Updates

NASCAR to Run the Daytona 500 with limited fans

19th January 2021 by Admin Leave a Comment

The Daytona 500 is one of the most popular and well-known motorsport events in the world. This year the 63rd edition takes place. The race usually takes place on an oval track with a length of 4 km. During the competition, the racing drivers cover 200 laps. The great American race will take place on February 14th this year at the historic Daytona International Speedway.

While the state is set for another world-class race, it won’t be like it has been in previous years, when many fans from around the world have traveled to Daytona Beach to watch the Daytona 500 race live.

This year the race will be held with limited fans amid the currently contagious coronavirus. Daytona International Speedway announced that limited fans will be admitted.

It was also announced that other Daytona Speedweeks events including the Busch Clash, the lower series races taking place in Daytona February 9-14, and the Daytona 500 qualifying races will also have a limited number of fans in attendance. However, no precise capacity or limit was specified in the announcement.

The Daytona International Speedway has space for over 100,000 fans in the grandstands and more than a thousand others in the infield. The Daytona Speedweeks event tickets have been on sale since mid-August 2020.

In 2020, NASCAR ran half of its 32 cup races with limited fans. In these races, those who were allowed to attend varied based on the local restrictions in force at the time and the speedway’s seating capacity.

During the All-Star race in July last year, only 22,000 fans were allowed into the Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee with a seating capacity of around 146,000 people. Later in September, the place had around 30,000 fans during the Playoff Cup race.

NASCAR said the decision to run the Daytona 500 with limited fans was made because of improved safety protocols and procedures to ensure fans, NASCAR competitors, employees, as well as the local community and guests, have a safe environment.

In November, NASCAR president Steve Phelps told reporters that the sanctions agency was thinking about running the Daytona 500 with limited fans. Steve thought they would let some fans in, but wasn’t sure what percentage.

In a statement from the President of Daytona International Speedway, Chip While claimed the Daytona 500 is one of the greatest spectacles of any sport, and fans from all over the world are coming to Daytona Beach to attend this greatest motorsport day. The President made it clear that it would not be possible to host fans to full capacity come this February but was also aware that they had managed to allow only a few fans in while others were preparing for FOX.

Some reports also suggest that NASCAR plans to allow limited camping in Daytona.

The few fans who have the opportunity to attend will be screened before entering the track. They will also need to wear face masks and maintain social distance.

The Daytona 500 stakeholders and Organizers joint tabletop safety exercise

5th January 2021 by Admin Leave a Comment

On January 6, 2021, Daytona International Speedway, NASCAR, the United States Department of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security (CISA), law enforcement officers, state and local first responders, and local businesses held a table-top exercise to assess response plans around the hypothetical incidents of the public safety on Daytona 500 day.

The joint exercise included representatives from several agencies involved in the upcoming 63rd annual Daytona 500, scheduled for Sunday, February 14th. Participants discussed their roles, suggested best practices, and improved coordination mechanisms to ensure the safety of fans and members of the public. The exercise was part of an existing corporation between those involved in the Daytona 500 and was not a response to any specific threat. The objective was to size the safety of fans amid the race.

Scott Breuer, deputy assistant director of infrastructure security at CISA, said the joint exercise was just one of the various steps and examples of the preparation and harmonization that takes place long before race day to ensure that those who will attend stay safe.

He added that the Daytona 500 is one of the biggest sporting events of the year and the safety of everyone involved is an equally big task. The incumbent CISA president said they have a longstanding relationship with Daytona 500 and NASCAR and look forward to continuing to work with them and all other partners in the region to ensure the race is safe and secure.

Chip Wile, President of Daytona International Speedway, said the safety of everyone is a top priority at the Daytona 500 and all of their events that are part of the Speedweeks presented by AdventHelath. He added that both NASCAR and Speedway want their fans, competitors, employees, and everyone else involved to have a safe experience and always be safe while enjoying the Great American Race.

