Daytona
International Speedway has the following events
taking place at the following dates and times. To sort
the list, click on the column header. To find tickets
for the given event, date & time, click the tickets
link in that row.
Daytona 500 and Championship in same year: only eight
times by five drivers has the Daytona 500 and the Nextel Cup
Championship been won in the same season:
1959: Lee Petty
1964, 1971, 1974, 1979: Richard Petty
1977: Cale Yarborough
1997: Jeff Gordon
2006: Jimmie Johnson.(11-20-2006)
All 77: Three drivers had competed in all 77
restrictor-plate races at Daytona and Talladega:
#01-Mark Martin (2 Talladega, 0 Daytona wins)
#21-Ken Schrader (1, 0)
#55-Michael Waltrip (1, 3)
until Talladega in April 2007, when Waltrip & Schrader failed to
qualify and Martin didn't run the race.
Plus all three ran the one-off restrictor plate race at New
Hampshire, but that was not a drafting/aero track.(4-29-2007)
Daytona 500 Fast Facts:
* Kevin Harvick won the Daytona 500, his 11th Nextel Cup victory
in 179 races.
* Harvick's best previous finish in the Daytona 500 was fourth
in 2003 and 2004.
* Harvick's starting position of 34th was the lowest starting
position of a Daytona 500 winner ever.
* Harvick's four laps led are tied for the fewest laps led by
the Daytona 500 champion (Benny Parsons, 1975).
(Ward Burton led 5 in 2002)
* Harvick is the first reigning Busch Series champion to win the
Daytona 500 the following year.
* There are now four drivers who have won the NASCAR Busch
Series race and the Daytona 500 in the same year: Bobby Allison
(1988); Darrell Waltrip (1989); Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2004); Kevin
Harvick (2007). LeeRoy Yarbrough won the Daytona 500 and the
late model race at Daytona in 1969.
* This is the eighth closest Nextel Cup Series finish overall
and the closest Daytona 500 since the advent of electronic
scoring in 1993.
* This is Richard Childress Racing's first Daytona 500 win since
Dale Earnhardt in 1998.
* This is the first Nextel Cup-Busch Series sweep since Kevin
Harvick in 2006 (Richmond, September).
* Jimmie Johnson ended a streak of 105 races in the Top 10
(sixth longest streak in Nextel Cup Series history).(NASCAR
Statistics)(2-19-2007)
NASA Astronaut At Daytona Speedway Event for 50th
Milestones: Astronaut Andrew Feustel will participate in
NASCAR's Preseason Thunder Fan Fest at Daytona International
Speedway, Fla., on Tuesday, Jan. 8. The appearance is in
celebration of NASA's 50th anniversary and the Daytona
International Speedway's 50th running of the Daytona 500 in
2008. Feustel will ride around the track, or take "hot laps," in
an official track vehicle. Immediately afterward, he will be
available for media interviews behind the Pit Road wall.
Technology developed for the space program has helped NASCAR
drivers increase their performance and stay safe over the years.
They wear cooling suits similar to what astronauts wear during a
spacewalk. Foam that NASA developed for aircraft seats protects
racecar drivers' necks in crashes. In addition to participating
in the fan festival, NASA will fly three Daytona 500 flags
aboard an upcoming space shuttle flight. Speedway officials plan
to wave one of the flags to begin the 2008 installment of the
Daytona 500, while another will be presented to the winning
driver. NASA will keep the third. Feustel will fly on the space
shuttle mission to the Hubble Space Telescope. The mission will
extend and improve the observatory's capabilities through 2013.
Launch is targeted for August 2008.(News
Blaze)(1-7-2008)
US Senate designates Feb. 17th "Race Day in America"
By unanimous consent, the United States Senate recently
designated February 17th, 2008 - the date of the historic 50th
running of the Daytona 500 - as "Race Day in America." The
resolution, introduced during the 110th Congress by Florida
Senators Bill Nelson and Mel Martinez highlights the historic
50th running of the Daytona 500 and festivities surrounding the
event. Noting that the Daytona 500 is the most prestigious stock
car race in the United States; and that Daytona International
Speedway is the home of "The Great American Race"; and that
winning the prestigious Harley J. Earl Trophy is stock car
racing's greatest prize and privilege; and that well-known
politicians, celebrities and athletes take part in the
festivities surrounding the Daytona 500, the resolution passed
easily. "What a special way to recognize the most anticipated
event in racing history," said Speedway President Robin Braig.
"We are looking forward to the historic 50th running of 'The
Great American Race' and the festivities that surround it."
Tickets for the historic 50th running of the Daytona 500 at
historic Daytona International Speedway and all events at DIS
can be purchased by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS
PR)(1-4-2008)
DIS Offers Free Daytona 500 Qualifying to Blood Donors
during Preseason Thunder: During January's Preseason Thunder
Fan Fests for the Sprint Cup Series at Daytona International
Speedway, race fans will get the opportunity to watch their
favorite NASCAR drivers and teams prepare for the 50th running
of the Daytona 500 and also earn a free ticket to Daytona 500
Qualifying presented by Kroger on Sunday, Feb. 10. During each
of the NASCAR Preseason Thunder Sprint Cup Series Fan Fest
nights on Jan. 8 and Jan. 15, the Florida Blood Centers will be
hosting a blood drive located just outside the Turn 4 tunnel and
guests that donate blood will receive a free ticket to Daytona
500 Qualifying presented by Kroger on Sunday, Feb. 10. All
Sprint Cup Series teams will participate in Daytona 500
Qualifying presented by Kroger on Sunday, Feb. 10. Drivers will
turn two high-speed qualifying laps on the historic 2.5-tri-oval
as they try to secure a front-row starting spot in the 50th
running of the Daytona 500. NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fest
dates, which will coincide with January's Sprint Cup Series,
Craftsman Truck Series, Nationwide Series and Rolex Series
testing sessions at the "World Center of Racing," will be held
on the following dates:
Jan. 5: The Roar Before The Rolex 24
Jan. 8: Sprint Cup Fan Fest, first session, odd-numbered teams
in
owners point standings following the Chicagoland Speedway
race)
Jan. 12: Craftsman Truck Fan Fest
Jan. 15: Sprint Cup Fan Fest, second session, even-numbered
teams in
owners point standings following the Chicagoland Speedway
race)
Jan. 19: Nationwide Series Fan Fest
Besides watching drivers search for speed on the legendary
2.5-mile tri-oval, fans can also enjoy inquisitive fan forums
with many of their favorite drivers, bands, show cars, pit stop
demonstrations, displays, a silent auction and hot laps around
DIS (additional charge). The Fan Fest events start at 5 p.m. but
fans may enter the Sprint FANZONE beginning at 9 a.m. to watch
all of the exciting testing action on those days. Admissions for
the Sprint Cup Fan Fest dates are $15 while Nationwide and
Craftsman Truck Series admissions are $10. The Roar Before The
Rolex 24 admission is also $10.(DIS
PR), see more on the
2008 Daytona testing page.(12-28-2007)
Daytona International Speedway Generates $1.9 Billion
Annually: Daytona International Speedway, host of NASCAR's
biggest, richest and most prestigious event - The Daytona 500 -
has an annual overall economic impact of more than $1 billion.
