Daytona International Speedway, famously known as the “World Center of Racing,” is the most iconic motorsports stadium in the world. Located in Daytona Beach, Florida, it is the home of the Daytona 500, the most prestigious race on the NASCAR calendar. Following a massive $400 million renovation known as “Daytona Rising,” the speedway was transformed into the world’s first true “motorsports stadium,” offering amenities that rival professional football and baseball arenas. With its 31-degree steep banking and a sprawling 500-acre footprint, Daytona is a shrine to speed and a must-visit destination for any sports fan.
🏗️ History and Design
Opened in 1959 by NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., Daytona was built to move racing off the sand of Daytona Beach and onto a high-speed permanent track.
- High-Banked Geometry: The track is a 2.5-mile tri-oval with 31-degree banking in the turns. This extreme angle was designed to allow cars to reach high speeds without flying off the track.
- Daytona Rising: Completed in 2016, this redevelopment replaced old metal grandstands with a massive, multi-level stadium. It features five expanded “injectors” (massive themed entrances), 11 social neighborhoods, and over 101,000 wider, more comfortable seats.
- The Infield: Daytona’s infield is a city unto itself, featuring Lake Lloyd (a 29-acre man-made lake), the UNOH Fanzone, and thousands of camping spots that create a legendary party atmosphere.
🏁 Major Events Hosted
While its primary identity is rooted in stock car racing, the speedway has established a rich history of hosting global events across various disciplines. 🏎️
- The Daytona 500: Known as “The Great American Race,” it is the opening event of the NASCAR Cup Series and the most important race in the sport.
- Rolex 24 At DAYTONA: A world-renowned 24-hour endurance race featuring sports cars and international drivers from F1 and IndyCar.
- Daytona Bike Week: One of the largest motorcycle rallies in the world, culminating in the Daytona 200 motorcycle race.
- Coke Zero Sugar 400: A high-intensity summer night race held under the stadium’s massive LED lighting system.
- Welcome to Rockville: One of America’s largest rock music festivals, which takes over the speedway’s infield for four days.
📍 Key Information
Official Name: Daytona International Speedway
Location: Daytona Beach, Florida, USA
Opened: February 22, 1959
Capacity: 101,500 (Grandstand seating)
Address: 1801 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, USA
🚆 Getting to the Daytona International Speedway
The speedway is located directly across from the Daytona Beach International Airport and is easily accessible via major Florida highways. ✈️
- By Air: Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) is located immediately behind the track. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is roughly an hour’s drive away.
- By Car: The track is situated at the intersection of I-95 and I-4. Traffic during the Daytona 500 is extreme; it is highly recommended to arrive several hours before the green flag.
- By Shuttle: During major race weekends, many local hotels offer shuttle services. Regional shuttles also operate from Orlando and surrounding coastal cities.
- By Foot: The “One DAYTONA” complex across the street offers dining and shopping, making it a safe and walkable area for those staying in nearby hotels.
- Parking: The speedway offers massive parking lots. Lot 7 is a popular free parking area with a shuttle service to the frontstretch.
🎟️ Tickets & Tours at Daytona International Speedway
Tickets
Tickets for all events are powered by Ticketmaster. Fans are encouraged to use the official Ticketmaster platform or the Daytona International Speedway mobile app for secure entry and digital ticket management. For the best experience, buy a UNOH Fanzone pass in addition to your seat, which allows you to walk onto the track and sign the start/finish line. 🎫
Tours
The speedway offers guided tram tours that provide a behind-the-scenes look at the 31-degree banks, the media center, and the winning car of the most recent Daytona 500, which is kept in “race-used” condition for a full year. The tour is also booked through Daytona’s partnership with Ticketmaster.
🏨 Where to Stay Near Daytona International Speedway
Accommodation in Daytona Beach during race weeks requires booking months—sometimes a year—in advance.
- One DAYTONA: Located directly across the street from the speedway. This is the most convenient area for those who want to be in the heart of the action.
- Example: The Daytona, Autograph Collection or Fairfield Inn & Suites.
- The Beachfront: Most fans prefer to stay on the “World’s Most Famous Beach” and drive the 15–20 minutes to the track.
- Orlando: If Daytona is sold out, many fans stay in Orlando and make the 60-mile commute on race days.
💡 Know Before You Go
- The Cooler Policy: One of the most fan-friendly traditions in sports—Daytona allows fans to bring in one soft-sided cooler (maximum 14″x14″x14″) with their own food and drinks, including alcohol (no glass).
- Ear Protection: Racing is incredibly loud. Bring over-the-ear muffs or earplugs, especially for children. Many fans rent RE Racing scanners to listen to driver-to-crew communications during the race.
- Weather: Florida weather is unpredictable. Bring a poncho (umbrellas are prohibited in the stands) and plenty of sunscreen.
- Sunscreen & Hats: The grandstands face East/Northeast; in the afternoon, the sun is behind you, but during the morning, it can be intense.
🔗 Helpful Links for Planning Your Visit
We hope this guide helps you have a high-octane experience at the “World Center of Racing”!
Last Updated on January 30, 2026 by Sports Tourist