The collection of events related to the Daytona 500, including the Daytona Speedweeks presented by AdventHealth, is scheduled to begin on February 9th and culminate on Sunday, February 14th with the Great American Race.

According to CISA, every member of the public plays a vital role in ensuring safety throughout Speedweeks. They encourage anyone attending the Daytona 500 or surrounding events to follow instructions from local or state health officials, remain vigilant, and report suspicious activity to law enforcement or stadium staff.

CISA works with teams, sports leagues, arenas, stadiums, and other major venues across the country to develop and execute response plans for all potential threats in today’s environment. In a year they do about 30 exercises. The agency has strategically located US-based staff to educate businesses, schools, and other organizations on best practices to improve their safety and resilience.

The Big One: Daytona 500 Crash in History

22nd January 2020 by Admin Leave a Comment

The ”Big One” is a phrase that describes a crash that includes at least five cars in ARCA, IndyCar racing as well as NASCAR. It is commonly referred to at Talladega Superspeedway and Daytona International Speedway; however, it used in other tracks such as Watkins Glen International and Dover International Speedway.

The history of the ”Big one”

Before the 2000s, such a massive crush was described as terrific or major crashes. Media and competitors started taking notice of the severe car crash which wrecked a multiplicity of Cars at Talladega and Daytona by mid-1990s.

It was in 1997 that Dale Earnhardt uses the phrase “the Big Wreck” to describe the final lap at Pepsi 400. After this news started using the phrase “Big Wreck” for such crashes and it started having widespread use in 1999. Drivers were now openly admitting that they were concerned about its possibility.

The ”Big one” was also used on 11th October 1998 when the Winston 500 was hosted on ESPN. Bob Jenkins, a renowned commentator mentioned, “this is the big one we hoped we would not have.” The term, ”Big one” was published for the first time in 2000, in an ESPN.com article while mentioning the DieHard 500 crash. After this, fans started using this term informally on the message boards.

Later in 2001, Darrell Waltrip, a renowned Fox TV commentator of Daytona 500, mentioned “The Big One” on-air while describing the car wreckage that involved 18 Cars in lap 173. It was 2001, when fans, broadcast media, and competitors started using this term widely. In no time, it became a NASCAR vernacular. It is also a retronym for describing past events.

This massive crash was always the target of critics and many have complained that promoters and media were very happy the crash. In the year 2009, Talladega Superspeedway was sold using the notorious crashes. More so, one-third-pound of frankfurter was marketed at the ”Big one” track.

This term is also a part of a video game. A video game named NASCAR 14 includes an achievement named the Big One that can be won by getting crashed at Talladega Superspeedway

Some examples of The Big Daytona 500 Crash in History are as mentioned below:

Daytona 500 of 2001:

On lap 173, Robby Gordon, who was in fifth place, got behind Ward Burton. During this Tony Stewart and Ward Burton crashed. Stewart’s car banged the wall and landed on Gordon’s car. While tumbling on the track, his car was wrecked as a result of the collision with other cars. This caused a recurrent crashing routine and a whopping 18 cars were wrecked. The driver included were Labonte, Gordon, Steve Park, Mark Martin, Jason Leffler, John Andretti, Andy Houston, Kenny Wallace, Dale Jarrett, Rusty Wallace, Terry Labonte, Jerry Nadeau, Dale Jarrett, Elliott Sadler, Jeff Burton, Jeff Gordon, and Buckshot Jones.

However, this crash was overshadowed by the deadly wreckage which took occurred on the final lap.

Daytona 500 of 2002:

It all started when Kevin Harvick who was in second-place tried to block Jeff Gordon who was advancing on lap 149, causing a contact between the two and Harvick spun down. He collided with the wall, blocking 17 other cars. Some of the drives included in the crash are Ricky Rudd, John Andretti, Casey Atwood, Bobby Labonte, Joe Nemechek, Jimmie Johnson, Todd Bodine, Jerry Nadeau, Matt Kenseth, Ken Schrader, Kenny Wallace, Johnny Benson Jnr., Jeremy Mayfield, Mike Wallace, Dale Earnhardt Jnr, Bobby Hamilton, and Dave Blaney. The winner of the race, Ward Burton avoided the crash slightly.