According to the report conducted by The Washington Economics
Group, Inc. and Chuck Yaros, Daytona International Speedway and
Daytona 500 Experience boast a total economic impact of $1.9
billion annually. The economic impact study was conducted over a
several month period utilizing the IMPLAN model, which analyzes
both the direct and indirect benefits of an economic producer in
a region and statewide. The WEG study also found: * DIS and
Daytona 500 Experience operations create nearly 32,000 jobs. *
DIS and Daytona 500 Experience provide more than $856 million
dollars in labor income annually. * DIS and Daytona 500
Experience generate $155.4 million dollars annually in tax
revenue to state and local governments. The report also noted
that International Speedway Corporation, the parent company of
Daytona International Speedway, announced that its operations
generate $2.3 billion in economic benefit each year. Volusia
County Chairman Frank Bruno also read a proclamation on behalf
of the County Council of Volusia County proclaiming Feb. 17,
2008, as "DAYTONA 500 50th ANNIVERSARY DAY."(DIS PR)(12-18-2007)
Thunderbirds to Flyover at Daytona: The
world-renowned “Thunderbirds” – the U.S. Air Force Air
Demonstration Squadron – will provide race fans with an aerial
spectacle during the National Anthem flyover at the historic
50th running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 17 at Daytona
International Speedway. It is the first time the exclusive
flying squadron will perform a flyover at the historic “World
Center of Racing.” It will also be the first flyover by the
exclusive group in 2008.(Daytona
PR), they did however, do a flyover in the late 1950's, over
the Daytona beach course.(12-11-2007)
Experience the Daytona 500 at Orlando Science Center:
Discover the DAYTONA 500 at the Orlando Science Center offers a
hands-on experience exploring the science and history behind
auto racing with authentic racing cars, gear and the chance for
guests to race scale models. Discover the DAYTONA 500 premiered
at the Orlando Science Center on Friday, November 30 and be on
display until Sunday, January 6, 2008. Get an up-close look at
the marvelous machines that dominate Daytona International
Speedway as you discover the science used to take the checkered
flag. Content will include a mixture of activities developed by
the Science Center creative team combined with DAYTONA 500
memorabilia and authentic racing gear, including racing suits
from Dale Jarrett and Richard Petty. Other gear includes a
life-size cutaway model of a stock car, a racing seat where
guests can strap themselves in, an example of the Gatorade In
Car Drinking System (G.I.D.S.) and a working V-8 engine. A
garage area with a Pit Stop activity, a video wall showing
historical race footage and driving simulators will also be
major exhibit components. In keeping with the Orlando Science
Center's commitment to providing learning experiences for all
ages, a kid's area will feature a battery-operated racecar for
little ones to drive on their own miniature track, stations and
other themed activities. Older kids and the young at heart will
enjoy firsthand race excitement with the ultimate slot car and
pinewood derby tracks as well as opportunities for remote
control racing. Discover the DAYTONA 500 will be included with
general exhibit admission to the Orlando Science Center, which
is $14.95 for adults, $9.95 for kids (ages 3-11). The exhibit is
currently under development. More information at
osc.org.(DIS PR)(12-1-2007)
NASCAR enters the Space Age: If NASA's promotional
plan pays off, millions of NASCAR fans will have their eyes
glued to the skies next month when space shuttle Atlantis blasts
off into orbit -- carrying three Daytona 500 race flags in its
cargo bay. The green starter flags are being launched into space
to celebrate the 50th running of the Daytona 500 in February, as
well as NASA's own upcoming 50th anniversary. "It's great," NASA
spokesman Allard Beutel said. "It will hopefully bring space to
a whole new audience." NASA, working hard to wind down the
shuttle program in 2010 and start its next phase of space
exploration that will bring humans back to the moon, is trying
to drum up public enthusiasm for an invigorated space program.
And the Daytona racetrack was looking for an out-of-this-world
way to celebrate its own milestone, said David Talley, spokesman
for Daytona International Speedway. NASA came up with the idea
to link the two anniversaries earlier this year. Both sides are
trying to arrange astronaut-driver promotional events, including
a possible joint NASCAR driver-shuttle crew press event during
Atlantis' 11-day mission next month. The agency sets aside a
small amount of space on every shuttle mission for commemorative
items. Last month, Luke Skywalker's lightsaber flew aboard
Discovery to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Star Wars
film franchise. In 2000, a small piece of fabric from Orville
and Wilbur Wright's airplane flew on a shuttle mission. The
flags had to be measured and weighed carefully to meet NASA's
requirements for onboard items and will be stowed throughout the
mission. Upon their return to Earth, one flag will be awarded to
the winner of the 50th Daytona 500 on Feb. 17; one will go to
the Daytona 500 Experience attraction at the racetrack; and the
third will stay with NASA. NASA officials will announce
Atlantis' launch date Friday. It is expected to be Dec. 6.(Orlando
Sentinel)(11-29-2007) UPDATE: NASCAR will drop the green flag for shuttle
Atlantis as it lifts off the launch pad at 3:31 p.m. Dec. 6.
Inside the orbiter's payload are three flags being sent to space
to celebrate the 50th running of the Daytona 500. The flags will
travel more than a million miles at 17,500 mph during the 12-day
mission to deliver Columbus, a science research module -- a far
cry from the 200 mph the cars will go during the February race.(Daytona
Beach News Journal)(11-29-2007)
Daytona July 2008 race tix on sale: On Saturday, Oct.
13, at 8:00am/et, fans will have their first opportunity to
purchase all remaining tickets for the July Sprint Cup Series
400 on July 5, 2008 at Daytona International Speedway. Great
seats, including a limited number of premium tower seats, will
be available. DIS also has something special for current tickets
holders who refer a friend that buys tickets to the July Sprint
Cup Series 400 - a brand new Corvette. Current customers can
refer as many accounts as they like and will be registered each
time they are mentioned as a referring account. Both the
referring account and new customer account are registered for
the Corvette. Drawing for the new Corvette will be held in May.
For more info see
daytonainternationalspeedway.com of call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS
PR)(10-11-2007)
Daytona to add Second Fan Deck to Sprint Fanzone: The
Sprint Fanzone, located in the heart of the infield of Daytona
International Speedway, will be bigger and better for DIRECTV
Speedweeks 2008 and the 50th running of the Daytona 500 on
Sunday, Feb. 17. Beginning in mid-October, a second Fandeck will
be added atop the Sprint Cup Series garages on the south side of
the Sprint Fanzone. The new fan deck, which will include a
bridge connecting it to the north fan deck, adds an additional
23,500 square feet to the Sprint Fanzone and provides race fans
with a view of the south side of the Sprint Cup Series garages.
Construction on the expansion of the Fandeck will be completed
in time for the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 26-27. The Sprint
Fanzone was constructed in 2004 during Daytona International
Speedway's multi-million dollar infield renovation and made its
debut in 2005. A Sprint Fanzone/Pre-Race access pass for the
50th running of the Daytona 500 is $90 (must already have
purchased a race ticket). For the other days during DIRECTV
Speedweeks 2008, an advance Sprint Fanzone/Pre-Race pass is $25
(must be purchased two weeks before event date). For tickets to
DIRECTV Speedweeks 2008 events, including the 50th running of
the Daytona 500, call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(9-14-2007)
Ford hired by ISC: Edsel Ford II, great-grandson of
pioneer automaker Henry Ford, is becoming a director of
International Speedway Corp., owner of Daytona International
Speedway. Ford, 58, due to be formally elected in November, will
take over the board seat of Chairman William C. France, who died
in June. Ford has been a vice president of Ford Motor Co. since
1993. James C. France, William C. France's brother, officially
took over as ISC chairman. Lesa France Kennedy, ISC president
and William's daughter, became vice chairman.(Daytona
Beach News Journal)(9-6-2007)
Race Fans Go Behind The Scenes At DIS With VIP Hot Pass
Tour: Have you ever wondered what it's liketo see Gatorade
Victory Lane from a $5,000 seat at Daytona International
Speedway? What the view is from the eyes of a sportswriter?;
Where NASCAR President Mike Helton lays down the law prior to a
NASCAR race? Well, race fans visiting the Daytona 500 Experience
motorsports attraction can see those things and much more by
taking advantage of the new VIP Hot Pass Tour - an exclusive
behind-the-scenes personalized two-hour tour that opens the door
to the backstage of motorsports' most historic venue "The World
Center of Racing." The VIP Hot Pass Tour debuted last Friday and
Saturday and both were sold out. On the VIP Hot Pass Tour, race
fans can travel in comfort throughout the hallowed Speedway
grounds and get an insider's look at popular hot spots such as
the four-story icon Daytona 500 Club and upscale President's
Row, the Nextel Cup garages, the Infield Media Center where
hundreds of reporters from the Associated Press to NASCAR Scene
pen stories, the Driver's Meeting Room where drivers, crew
chiefs, owners and VIPs gather for the pre-race dos and don'ts,
the Houston Lawing Press Box and a luxury suite in Sprint Tower
where Fortune 500 executives rub elbows.
