedway tours, and the Richard Petty Driving Experience where visitors can drive a stock car on the famous 2.5-mile tri-oval.
History of Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway opened in 1959, replacing the legendary Daytona Beach Road Course that ran partially on the beach. Built by NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., the 2.5-mile tri-oval speedway with its signature 31-degree banking has hosted the Daytona 500 every February since 1959. The speedway completed a $400 million renovation called DAYTONA Rising in 2016, adding five expanded and reimagined entrances and modern amenities while preserving the track's racing heritage.
Park Areas & Lands
🏁 DAYTONA 500 Experience
Interactive motorsports museum with simulators, historical exhibits, Daytona 500 trophies, and the chance to experience a virtual pit stop.
🏎️ Speedway Tours
Behind-the-scenes tours of the speedway including pit road, victory lane, and the 31-degree banked turns.
🚗 Driving Experiences
Various programs allowing guests to ride or drive on the actual speedway track.
Must-Do Attractions
- Speedway Tour - Guided tram tour of the 2.5-mile track including stops at pit road, victory lane, and a ride on the 31-degree banking
- DAYTONA 500 Experience Museum - Interactive museum with racing history, simulators, and a look at the trophies and heritage of America's great race
- Richard Petty Driving Experience - Drive an actual stock car on the Daytona speedway at speeds up to 160 mph - a bucket-list experience for racing fans
- NASCAR Racing Experience - Ride shotgun with a professional driver at over 150 mph around the superspeedway
- Daytona 500 - The Super Bowl of NASCAR - held every February with over 100,000 fans packing the renovated grandstands
Insider Tips
- Speedway tours run daily year-round and do not require advance reservations on most days
- The Richard Petty Driving Experience books up during race weeks - reserve well in advance
- Daytona 500 tickets go on sale a year in advance and premium seats sell out quickly
- The DAYTONA Rising renovation made the speedway accessible and comfortable for non-racing fans too
- Combine a speedway tour with a visit to the nearby Daytona Beach boardwalk and beach
Best Times to Visit
The speedway offers tours year-round except during major race event weekends. The Daytona 500 (February) is the marquee event but tickets and hotels sell out well in advance. The Coke Zero Sugar 400 (August) and Rolex 24 (January) are other major events. Off-race periods offer the most relaxed tour experience.
Tickets & Pricing
Speedway tours from $25 adults, $20 children. DAYTONA 500 Experience museum from $29. Richard Petty Driving Experience from $199 (ride-along) to $549 (driving experience). Daytona 500 tickets from $75-500+ depending on seating.
Dining at Daytona International Speedway
During race events, the speedway offers extensive concessions throughout the facility. During non-event tour days, the DAYTONA 500 Experience has a small cafe. The speedway is located near Daytona Beach's restaurant scene on International Speedway Boulevard.
Official Resources
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