Daytona 500 2017:

On lap 143, Chase Elliott was in front of the field and Jamie McMurray turned around, which caused 11 cars to crash involving drivers Jeffrey Earnhardt, Daniel Suárez, Ty Dillon, Brad Keselowski, Ryan Newman, and Landon Cassill.

On lap 129, Jimmie Johnson while trying to block Trevor Bayne, spun around and caused a 17-car crash including drivers like Clint Bowyer, Danica Patrick, Denny Hamlin, and Chris Buescher.

Daytona 500 of 2018:

This race witnessed 3 massive crashes.

On lap 60, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., while entering the end stage one, was dashed by Ryan Blaney. Stenhouse had almost regained control when Erik Jones spun and crashed 9 cars. Drivers included were William Byron, Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Larson, Ty Dillon, Martin Truex Jr., and Daniel Suárez.

On lap 103, Chase Elliott and Brad Keselowski made contact that caused Elliott to run into the wall, crashing 7 cars. Drivers included were Danica Patrick, Kasey Kahne, Martin Truex Jr., Kevin Harvick, and David Ragan.

On lap 199, block Ryan Blaney was blocked by Kurt Busch, which caused his car to spin, crashing 10 additional cars. Drivers were Martin Truex Jr., Brendan Gaughan, Jeffrey Earnhardt, A.J. Allmendinger, Matt DiBenedetto, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Alex Bowman, Ryan Newman, Darrell Wallace Jr., and Joey Logano.

2019 Daytona 500

On lap 190, Matt DiBenedetto and Paul Menard contacted and tangled up, which resulted in a 21-car crash. Drivers included were Martin Truex, Jr., Jimmie Johnson, Joey Logano, and Chase Elliott.

Daytona 500 Experience: Exhibits & Attractions

11th January 2020 by Admin Leave a Comment

Formerly known as Daytona USA, The Daytona 500 Experience, is a motorsport museum and attraction located at Daytona International Speedway. This museum focuses on exhibits that are associated with NASCAR. It also includes exhibits associated with the 24 Hours of Daytona, Daytona 200 motorcycle race, and Daytona Beach & Road Course.

Daytona 500 Experience opened in 1996 and in 2005 it was one of the finalists that hosted the NASCAR Hall of Fame. However, in 2010 the International Speedway Corporation announced that it would be closed for the public due to high operating costs, low attendance, and losing the hall of fame bid. It was shut down for four years and in 2014 it was announced that it would relocate its site. The newly refurbished and expanded museum was open to the public in the year 2017.

About Daytona 500 Experience

It is one of the nosiest museums on earth. With a battalion of TV monitors, it continuously blasts either gushing music, howling engines, stock car drivers spouting, or howling engines. Screechings and rumblings from the IMAX ground, NASCAR-theme video arcade, and motion simulator rides fill the museums. The vast hall is lined with vaulted ceilings and a cement floor. The hall is kept dark, so TV display is easily visible.

Exhibits included in the Daytona 500 Experience

60,000 sq. ft include multiple exhibit areas, interactive displays, and stimulators. Some of the exhibits are:

The Coca-cola IMAX theatre: This theatre is home to NASCAR 3D. It showcases a #D featured film “The IMAX experience”. This film was released in 2004. During special occasions, this theatre also showcases other movies, such as Dale (a movie about the life of NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt).

Dream Laps: It is a motion simulator of Iwerks where the fans have to abide by the events of a NASCAR race day.

Acceleration Alley: It is a Full Motion Racing Simulator. You can sit in 80%-scale models of NASCAR stock cars where you can race against other fans and AI computer competitors.