Included in the $50 Daytona 500 Experience VIP Hot Pass tour
are:
* Admission to the Daytona 500 Experience, "The Official
Attraction of NASCAR."
* Two-hour personal track tour aboard the comfort of a Speedway
motor coach.
* Lunch at the Budweiser Bistro in the heart of the SPRINT
FANZONE.
* Discount on merchandise from the Pit Shop, located just
outside The Daytona 500 Experience and jam packed with the
latest in NASCAR apparel. * Two ACCELERATION ALLEY ride
vouchers, where guests hop in 80% scale motion simulators and
race each other on the high banks of Daytona International
Speedway. All VIP Hot Pass tours must be scheduled by calling
(386) 947-6530 or by visiting www.DAYTONA500EXPERIENCE.com.(DIS
PR)(8-14-2007)
Pavers, graders replace sound of stock cars at Daytona:
The sound of stock cars at Daytona International Speedway, have
been replaced - for the time being - by the sound of bulldozers,
pavers and graders. "The World Center of Racing," which
undertook a major infield renovation project in 2004, is
currently experience yet another tweak in its infield, with
several alterations underway.
Those projects include:
Remove all above ground obstructions and ditches from the
interior grassed sections of the road course (overhead power,
drainage structure headwalls, fencing).
Regrade the interior grassed section of the road course, install
drainage structures and grates.
Construct a 12' wide extension of pit road to extend pit road
out to the east horseshoe where it blends into the main track.
Construct a new inner East Horseshoe which will match the
existing radius and slope of the existing turn.
Strip the grass and topsoil between road course in and out and
pave the area.(DIS PR)(7-31-2007)
Daytona 500 Web Site Launched: Race fans looking to
get their Daytona 500 “fix” prior to the historic 50th running
of “The Great American Race” scheduled for Feb. 17, 2008, can
visit the preeminent on-line destination for news, history and
background on the most anticipated event in racing history. At
www.daytona500.com, the
Official Site of the Daytona 500, race fans can access a
comprehensive, user-friendly website with the latest innovative
technology, allowing fans to view exclusive and historical
content, videos, photos, audio as well as downloading
screensavers and wallpapers and other multimedia elements.(DIS
PR)(7-23-2007)
Coke signs deal with ISC, and title rights for July races
in Daytona: International Speedway Corporation announced
that the company has signed an exclusive ten-year agreement with
Coca-Cola North America (CCNA). Specific financial terms were
not released. Under the terms of the agreement, CCNA brands will
become the "Official Soft Drink," "Official Sparkling Beverage"
and "Official Water" for 10 of ISC's wholly owned and/or
operated motorsports facilities; as well as the Daytona 500
Experience, the Ultimate Motorsports Attraction. Beginning in
January 2008, the partnership will include the following ISC
properties:
Daytona International Speedway, including race entitlement
rights for the facility's July Nextel [to be Sprint] Cup and
Busch series events; The DAYTONA 500 Experience; Chicagoland
Speedway; Homestead-Miami Speedway; Kansas Speedway; Michigan
International Speedway; Richmond International Raceway. The
relationship will extend to Darlington Raceway in 2009,
Talladega Superspeedway and Watkins Glen International in 2011,
and Phoenix International Raceway in 2012 [no mention of
Martinsville or California speedways]. Under the new agreement,
CCNA beverages will be served exclusively at the facilities by
Americrown, ISC's catering, concessions and merchandising
subsidiary, and by other facility concessionaires. In addition,
CCNA will leverage its marketing expertise to create a variety
of programs featuring ISC properties both at-track and wherever
racing fans enjoy their favorite sport.(DIS PR)(7-9-2007)
Daytona 500 to be moved to November? UPDATE denied:
This week, sources within NASCAR told me [CTR] there has been
closed door discussions to move the date of the Daytona 500, to
November. Apparently, NASCAR is intrigued by the idea of
switching the dates of the season ending Homestead race with the
season opening Daytona 500. The allure of ending the NASCAR
season and crowning a new Nextel Cup champion at the sports
biggest race is something the France family is strongly
considering. NASCAR and the International Speedway Corporation
own both tracks so a change of date would be easy to accomplish.
For the past 25 years, NASCAR has led off the season in Daytona
Beach, FL with the sports biggest race, the Daytona 500. In
2008, NASCAR will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Daytona
500 on February 17th for what may be the final time ever in the
month of February. Sources said the late Bill France Jr. was
very much against moving the Daytona 500 and felt that it would
hurt the integrity of the sport. NASCAR does not intend to have
a final decision regarding the date change until the end of the
2007 season.(CTR-Captain
Thunder Racing)(7-5-2007) UPDATE - denied: There's no validity to a rumor
circulating on the Internet that NASCAR is having discussions
about moving the Daytona 500 to November, Daytona spokesman
Andrew Booth said. "That one was way out in left field," he
said.(Tampa
Tribune)(7-7-2007)
Daytona 500 Champions Awarded: Daytona International
Speedway announced, as a gesture of recognition of the past
Daytona 500 Champions and in celebration of the upcoming 50th
running of the Great American Race, it will present the 24
living legends a lifetime membership to the prestigious Daytona
500 Club. Each champion, by way of their accomplishments on the
track and in life, will receive lifetime access to the track's
infield hospitality and entertainment experience. Membership
benefits include: a seat in Gatorade Victory Lane, access to the
Club banquet & lounge, event souvenir packages, a Pre Race /
Nextel Fanzone Access pass, infield parking and admission to the
Daytona Experience for the Pepsi 400 and Speedweeks event
weekends. Also the Daytona 500 Experience at Daytona
International Speedway welcomed five past champions of the
"Great American Race" to its Walk of Fame. Inductees ranged from
this year's winner, Kevin Harvick (2007), to Junior Johnson
(1960). Joining Harvick and Johnson at the induction was Derrike
Cope (1990), Buddy Baker (1980) and Pete Hamilton (1970). Plans
for a new exhibit inside the Daytona 500 Experience featuring
other past champions of the "Great American Race" were also
unveiled at the ceremony.(DIS PR)(7-7-2007)
DIS, NASCAR Honor Bill France Jr. During Pepsi 400
Weekend: NASCAR legend Richard Petty will drive a specially
designed Daytona International Speedway/NASCAR tribute car in
honor of the late Bill France Jr. prior to Saturday night's
Pepsi 400 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race. The on-track tribute
highlighted by Petty is just one of several tributes that are
taking place during the Pepsi 400 Weekend at Daytona
International Speedway. France, who helped build Daytona
International Speedway in the late 1950s and served as President
between 1982-87, passed away last month at the age of 74.
The tributes for Bill France Jr. include:
* With Petty, the specially designed Daytona International
Speedway/NASCAR tribute car will lead the Pepsi 400 field during
the pace laps and slow as the field splits with the car falling
to the back of the pack.
* A moment of silence held before Friday's Winn-Dixie 250
presented by PepsiCo Busch Series race and Saturday night's 49th
annual Pepsi 400 Nextel Cup Series race.
* A special video tribute will be shown on the Nextel Vision
screen during Saturday's pre-race festivities.
