The Daytona Beach area is kicking off the New Year in high gear by welcoming visitors for high-speed motorsports events. The eyes of the racing world will turn their attention to Daytona International Speedway, known as the “World Center of Racing,” where it will be busy with activity with events surrounding sports cars, stock cars and motorcycle racing.
Kicking off the schedule will be the Roar Before The Rolex 24 on Jan. 19-21, the popular three-day test session for teams and drivers to prepare for the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA the following week.
The 62nd Rolex 24 At Daytona, one of the most prestigious sports car races in the world, will kick off the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season on Jan. 27-28. The twice-around-the-clock challenge will feature pre-race grid access, the popular Ferris Wheel and fireworks, autograph sessions, live entertainment and displays from the top manufacturers. The weekend also includes the Taste of the 24 on Jan. 27 where fans can enjoy food from the area’s finest restaurants without missing any of the non-stop racing action.
Stock cars take center stage for the 66th annual DAYTONA 500 on Sunday, Feb. 18. Leading up to NASCAR’s prestigious season opener will include:
- The DAYTONA 500 Qualifying Presented by Busch Light on February 14
- The Bluegreen Vacations Duel at DAYTONA qualifying races on February 15
- The Fresh From Florida 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race on February 16
- The United Rentals 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series race & the ARCA Menards Series race on February 17
Motorcycles will cap off the racing action in March as part of Daytona Beach Bike Week. The 54th annual DAYTONA Supercross will take place on March 2 and will be Florida’s only AMA Supercross event of the season. The course will once again be designed by legendary five-time Daytona Supercross champion Ricky Carmichael.
Progressive American Flat Track will kick off its season at the Flat Track at Daytona International Speedway on back-to-back nights on Thursday, March 7 and Friday, March 8 with the DAYTONA Short Track I & II. The historic DAYTONA 200 will bring high-speed racing to the storied road course on March 7-9
In addition to the racing action at Daytona International Speedway, the short-track action will be buzzing as well with events scheduled at both New Smyrna Speedway and Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville.
For more information about racing events, go to Daytona International Speedway (www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com), Volusia Speedway Park (volusiaspeedwaypark.com) and New Smyrna Speedway (www.newmyrnaspeedway.org).
For a lodging availability list go to www.daytonabeach.com.