Goodyear Heritage Museum: This highlights people who raced at Daytona Beach, including the racers during the Speedway of Daytona International, land speed record holders, and stockcars racing at the Daytona Beach Road Course.

Chevy Pit-stop challenge: Here you can test your skills as a member of the Pit crew. It is renowned as a 16-seconds challenge. You get a chance to compete with Daytona 500 Experience’s own Pit Crew.

The Champion’s Walk of Fame: These concrete Hollywood-esque walk pays homage to winners of the Daytona 500 since it opened. There are displays of statues of NASCAR founder Bill France, NASCAR great Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and his wife Anne. It also displays the Harley J. Earl Trophy and NASCAR championship trophy.

A few other attractions include:

Richard Petty Driving Experience: It provides you with real-life racing thrills, allowing you to ride shotgun in a 2-seat NASCAR-style race car. There will be a professional instructor to help you with everything.

The NASCAR car of tomorrow: It allows the inside experience of Daytona 500.

Speedway tour: It showcases behind the scenes of the “World Center of Racing”. It happens on a tram which is open-air and which takes you through the Garage area of Daytona International Speedway, through the popular high banks of 31 degrees, and through pit road.

4th road grill: Here you can quench your thirst with Pepsi or treat yourself an Americrown’s on-site grill.

The gift shop: This gift shop is loaded with all the Daytona International Speedway, NASCAR gear, and Daytona 500 Experience, one can ever want. Since 1997, the car winning the Daytona 500 gets displayed at the Daytona 500 Experience for twelve months. This highlight of the museum is controversial as well as a popular display.

Daytona 500 seating chart

7th January 2020 by Admin Leave a Comment

Daytona 500 takes place in mid-February, every year. Unlike most of the sports that are played at the end of the year, NASCAR’s premier race is the first competition taking place every year. The competition is unrivaled and fierce on the NASCAR circuit, given the Daytona 500’s price and prestige.

If you are a sports fan, attending Daytona 500 might be one of the things on your bucket list. Given the importance of this race, finding a perfect seat is crucial. This can be a daunting task if you have never been to this race before. If you are also amongst them, this seating chart will be beneficial for you.

The Seating Chart

The permanent seats for fans are placed on the front stretch, which consists of five different zones, the name of which corresponds to the place where seats are present.

The five zones are:

Turn 4: As the name suggests, these seats are closest to the track’s 4th turn. Seats included are 108/308/408 through 125/330/430.

Pit in: These seats are placed at the beginning of pit road. Seats included are 126/331/431 through 139/339/439.

Start/Finish: This is a no brainer that the seats are located on the start/finish lines, which is located in the center of the front stretch. Seats included are 140/340/440 through 152/362/462.

Pit out: In contrast to pit in, these seats are placed at the end of the pit road. Seats 153/363/463 through 166/372/472 are included in this zone.

Turn 1: It is closest to the track’s 1st turn. It includes seats from 167/373/473 through 184/395/495.

So, what are the best seats?

The best seats may be different for everyone. Seats 363-372 (upper section) or 126-139 (lower section), are less expensive and are value for money. To see the entire track, seats 340-362 are recommended as they are placed ahead of the pit area and are at a sufficient height to provide a perfect view of the entire track. These tickets also provide access to the Tri-Oval club where you can purchase drinks and foods.

Seating Levels

Tower seating: They are the most desirable and the most sought section. Seats in this section is a must for anyone who will be entertaining clients. This section starts from rows 25 and includes the last 25 rows of the grandstand seats.

Box seating: they generally stretch from the row 15 up to row 24-26 in various sections. This section is located beneath the tower section and is a good alternative if seats are not available in the tower section or are too expensive.

Chair seating: This section is located beyond the boxes and includes the first 14 to 19 rows of various sections.

Daytona Club Seating

This section provides an ultimate race experience. It provides you with the best seats with luxurious surroundings. In this lounge, you can enjoy meals across various cuisine with a flat-screen and an open bar.