* A special feature of Bill France Jr. in the 2007 Pepsi 400
Weekend souvenir program.(DIS PR)(7-7-2007)
Busch Race postponsed until Saturday Tix Info: The
Winn-Dixie 250 presented by PepsiCo has been postponed and been
rescheduled for Saturday morning at 9 :00am/et. The following
are the ticket procedures for Saturday, July 7 at Daytona
International Speedway:
* Both Winn-Dixie 250 presented by PepsiCo tickets and Pepsi 400
tickets will be honored.
* If a ticket holder has only a Winn-Dixie 250 ticket, they can
view the Pepsi 400 from the Superstretch.
* The Pepsi 400 ticket has priority over any Winn-Dixie 250
ticket for Saturday night's Nextel Cup race.
* Gates will open at 7:30am/et
* The NEXTEL FANZONE will open at 2:00pm/et and only Nextel
Fanzone/Pre-Race passes for the Pepsi 400 will be honored
* All Speedway parking/tram service will run as scheduled
For more information, call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(7-6-2007)
Red, White and... Green at Daytona:Anheuser-Busch
Recycling Corporation and the Daytona International Speedway
have joined to encourage and enable recycling during the entire
race week. More than 9000 pounds of aluminum cans and aluminum
bottles and approximately 3000 pounds of plastic water bottles
were collected at the track during February's Speedweeks at
Daytona. Budweiser "Green Team" members and DIS employees will
hand out blue recycle bags to campers as they enter the Speedway
infield and the West Lot camping grounds for nightly pick up. In
addition, 400 recycling containers will be located throughout
the concourse, Fan Walk area, suites and hospitality tents.
During the races, the Budweiser "Green Team" and speedway
employees will service these recycling bins. To encourage guests
to recycle their beverage containers, "Green Team" volunteers
will walk through the campgrounds and reward adults that are
"caught" recycling with Budweiser gear. Budweiser is the
official beer of Daytona International Speedway. For more
information on the Anheuser-Busch Environmental Outreach, visit
ABenvironment.com.(fingerprint
inc)(7-6-2007)
Final Pepsi 400 Next Weekend? Next weekend’s Nextel
Cup race at Daytona will not only be the last restrictor-plate
race using the old race car, it appears it also will be the last
Daytona race called the Pepsi 400. Sports Business Daily
reported Friday that Coca-Cola is close to signing a deal to
give it pouring and marketing rights at Daytona. That would end
an almost 50-year relationship between Pepsi and the track. The
report says Pepsi’s deals with other International Speedway
Corporation tracks at Phoenix, Talladega, Watkins Glen and
Darlington will be dropped as they expire over the next few
years.(Thats
Racin)(6-30-2007)
Actor Kevin James Grand Marshal for Pepsi 400 at Daytona:
Kevin James, who stars opposite Adam Sandler in Universal
Pictures' new comedy, "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry,"
will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 49th annual Pepsi 400
Nextel Series Cup race on Saturday, July 7 at Daytona
International Speedway. The film opens July 20. James will give
the command "Gentlemen, start your engines" in the NASCAR
mid-summer classic. His Grand Marshal duties also include
leading the 43-car field in the pace laps from the Grand Marshal
Chevy Impala pace car. Tickets for any of the Pepsi 400 Weekend
events, including the 49th annual Pepsi 400 on Saturday, July 7,
the Winn-Dixie 250 presented by PepsiCo on Friday, July 6 and
the Brumos Porsche 250 Rolex Series race on Thursday, July 5,
are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS
PR)(6-30-2007)
DAYTONA USA is now "Daytona 500 Experience": For the
past 11 years, DAYTONA USA, "The Official Attraction of NASCAR,"
has been delivering magical motorsports memories to both
hard-core race fans and casual observers through hands-on
activities, challenging thrills and one-of-a-kind sights. This
year, the attraction continues to offer fans the thrills of
racing at "The World Center of Racing." However, in an effort to
align "The Official Attraction of NASCAR" with NASCAR's biggest,
richest and most prestigious race -- the Daytona 500 -- DAYTONA
USA will be renamed the Daytona 500 Experience beginning July 1,
2007. A new logo will accompany the name change as well as a new
website address. Fans can see the new logo at
www.Daytona500Experience.com.(DIS PR)(6-28-2007)
2007 Pepsi 400 Purse Exceeds $6 Million: The stars of
the Nextel Cup Series will vie for a purse of more than $6
million under the lights at the "World Center Of Racing" in the
49th annual Pepsi 400 Nextel Cup Series race on Saturday, July
7th at Daytona International Speedway. The posted awards for
this year's mid-summer classic will be a record $6,202,439, an
increase of almost $200,000. The posted awards for the 2006
Pepsi 400, which was won by Tony Stewart, was $6,074,820. The
winner of this year's Pepsi 400 will collect a minimum of
$284,550. The second, third, fourth and fifth-place finishers in
the Pepsi 400 will receive a minimum of $195,575, $160,725,
$131,425 and $118,725 respectively. The posted awards for the
Winn-Dixie 250 Busch Series race presented by PepsiCo on Friday,
July 6th will be $1,552,701. Tickets to any of the 2007 Pepsi
400 Weekend events are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS
PR)(6-27-2007)
NASA rocket launch to coincide with Pepsi 400
festivities: Whoever sings "and the rockets red glare," on
Saturday, July 7, the day of the Pepsi 400 at Daytona
International Speedway, will really mean it. Sometime between
4:09 and 4:36pm/et, NASA is scheduled to launch a Delta II
Rocket from the Astrotech Space Operations Facility Launch Pad
at Kennedy Space Center in nearby Titusville, FL. Weather
permitting, those attending the Nextel Series Pepsi 400 race or
in the area of the Speedway should be able to see the rocket
churn toward space. The Dawn spacecraft is being prepared for
launch and has gone through a series of tests including the
loading on xenon for the ion propulsion system and the loading
of Hydrazine, used for spacecraft control and maneuvering.(DIS
PR)(6-25-2007)
10 Finalists in Daytona 500 Celebrity Tickets for Charity
Competition announced: When fans speak, Daytona
International Speedway (DIS) listens. Some of the most
passionate fans in professional sports have made their voices
heard and narrowed a star-studded field of 46 celebrity designs
to 10 finalists in the Daytona 500 "Celebrity Tickets for
Charity" competition. Resembling a Who's Who among sports and
entertainment personalities, these 10 celebrities have edged out
the competition in an online battle for ultimate bragging rights
and now move one step closer to the honor of having their
artistic sense immortalized on the most sought after ticket in
all of motorsports - the 50th running of the Daytona 500.
The top 10 finalists, in no particular order, are as follows:
1. Kevin Harvick - 2007 Daytona 500 winner
2. Jeff Foxworthy - host of FOX's "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth
Grader?"
3. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - 2004 Daytona 500 winner
4. Tony Hawk - extreme sports icon
5. Katie Cook - host of CMT Insider
6. Mike Joy - NASCAR on FOX commentator
7. Patrick McRae (age 17) - on behalf of Rick Hendrick
8. Derek Wynne (age 7) - on behalf of Jimmie Johnson
9. Marvin Panch - 1961 Daytona 500 winner
10. Mario Andretti - 1967 Daytona 500 winner
To commemorate the historic milestone of NASCAR's most
prestigious race on February 17, 2008, DIS launched "Celebrity
Tickets for Charity," a fun, philanthropic initiative that has
provided a platform for professional athletes, musicians, famous
actors and TV personalities to showcase their artistic talents
through their personal canvases inspired by the "Great American
Race." The response was overwhelming as
Daytona500.com received
an unprecedented number of visits from NASCAR fans voting for
their celebrity designs. Voting began May 1 and ended June 14,
2007.
