The Daytona International Speedway is definitely one of the most prestigious and traditional race tracks. Thus, when I had some tour-chasing of Weird Al Yankovic in October 2022, I was really keen on doing a tour of the track, similar to the one I did of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Daytona calls itself the World Center of Racing, which felt quite pathetic to me. People outside the US would rather think about the Indy 500 than about the Florida place – and what about places like Silverstone, Nürburgring, Monaco, or Suzuka? Let’s see if the visit was better than this first impression.

 

Daytona Speedway Tour – Location & Admission

The Daytona International Speedway is located right North of Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), West of the Florida city. It is close to the I-95. The main stands as well as the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America are located on the North side of the racetrack. Close to the museum is also the reception, where the tour starts, and other facilities. In that area, there are also other key attractions of the speedway, including the Daytona 500 Champions’ Walk of Fame. Opposite of the International Speedway Blvd, where the race track is located, is the outlet mall Shoppes at One Daytona. Even though there are public buses, you typically go to Daytona International Speedway by car. There is sufficient parking.

Tours are typically offered every 30 minutes between 9:30 and 15:00. They last 60 minutes. The tour includes access to the museum and cost 26 USD, plus booking fees.

 

Daytona Speedway Tour – The Tour

The tour is done by covered tram-alike carts pulled by a pick-up. My tour was not at all sold out. I would nonetheless lean towards reserving a slot, if your schedule permits that. It starts in front of the museum and you ride along the main stands, before you enter the infield. Commentary is given in English through speakers in the carts. Of course, this kind of vehicle has to go on the flat very interior of the tri-oval alike speedway. Nonetheless, you get the impressing banking angle of the curves very well. Our tour also lead us through the infield track of the race course.

The commentary gives some very interesting information. Nonetheless, I felt that the tour in Indianapolis was much better. The commentary felt not too enthusiastic. You more or less should be fascinated by being in this world center place already. The highlight of the tour was definitely stepping out on the finish line. Due to the tri-oval layout of the track, there is quite some angle there as well, which did not only lead to impressing pictures, but also to a memorable experience. You were allowed taking pictures with your own camera as well, which I highly appreciate in general. At dates when there are races, this experience may be limited. The Daytona website clearly states these dates ,though.

Even though you also had a visit at the podium and went through the pits, garages and the fan zone, the tour does not include key facilities like the press area or lounges. For that, you need to go for the extended VIP Tour. This 2.5 hour experience is just offered at scattered dates. After leaving the race track again, there was also time to explore the stands. Not only due to the cars in exhibition there, this was a really nice experience. After that, the guide brought you to the entrance of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, the second part of your visit.

 

Motorsports Hall of Fame of America

The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America honors the greatest racers in North America. There is also the Wall of Winners of the races at Daytona. Thereby, the museum does not only feature cars, but also motorbikes and even (motor) boat racing. There are a lot of exhibits, from vehicles to other items like original helmets and race suits. It gives a nice overview of history of North American racing, even though the very early years are not that intensively covered.

I am not that much into the topic, but moving around the Hall of Fame and exhibits took me additional some 45 minutes. I am sure that NASCAR and North American racng enthusiasts spend significantly more time there. The museum is really good. Nonetheless, I felt that the museum at the Indy 500 track did better.

 

Daytona Speedway Tour – Services

Of course, there are several other options to explore racing in Daytona (outside race days). You may, for example, have a lap with a trained driver in a NASCAR. There are also virtual racing simulators, a VIP tour and other attractions. The reception area features a large souvenir store with a wide range of items. On top of that, you may have a bite at a grill restaurant in that area.

 

Daytona Speedway Tour – My View

I expected a bit more than what I finally received. I did feel much more spirit at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Nonetheless, I would rate the tour being definitely above average, while the Hall of Fame is a good and interesting place. Both felt that as if they could do better, though. Sounds very negative, but I had a good time in Daytona – and the price is definitely good, compared to other US attractions.

 

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