NASCAR’s Daytona 500 will take place in less than a week, on Sunday, February 26. If you plan on going to this fun and exciting event, here’s a guide to help you make the most of the experience.
Tickets
If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, there are still some available as of Monday afternoon, February 20, starting at $65 a pop, but you should act fast as this is one of the most popular events of the season.
Travel packages
This is a great time of year for NASCAR fans who live in the colder regions of the U.S. to take a vacation to sunny Florida and enjoy a weekend of racing along with the regions beautiful beaches. Check out MyRaceTravel.com for details on variety of travel packages that include tickets to the event, transportation, lodging and more.
Tips for visiting the Speedway
Remember to leave early to avoid headaches and disappointment. Traffic backups have caused many NASCAR fans to miss the start of a race. Check the Daytona site for specific recommended directions.
Fans are allowed to bring one soft-sided cooler that is no larger than 14 X 14 X 14 into the grandstands, no hard-sided coolers are allowed. Thermos’ and insulated cups are also prohibited, as well as umbrellas and strollers. Contact the Speedway if you aren’t sure if a particular item is allowed.
Schedule
All times listed are EST. The Sprint FANZONE and garages will open at 7:00 a.m., with the grandstands opening at 8:00 a.m. Fun activities will take place all day long, including a Rock Wall & Power Jump in the Kids Area and Minute to Spin It with Miss Sprint Cup on the Sprint FANZONE Main Stage.
Driver appearances include Brad Keselowski at the Dodge display in the Midway from 9:00 a.m. to 9:20 a.m, and from 10:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. you can see Regan Smith on the Sprint FANZONE Main Stage.
WWE star John Cena will be the honorary starter on the Sprint FANZONE Main Stage from 9:55 a.m. to 10:10 a.m. Fans will also be treated to a great pre-race concert featuring Lenny Kravitz at 12:20 p.m. Kravitz is the only musician in history to win the Grammy for best male vocals in rock music four times consecutively, and his show is always a good one.
The main event will begin with driver introductions at 12:40 p.m., with the Daytona 500 starting at 1:00 p.m.
Parking
If you do decide to drive, keep in mind that m ost parking areas require a fee or parking pass, however, there is a park and ride service free to ticket holders in lots 7 and 10.
As always, treat fans of all drivers respectfully, use common sense, and have a great time at the race!
K.C. Dermody grew up watching auto racing at the old Baylands Raceway in Fremont, California, and has been a fan ever since.
More from this contributor:
NASCAR’S Budweiser Shootout Becomes a Crash Fest: Fan Recap
Phoenix Racing Takes a Chance of NASCAR’s Kurt Busch for 2012: Fan’s Take
NASCAR Fan’s Look at the Busch Brothers’ Troubles: Kurt Fined $50,000
NASCAR’s Fan’s Look at Kyle Busch’s latest Incident: What’s the Punishment for Stupidity?