A blue ribbon panel made up of members of the NASCAR community
will decide the winning entry. International Speedway
Corporation (ISC) President Lesa France Kennedy, DIS President
Robin Braig, three-time Daytona 500 winner Jeff Gordon, 1989
Daytona 500 winner Darrell Waltrip, and TNT on-air talent Marty
Snider comprise the judging panel and have the responsibility of
determining the look of the 2008 Daytona 500 ticket. The winning
design will be announced Saturday, July 7 at DIS prior to the
Pepsi 400. Once the winning design is chosen, all original
celebrity artwork will be auctioned online with the proceeds
benefiting The Jeff Gordon Foundation, which supports children
with life-threatening and chronic diseases. Tickets to the 50th
running of the Daytona 500 are currently on sale to the general
public. To view the top 10 finalists, purchase tickets, or for
ticket information, visit
Daytona500.com.(DIS PR)(6-15-2007)
Historic 50th Running Daytona 500 Tickets Go On Sale May
9: Tickets for the 50th annual Daytona 500 will go on sale
on Wednesday, May 9, at 8:00am/et. The pre-Mother's Day Weekend
on-sale date marks the earliest opportunity ever for fans to
purchase all remaining tickets for the 50th annual Daytona 500
on Feb. 17, 2008. Prior to Wednesday, May 9, only renewals and
deposits for seat assignments for the 50th annual Daytona 500
were taken by the ticket office at Daytona International
Speedway. Oder by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or visiting the Daytona
International Speedway ticket office inside the lobby of Daytona
USA. Tickets for other DIRECTV Speedweeks at Daytona events,
including the Daytona 300 Busch Series race, the Chevy Silverado
HD 250 Craftsman Truck Series race, the Gatorade Duel at
Daytona, Bud Pole Qualifying for the Daytona 500 and the
Budweiser Shootout. Hospitality packages including the Daytona
Club, the Daytona 500 Club, the Green Flag Club and the Party
Zone. Tickets for the upcoming Pepsi 400 Weekend on July 5-7,
including the Pepsi 400 on Saturday night, July 7, the
Winn-Dixie 250 presented by PepsiCo Busch Series race and Circle
K Pole Qualifying for the Pepsi 400 on Friday, July 6 and the
Brumos Porsche 250 Rolex Sports Car Series race on Thursday,
July 5.(DIS PR)(5-8-2007)
Daytona International Speedway Launches Celebrity Tickets
for Charity: Daytona 500 winners Kevin Harvick, Jimmie
Johnson and Mario Andretti, Grammy Award nominee Jewel, TV host
Kelly Ripa, and action sport legend Tony Hawk, among others,
will put their artistic talents to the test to help commemorate
the 50th running of NASCAR's crown jewel stock car race, the
2008 Daytona 500. Daytona International Speedway (DIS) announced
its "Celebrity Tickets for Charity" competition, where the
design of the most sought-after ticket in motorsports history
will be chosen from submissions provided by celebrities, with
fans having a voice in the decision. Program spokesperson and
three-time Daytona 500 champion Jeff Gordon and DIS President
Robin Braig launched the program at Talladega Superspeedway and
unveiled several celebrity designs. Celebrity spokesperson
Carson Daly also participated in a media tour from New York City
to kick off the program. Voting begins Tuesday, May 1. Fans are
encouraged to click on the "Celebrity Tickets for Charity"
banner on Daytona500.com
as often as they like to view and vote for their favorite
celebrity ticket designs. The top 10 most popular designs, based
on fan voting, along with the members of a blue ribbon panel
that will determine the winner, will be announced at Michigan
International Speedway Friday, June 15. The winning design will
be announced during the Pepsi 400 (July 5-7) weekend in Daytona
Beach. Once the winning design is chosen, all original celebrity
artwork will be auctioned online with the proceeds benefiting
The Jeff Gordon Foundation, which supports children with
life-threatening diseases. Tickets to the 50th running of the
Daytona 500 go on sale Wednesday, May 9, 2007. To vote for
ticket designs, purchase tickets, or for ticket information,
visit Daytona500.com.(DIS
PR)(4-28-2007)
Daytona International Speedway Earns Prestigious Welcome
Mat Award: For the fifth straight year, historic Daytona
International Speedway has been awarded the Welcome Mat from The
Good Sam Club for hosting the most RV friendly NASCAR event -
the Daytona 500. The Good Sam Club, the world's largest
membership organization of RV owners, introduced their Welcome
Mat Awards to recognize those businesses that know how to
accommodate RVs and offer award-winning service to a growing
number of RV owners. Nearly one million RV owners were eligible
to vote for businesses and events that go out of the way to
recognize the needs of RV owners. DIS hosted The Good Sam Club's
"The Rally" in April 2006.(DIS
PR)(4-8-2007)
Daytona 500 fan killed in road rage shooting UPDATE:
Three Jacksonville men have been charged with second degree
murder in the shooting death of Eddie Houk, 36, Land O Lakes,
who was leaving the Daytona International Speedway with an older
brother Sunday night when he was shot and killed on Interstate 4
in a road rage incident, authorities said today. The men were
apparently passing through the area but had not attended the
race, deputies said. More details will come later in a press
release, but Volusia County Sheriff's Office spokesman Brandon
Haught confirmed it was a road rage incident.(Daytona
Beach News Journal)(2-19-2007) UPDATE: Sheriff's investigators combed through an
Interstate 4 exit Tuesday morning searching for the handgun used
in the road-rage killing of a 36-year-old Tampa-area father
heading home from the Daytona 500. Investigators were at the
Orange City exit looking for the weapon, sheriff's spokesman
Gary Davidson said. One of the suspects involved in the
shooting, Ronlee Harvin, 21, told investigators he flung the gun
from a window of the SUV he was riding in afterward. Meanwhile
the grieving family made funeral plans for Eric Houk of Land O'
Lakes, a youth soccer coach, husband and father of three,
including a 5-month-old son. Seminole County sheriff's deputies
arrested Harvin, Charles Onasanya, 19, and David Paul Edwards,
21, as the trio and a female passenger sped west on the
interstate Sunday night into Seminole County. Edwards is charged
with second-degree murder, accused of shooting Houk in the
stomach. The other two men are charged with being principals to
second-degree murder. The suspects and the woman are from
Jacksonville. Eric Houk and his brother, Michael Houk,
encountered the three suspects about 9:20 p.m. Sunday after Eric
Houk swerved his pickup into the emergency lane of the
interstate to avoid hitting another car. The victim had no idea
that Onasanya, who was driving the SUV, was already tooling
along in the emergency lane to bypass heavy post-race traffic on
I-4, officials said. Angry at being cut off, Onasanya swung his
SUV around Eric Houk's truck and he, Harvin and Edwards got out,
along with their female passenger, whose name is not being
released by sheriff's investigators. The Houk brothers also got
out of their pickup and Eric Houk and Onasanya started arguing,
investigators said. When the argument turned physical, the
female passenger yelled, "Get the gun," a police report shows.
She will not be charged, though, sheriff's spokesman Brandon
Haught said, because saying that "is not a crime." Onasanya ran
back to his vehicle and retrieved a handgun belonging to Harvin.
The gun made its way to Edwards who fired a shot into the air to
get Eric Houk and Onasanya to stop fighting, the report said.
Edwards fired two more shots at Eric Houk, though he was unarmed
and not threatening, officials said. Seconds later, the three
suspects and the woman took off in the SUV. Eric Houk died just
before 10 p.m. at Florida Hospital DeLand, officials said. The
suspects were arrested soon after on I-4 in Seminole County.(More
at the Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-21-2007)
49th Annual Daytona 500 A Sellout: All grandstand
seats for the 49th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 18 at
historic Daytona International Speedway are sold out, Speedway
officials announced Saturday. While all the grandstand seats are
sold out, fans can still purchase infield tickets for the "Great
American Race" - the kick off to the Nextel Cup Series season.
"We're happy to announce that the Daytona 500 is sold out,"
Speedway President Robin Braig said. "The fans continue to show
that the Daytona 500 is the premier stock car race in America."
