Not too far away is the Rolex 24 at Daytona, and there’s a lot planned for this race car fan-anticipated event that will take place on January 28-29, 2023. Autograph sessions, pre-race ceremonies, carnival, fireworks, the Taste of 24, and many more thrilling experiences await spectators and professionals.
Daytona International Speedway
To start the excitement, here are some interesting and fun facts about the largest outdoor stadium in the Sunshine State, the Daytona International Speedway.
- The stadium holds 168,000 permanent seats.
- The complex is 480 acres.
- It is known as the World Center of Racing for its racing diversity.
- The speedway is home to 10 major racing weekends.
- Races at the center include 190 mph NASCAR stock cars, 170 mph AMA Superbikes, and 125 mph WKA go-karts.
- Every year, testing and development of race vehicles are booked at the center.
- Other events held at the speedway are civic and social gatherings, car shows, athletic games, and police training.
- The oval-triangle race track is 2.5 miles long.
- The race track is 40 feet wide, and has 12-30 apron turns with 31-degree angles.
Richard Petty has won the most consecutive victories, two, at the Daytona International Speedway.
The Autograph Session
The autograph session during the Rolex 24 at Daytona gathers over 200 professional race car drivers from the International Motor Sports Association WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Autograph sessions take place in the University of Northwestern Ohio, or UNOH, Fanzone.
At the UNOH Fanzone, fans can experience pre-race introductions, participate in a driver Q&A session, witness VIP appearances, enjoy live entertainment, and sign the start/finish line.
Pre-Race Ceremonies
Part of the pre-race ceremonies is the opportunity for fans to get up close and personal with car racing by walking the grid. With the purchase of a one or two-day admission ticket, fans will also have garage access, allowing them to go behind the scenes. Race cars are lined up before the race and race car fans can walk right up to the cars for an auto selfie.
The Carnival
If you find yourself needing a break from car racing, the carnival in the infield at the Rolex 24 at Daytona offers rides, games, food, fireworks, and one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the state.
The Taste of 24
The Taste of 24 is presented by The NASCAR Foundation and can be enjoyed on Saturday night, January 28. This event allows everyone to enjoy gourmet food from the area’s best restaurants. Cigars, beer, wine, prizes, and entertainment are generally part of this tasty event.
Preparing for the Rolex 24 at Daytona
If you’re on a budget and prefer to bring your own food and drinks, the Daytona International Speedway allows you to bring a cooler but must meet specifications of no larger than 14x14x14 inches.
For those sensitive to very loud noise, it’s highly recommended that you bring a set of earplugs, and maybe a backup in case you lose your first. Headphones may also help should you not have access to earplugs. Between the car engines and the roar of the crowd, the noise level can feel extreme.
With several teams racing at the same time, you can bring a portable radio and tune into FM 107.9, where you can hear commentary so you can see and hear as the action unfolds.
Another option is to visit the IMSA website and locate the IMSA radio broadcast of the races. Tuning to Sirius 216, XM 202, or 972 on the App Channel for 24 hours of coverage is a third way to stay up to date with the racing events as they are happening.
Depending on your eyesight and where you sit, you may want to consider adding binoculars to your event day checklist. At night, you can use your binoculars to spot your favorite drivers via the LED panels on the sides of each car.
Four days make up the entirety of this event. If you plan on enjoying all the entertainment the Daytona Rolex 24 has to offer, whether one day or four, bring comfortable walking shoes.
Be prepared for any kind of weather and bring appropriate attire. The weather can fluctuate, especially during the night, turning from between the 50s and 70s to much cooler. Wearing layers or packing the essentials for any weather condition is vital. Don’t forget sunglasses, sun protection, and water, too.
Race Time
Now that you’ve covered the basics and know what to expect, it’s time to start counting down. Don’t wait to get your tickets, and remember to stay safe and have fun.