Plan a trip to the Daytona 500 - Daytona International Speedway 

Where is the Daytona 500? 
“The Great American Race” kicks off the NASCAR series schedule each year in February in Daytona Beach, Florida. Located about 1 hour east of Orlando, Daytona Beach is also the site of the first official race in NASCAR history. The original track was on the famed Daytona Beach. Visiting the beach today, you can still see the sand where part of the race took place. The Daytona 500 is the biggest, most prominent stock car race in the nation. NASCAR (the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing) has grown continued to gain popularity and now race fans from all over the United States and the world travel to the Daytona 500 to witness this legendary race. 

About the Daytona International Speedway: 
The current Daytona International Speedway was built in 1959 and has been home to some of NASCAR's greatest and most tragic moments. At the Daytona 500 Sprint Cup race drivers often travel around 200 mph through this 2.5 mile Super Speedway.The design and layout of the race track allow for cars to "draft" or ride bunched up together, resulting in some of the NASCAR series fastest paced racing action. 
  

Daytona 500 Race Weekend:
The Daytona 500 race weekend is filled with nonstop action which creates great entertainment and excitement for all spectators. The offical race weekend starts on Thursday with the Duels races. Friday the NASCAR Truck Series begins and Saturday features the new Xfinity Series, formally known as the Nationwide Series. The big race, the Daytona 500 takes place on Sunday. 

Sports Traveler Best Bet - Daytona Race Weekend and Travel Packages:
Hotels close to Daytona Speedway are some of the most difficult to obtain during race weekend. We recommend purchasing a Daytona race package with lodging in the Daytona Beach Area, close to the track and a perfect way to enjoy the beach and the races. All Daytona 500 Tours include great Daytona 500 tickets, quality hotel accommodations, and roundtrip track transfers to the race, plus additional options including Pit Pass Tours, Infield Passes, and NASCAR Driver Appearances. We also offer packages with hotel lodging in the Orlando Area. These packages are perfect for anyone who wants to combine their tour with a trip to Walt Disney World Resort or Universal Studios.

Daytona 500 Pit Passes and Hospitality:
Many race fans enjoy adding on a Daytona Pre-Race Pit Pass which allows fans to walk across the track surface and onto Pit Road, plus gives a viewing of the garage area where teams are staging their cars prior to the race. Hospitality tents are great for entertaining with NASCAR celebrity appearances, games, door prizes, and food and drink provided.