Tickets for all other events at Daytona International Speedway
are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(2-18-2007)
Parsons to wave the green? UPDATE: hearing that Phil
Parsons, brother of the late great Benny Parsons, will be the
Honorary Starter for the Daytona 500 on Sunday and wave the
green flag.(2-13-2007) UPDATE: Phil Parsons, younger brother of 1975 Daytona 500
champion and 1973 NASCAR champion Benny Parsons, has been named
Honorary Starter for the 49th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb.
18 at Daytona International Speedway. Benny Parsons, who was
diagnosed with lung cancer, passed away last month in Charlotte,
N.C. after complications from treatment. "Benny Parsons was a
special member of the Daytona International Speedway family and
we're honored to have his brother wave the green flag for
Sunday's Daytona 500," Daytona International Speedway President
Robin Braig said. Benny Parsons was a member of the NASCAR's 50
greatest drivers and a winner of 21 races and 20 poles. After
retiring from racing in 1988, Parsons excelled at broadcasting
and spent the past six years with NBC and TNT. Phil Parsons was
also a NASCAR driver making 202 Nextel Cup Series starts and
winning a Nextel Cup race in 1988 at Talladega Superspeedway.
Parsons, who also won two Busch Series races, now serves as an
analyst for SPEED Channel's coverage of the Craftsman Truck
Series.(DIS PR)(2-14-2007)
Big & Rich To Sing National Anthem At Daytona 500:
The multi-platinum genre bending country music duo and Grammy
nominated Big & Rich will perform the National Anthem for the
49th annual Daytona 500 on Feb. 18 at historic Daytona
International Speedway. (Big Kenny) and John Rich formed Big &
Rich in 1998 and the duo has released two chart-topping albums -
"Horse Of A Different Color" and "Comin' To Your City" - and has
another album due out by the middle of 2007. Also participating
in Daytona 500 pre-ceremonies will be actor Nicolas Cage as
Grand Marshal, singer Kelly Clarkson in the NEXTEL Tribute To
America and baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr. as Daytona 500 pace
car driver. Tickets to all exciting events at Daytona
International Speedway are available by calling
1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(2-13-2007)
2007 Daytona 500 Purse Exceeds $18 Million The 49th
annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 18, America's richest,
biggest and most prestigious motorsports event of the year, will
once again carry the biggest purse in the history of stock car
racing at more than $18 million. The posted awards for the "The
Great American Race" on Sunday, Feb. 18 will be $18,386,023. The
posted awards for the 2006 Daytona 500, which was won for the
first time by Jimmie Johnson, was $18,035,635. The winner of
this year's Daytona 500 will collect a minimum of $1,443,250.
The second, third, fourth and fifth-place finishers in the
Daytona 500 will receive a minimum of $1,041,525, $747,575,
$593,550and $466,000 respectively. Even the last-place finisher
in the Daytona 500 will be well compensated with a minimum of
$226,295.
Other purses for Speedweeks 2007 events are:
* ARCA 200 ARCA RE/MAX Series race: $277,936
* Budweiser Shootout: $1,153,518 with the winner pocketing
$215,000
* Gatorade Duel At Daytona: $1,350,000, $675,000 for each race
* Chevy Silverado HD 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race:
$865,733
* Orbitz 300 NASCAR Busch Series race: $2,596,288.(DIS
PR)(2-7-2007)
Daytona International Speedway OK there was a major
tornado in Central Florida this afternoon, killing over a dozen
people. Have heard the tornado didn't hit
Daytona
International Speedway and there is no damage there. More
than 2 inches of rain fell overnight at Daytona Beach
International Airport [right next to the speedway] but no high
wind gusts were reported there. Reports on the tornado can be
found at the Daytona
Beach News Journal.(2-2-2007) AND The storms that struck middle Florida spared Daytona
International Speedway, site of NASCAR's upcoming season-opening
Daytona 500. "We're A-OK," Speedway spokesman Andrew Booth said
Friday morning. "We had a lot of rain, wind and lightning, but
no damage." NASCAR activities at Daytona crank up next weekend
with the Budweiser Shootout on Feb.10 followed by the Daytona
500 on Feb. 18.(Atlanta
Journal-Constitution)(2-3-2007)
Dierks Bentley To Perform Pre- and Post-Race Bud Shootout
Concerts: Popular country music star Dierks Bentley, whose
recent album Long Trip Alone debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard
country albums chart, will perform before thousands of fans both
before and after the 29th annual Budweiser Shootout at historic
Daytona International Speedway on Saturday night, Feb. 10.
Bentley's hit single "Every Mile A Memory" from the album Long
Trip Alone reached No. 1 on the Billboard country singles charts
and recently garnered two Grammy nominations for Best Male
Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song.(DIS
PR)(2-3-2007)
Forbes rates the top 10 sports brands and event brand
value ($mil):
• 1. Super Bowl, 379
• 2. Summer Olympics Games, 176
• 3. FIFA World Cup, 103
• 4. Daytona 500, 91
• 5. Rose Bowl, 88
• 6. NCAA Men's Final Four, 82
• 7. Winter Olympics Games, 82
• 8. Kentucky Derby, 69
• 9. MLB World Series, 56
• 10. NBA Finals, 47
(Forbes.com)(2-1-2007)
Cal Ripken Jr. to pace Daytona 500 Field: Cal Ripken
Jr., best known as baseball's "Iron Man", playing in a record
2,632 straight games for the Baltimore Orioles, will be behind
the wheel of a 2007 Chevrolet Corvette as he paces the field for
the 49th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 18 at Daytona
International Speedway. Voted to baseball's Hall of Fame in
2007, his consecutive games played record, which took 16 years
to establish, made him a popular player with baseball fans
everywhere as evidenced by his 19 All-Star Game appearances.
"The Daytona 500 is one of the most storied sporting events in
the country and I am thrilled and honored to be a part of it.
NASCAR drivers are tremendous athletes and I look forward to
being in that environment," said Ripken. Tickets for the Daytona
500 as well as other Speedweeks 2007 events are available by
calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(1-30-2007)
Actor Nicolas Cage grand marshal for Daytona 500:
Nicolas Cage, the star of the upcoming action-adventure Ghost
Rider from Columbia Pictures, in theaters everywhere on February
16th, has been named Grand Marshal of the 49th annual Daytona
500, Cage will command the drivers, "Gentlemen, start your
engines!" at NASCAR's signature event, which will run on Sunday,
Feb. 18 at historic Daytona International Speedway. Cage has
starred in more than 50 films including such popular releases as
National Treasure, Gone in Sixty Seconds, Face/Off, Con Air, The
Rock, Raising Arizona, and Leaving Las Vegas, which garnered him
an Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Actor.(DIS PR)(1-26-2007)
Clarkson To Headline Nextel Tribute To America at Daytona
500: Two-time Grammy winner and Sony recording artist Kelly
Clarkson will headline the Nextel Tribute To America, the
pre-race extravaganza leading up to "The Great American Race" --
the prestigious Daytona 500 Nextel Cup Series race on Sunday,
Feb. 18. Clarkson will perform in the Nextel-sponsored show,
which will be carried live on FOX Sports. The Nextel Tribute To
America pays tribute to music as the fabric of America and will
feature thousands of cast members on the Speedway's historic
five-acre tri-oval grass.(DIS
PR)(1-18-2007)
2007 DIS Fan Guide Now Available: Continuing Daytona
International Speedway's "Fans R 1st @ Daytona" initiative, the
2007 edition of the Fan Guide - the top fan information source
at "The World Center of Racing" - is now available online at
www.Daytonainternationalspeedway.com. Guests can download
the Fan Guide by clicking on the Fan Info banner at the top of
the main page. For the first time, the Fan Guide is available
for download in both individual sections as well as the complete
version. The Daytona International Speedway Fan Guide is loaded
with ticket information, schedules, specialty vehicle overnight
parking information, traffic patterns and Speedway facility maps
including free parking locations, disabled guest assistance
services and other tidbits that will make the fans' visit an
even more enjoyable experience. If you don't have Speedweeks
2007 tickets call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(1-11-2007)
Fans gobbling up “Sit With Jimmy” tickets: Jimmy
Spencer was right – he is in touch with the fans. And judging
from “Sit With Jimmy” ticket sales, he’s as popular as ever. In
response to Kenny Wallace’s accusation in September that Jimmy
Spencer is out of touch with race fans, “Mr. Excitement”
unveiled his own Daytona 500 special ticket package for the 49th
annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 18. Since his announcement,
“Sit With Jimmy” tickets have been a popular item, already
selling out the original Superstretch Lund Section seats.
Because of its popularity, seats in the Allison grandstand have
been added. Two different "Sit With Jimmy" packages are still
available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or visit
sitwithjimmy.com.(DIS
PR)(12-20-2006)
'The World Center of Racing' Renamed DeLana International
Speedway: Kevin Harvick Inc. and owner DeLana Harvick have
dominated the past two Daytona 300 Busch Series races at Daytona
International Speedway, winning the prestigious season-opening
events with driver Tony Stewart. With Kevin Harvick Inc.'s
success in the Daytona 300, Daytona International Speedway
President Robin Braig announced that the legendary historic
motorsports facility will now carry the name of its team owner
-- DeLana -- for the day. "Kevin Harvick Inc. and its owner
DeLana Harvick have won the last two February Busch Series races
at DIS," Braig said. "Since they 'own' the track, in their
honor, we're going to change the name of Daytona International
Speedway to 'DeLana International Speedway' for the day." On
Thursday during NASCAR Busch Series Champion's Week Media
Luncheon at the ESPN Club at Disney's Boardwalk, Braig made the
announcement and gave a piece of historic pavement from DIS to
DeLana Harvick with the new track logo. The Daytona 300, the
premier event in the NASCAR Busch Series season, will kick off
the 2007 Busch Series season on Saturday, Feb. 17. The race will
also be televised on ESPN2HD, the new television home to the
Busch Series.(DIS
PR)(12-8-2006)
Pepsi 400 Tickets On Sale Saturday, Oct. 14: On
Saturday, Oct. 14, at 8am/et, fans will have their first
opportunity to purchase all remaining tickets for the 49th
annual Pepsi 400 on July 7, 2007. Great seats, including a
limited number of premium tower seats, will be available. Prior
to Saturday, Oct. 14, renewals and deposits for seat assignments
for the Pepsi 400 were taken by the ticket office at Daytona
International Speedway. Also available beginning on Saturday
will be a three-day Pepsi 400 Weekend ticket package, which will
include tickets to the NASCAR Busch Series 250 and Circle K Pole
Qualifying Day for the Pepsi 400 on Friday, July 6 and the Rolex
Sports Car Series 250 on Thursday night, July 5. Daytona
International Speedway offers several convenient methods for
fans to purchase tickets to the mid-summer classic, more info at
1-800-PITSHOP or
Daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS PR)(10-14-2006)
Sit With Jimmy: In response to Kenny Wallace’s recent
accusation that Jimmy Spencer is out of touch with race fans,
"Mr. Excitement" unveiled his own Daytona 500 ticket package on
Sunday’s NASCAR RaceDay at Dover, Del. More info at
sitwithjimmy.com.(9-24-2006)
IndyCars to Test at Daytona: The IndyCar Series and
Daytona International Speedway announced plans for a
compatibility test at Daytona International Speedway on Sept. 26
and 27. The test will feature 2006 IndyCar Series Champion Sam
Hornish, Jr.,; 2006 Rolex 24 At Daytona and 2003 IndyCar Series
Champion Scott Dixon and 2006 Rolex 24 At Daytona Champion and
2005 IndyCar Series Champion Dan Wheldon. Third-generation racer
and 2006 Rookie of the Year Marco Andretti and 2004 IndyCar
Series Champ and teammate Tony Kanaan and Vitor Meira will also
take part in the test. The visit will allow IndyCar Series
officials to determine the possibility of Daytona International
Speedway serving as a preseason testing venue. The compatibility
test will allow series officials to see transitions onto the
banking, tire wear/side loads and braking zones while looking
for any challenging surface areas on the track. The IndyCar
Series officials have analyzed data from Chip Ganassi Racing and
Cheever Racing Rolex Sports Car Series programs that indicate
IndyCar Series cars should have no issues. The test will take
place on the 2.73-mile tri-oval and road course which includes
ten turns. The IndyCar Series and its teams will conduct the
on-track activity with support from the Daytona facilities crew.
For track services, Daytona will tap the experience and
knowledge available from International Speedway Corporation's
(ISC) other facilities with IndyCar Series events, which include
Homestead-Miami Speedway, Watkins Glen International, Richmond
International Raceway, Kansas Speedway and Michigan
International Speedway.(DIS PR)(9-14-2006)
Finishing Touches on Daytona 500 Champion's Walk Of Fame:
In conjunction with Daytona USA's 10th anniversary celebration,
"The Official Attraction of NASCAR" put the final touches on the
new Daytona 500 Champion's Walk of Fame on Friday. Daytona
International Speedway President Robin Braig and Daytona USA
General Manager Kim Isemann assisted operations personnel in
installing the 3x3 cement blocks that showcase the Daytona 500
champion's handprint, right foot and autograph into their final
place. During the recent Pepsi 400 Weekend, winning drivers of
the Daytona 500 since 1996, the first year of operation for
Daytona USA, had their hands, right foot and signature
immortalized in cement in a special ceremony inside the
60,000-square foot attraction. Daytona 500 champions Jimmie
Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Dale Jarrett, Ward
Burton and Michael Waltrip all had the honor of placing their
hands, right foot and signature in the famous wet cement. A
special plaque in the Walk of Fame will honor the late Dale
Earnhardt and his 1998 Daytona 500 victory. Guests at Daytona
USA will now mill around outside Daytona USA, much like the
world famous Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, and gaze
down at the 3x3 cement blocks remembering those historic moments
from NASCAR's signature event. Annual handprints, right foot
prints and autograph of the Daytona 500 champion will take place
each year in a special ceremony.(DIS
PR)(9-10-2006)
ISC Helps Staten Island Little League: NASCAR is
riding to the rescue of the Staten Island Little League, after
venerable Hy Turkin Field was torn up from home plate to the
outfield in a sickening episode of vehicular vandalism earlier
this week. Michael Printup of International Speedway Corp.,
which seeks to build an 80,000-seat racetrack in Bloomfield,
arranged a corporate donation of 500 square feet of sod and some
18 cubic yards of clean fill to make the Dongan Hills field
playable again. The work will be done today and tomorrow [July
14-14]. Printup, who coaches in the South Shore Little League,
said he wanted to help as soon as he read the distressing
details in Wednesday's Advance. "For something that was so
horrible in nature, I knew we [ISC] had to do something," he
said. "This is something for the kids, so they can get back out
there and play." Pete Sclafani expressed gratitude on behalf of
the SILL board of directors. "It's good to see people from the
community kicking in," Sclafani said.(Staten
Island Advance)(7-18-2006)
DIS Infield Hosts Bevy Of Options For Pepsi 400 Fans:
Only in Daytona International Speedway's NEXTEL FANZONE can the
average race fan dine on such fine cuisine as Asian Chicken
salad with mandarin orange dressing and toasted sesame seeds,
grilled buffalo skewers with a gourmet rice blend, crispy onions
and demi glace and tempura battered and panko breaded shrimp.
Located in the heart of the infield, the Budweiser Bistro offers
race fans something new and unusual to add to the fan experience
at the "World Center of Racing". In addition to the new menu at
the Bistro, Pepsi 400 Weekend race guests can experience:
* XM Satellite Radio will be broadcasting their shows live from
the Entertainment Stage.
* Local chalk artists in the FANZONE creating a 6 x 30 mural
with a race related theme custom piece of art using only pastels
and chalk
* Professional Lego builders creating a fan-interactive Lego
build of a small-scale model racetrack modeled after Daytona
International Speedway.
* Professional Break Dancers performing an eye-catching,
crowd-involving show of dance moves and acrobatics for the fans.
* Tom Hugley, the Unicycle Man, rolling through the NEXTEL
FANZONE entertaining fans.
* Local bands including Jim Van Fleet and the Reign, The
Caribbean Posse, Dixieland Band and Yummy.
Pre-Race/NEXTEL FANZONE admissions as well as all Pepsi 400
Weekend tickets are available online by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.
With the purchase of a $60 Pepsi 400 Pre-Race Pass/NEXTEL
FANZONE, a guest can receive a FREE XM Satellite Radio with a
purchase of a six-month service subscription.(DIS PR)(6-29-2006)
Daytona USA To Create Daytona 500 Champion's Walk Of
Fame: In conjunction with Daytona USA's 10th anniversary
celebration, "The Official Attraction of NASCAR" will create the
new Daytona 500 Champion's Walk of Fame during the Pepsi 400
Weekend. Winning drivers of the Daytona 500 since 1996, the
first year of operation for Daytona USA, will have their hands,
right foot and signature immortalized in cement in a special
ceremony inside the 60,000-square foot attraction on Friday,
June 30 at 11:00am/et. Daytona 500 champions Jimmie Johnson,
Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Dale Jarrett, Ward Burton and
Michael Waltrip will all have the honor of placing their hands,
right foot and signature in the famous wet cement. There will be
a special plaque in the Walk of Fame honoring the late Dale
Earnhardt and his 1998 Daytona 500 victory. Annual handprints,
right foot prints and autograph of the Daytona 500 champion will
take place each year in a special ceremony during the Pepsi 400
Weekend. Also Daytona USA will host an unprecedented gathering
of former Daytona 500 winning cars during the June 29-July 1
Pepsi 400 Weekend. Including the current Daytona 500 winning car
- the #48 Lowe's Home Improvement Chevrolet of Jimmie Johnson -
Daytona USA will welcome six other winning race machines from
"The Great American Race" - NASCAR's most prestigious and
richest event. More info about Daytona USA at
www.DaytonaUSA.com.(DIS
PR)(6-29-2006)
Qualifying Procedure for the Gatorade Duels/Daytona 500:
Budweiser Pole Day: This “locks in” the first two
positions – the front row – for the Daytona 500. It also
establishes the starting orders for the Gatorade Duel at
Daytona, which are two 150-mile qualifying races for the Daytona
500.
The fastest car earns the pole for the Daytona 500 AND the pole
for the first Gatorade Duel race.
The second-fastest car earns the outside pole for the Daytona
500 AND the pole for the second Gatorade Duel race.
The Gatorade Duel at Daytona: These two 150-mile qualifying
races set positions 3-39 for the Daytona 500.
A combined total of 66 cars will be allowed into the two
Gatorade Duel races.
Cars must compete in one of the Gatorade Duel races, in order to
race in the Daytona 500.
Odd-number finishers in the final 2006 car owner point standings
(1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.) are in the first Gatorade Duel race.
Even-number finishers in the final 2006 car owner point
standings (2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.) are in the second Gatorade Duel
race.
Additional qualified cars that weren’t in the final 2006 top 35
are alternated between the two Gatorade Duel fields using an
odd-even format.
Setting the Daytona 500 field:
Cars that finished in the top 35 in the 2006 car owner point
standings automatically make the Daytona 500 field.
The top two starting positions are determined by Budweiser Pole
Day qualifying speeds.
Positions 3-39 are determined by finishing orders in the
Gatorade Duel races.
The final four spots in the 43-car field will be based on
Budweiser Pole Day qualifying speeds of cars that have not
already earned a starting position. However, if there is an
eligible Nextel Cup Series past champion entered who has not
already qualified, that past champion will receive the 43rd and
final position. If there is more than one past champion eligible
for this berth, it goes to the most recent champion.
another way to look at it:
The following cars will be assigned to the first of the two
qualifying races:
The odd-number positions (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.) of the
highest-ranked 35 finishers in the final previous NASCAR NEXTEL
Cup Series car owner points standings.
The pole winner from Bud Pole Qualifying scheduled for Sunday,
Feb. 11. Should the pole winner be among the highest-ranked 35
in the the previous season owner points, the pole winner will
start in the first race regardless of his odd or even position
in those standings. The following cars will be assigned to the
second of the two qualifying races:
The even-number positions (2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.) of the
highest-ranked 35 finishers in the final previous season NASCAR
NEXTEL Cup Series car owner points standings.
The second-fastest qualifier from Bud Pole Qualifying. Should
this car be among the highest-ranked 35 in the previous season
owner points, it will start in the second race regardless of its
odd or even position in those standings. Additional cars that
were not among the highest-ranked 35 in the final previous
season car owner points will be alternated between the first and
second 150-mile qualifying events using an odd-even format. The
odd-number positions will be assigned to the first qualifier
while the even-number positions will be assigned to the second
qualifier.
The odd-even positions are not determined by where the car
qualified in the overall field, but their specific qualifying
order among those cars not part of the highest-ranked 35 group.
For example, a car qualifies eighth overall in Bud Pole
qualifying, but ranks third-fastest among those cars not part of
the highest-ranked 35. That car would be an odd-number position
and start in the first race as a result of its qualifying
standing of those cars not in the highest-ranked 35.
The lineup for each qualifying race will be set based upon the
qualifying speeds in the time trials for all cars, including
those who are among the highest-ranked 35 in the finalprevious
season car owner point standings. The highest-ranked 35
designation does not determine the car’s starting position, only
the assignment of its 150-mile qualifying event.
A maximum of 66 cars will be permitted to compete between the
two qualifying races, and all cars must compete in one of these
events to be eligible for the Daytona 500.
Starting positions for the Daytona 500 will be designated for
the highest-ranked 35 positions from the final previous season
car owner point standings from each qualifier, the two-highest
finishing cars in each qualifier not among that highest-ranked
35 group and the two front-row qualifiers.
The balance of the 43-car field will be filled by the fastest
remaining qualifiers who have not earned a starting position,
with the exception of the 43rd position which will be assigned
to an eligible former or current Nextel Cup Series champion.
Should there not be an eligible champion, the position will be
assigned to the next fastest qualifier not in the field.
The simple version: how the Daytona 500 lineup is
set: Pos 1 and 2: Pole sitter and outside pole sitter from Bud
Pole qualifying
[no need to be top 35 in prevoius season car Owners Points]
Pos 3 thru 39: top 35 in prevoius season car owners
points and two highest finishing teams in each Gatorade Duel
races race NOT in the top 35 set by their finishing postion in
the Gatorade Duel races.
Pos 40-42: fastest qualifiers not in by above
Pos 43: past champion provisional - at this point only
[for 2006, #96-Terry Labonte would get first shot as he last won
the championship in 1996 and then #36-Bill Elliott would be next
in line, winning last in 1988. Otherwise the spot goes to the
next fastest qualifier.
The Gatorade Duel races: The Daytona 500 pole-sitter
will start on the pole of the first Gatorade Duel at Daytona.
The outside pole winner will start on the pole of the second
qualifying race.
Cars that finished in odd positions (first, third, fifth, etc.)
in owner's points last season will fill the first qualifying
race, and those with even-number finishes will compete in the
second race. The lineup for each qualifying race will be set
based on the qualifying speeds. Owner's points do not
determine the car's starting position, only which of the two
Duel races in which it will race.
Cars that were not among the highest-ranked 35 in the previous
season will be alternately entered into the two 150-mile
qualifying events based on qualifying speeds. The non-top 35 car
with the fastest qualifying time is entered into the first (odd)
Duel race, the next-fastest in the second (even) race and so on.
