[PAnascarFan]

I'm attending the Daytona 500, with our seats being on the backstretch. I'd like any helpful hints and tips from folks who has attended a daytona 500 race before. The brochure I received with my tickets suggests parking at lot #10 on the other side of the airport. Also the suggested route from the South says to get off of 95 at New Symrna and come up Route 1 and with some ziggin' and zaggin' you end up at Lot #10. Has anyone come this route? Is it a good way to come in to the track? One last question.....suggested time on getting to the track that morning?????

Thanks in advance of any helpful hints!! I'd like to make the day as enjoyable as I can and any less stress in these areas will help!

Daytona.....here I come!

[Fuddpucker]

I asked that same question in another forum and got no replies. I'm coming from the north and using those directions. I also will use Route 1 North for about 30 miles or so on exit.

[PAnascarFan]

I figured one or more of the hundreds of thousands of people who've attended the race before would be on this message board, and be able to help. I like to plan ahead and be prepared as much as I can. Although, I never realized until reading it on one of these message boards that the race doesn't start until 3:30. So that leaves alot of time to do nothing but roam around. That is such an odd time to start this race.
There's still a few weeks for someone to read this and offer some helpful tips!! I'll just have to keep checking.

[Fuddpucker]

Concession stands will probably be super busy out of boredom. I plan on getting to the parking lot about 8 a.m. both races. I figure planning on getting to the parking lot at 8. It will probably be closer to 10 before I get parked.

[bud01234]

Originally Posted by PAnascarFan

I figured one or more of the hundreds of thousands of people who've attended the race before would be on this message board, and be able to help.
There's still a few weeks for someone to read this and offer some helpful tips!! I'll just have to keep checking.

I went last year and had a great time. I sat across from pit row for the truck and nascar races, then was on the backstretch for the 500. I parked in lot 10 by the airport, and only have one suggestion: Do NOT let them park you where there's any possibility of getting blocked in. I left the race about 15 minutes early, shot straight over to the lot, and found my car BURIED. Had to wait about 2 hours just to get out of the lot. btw, you won't have any problems finding lot 10 regardless of which direction you come from... it's well marked and all you have to do is follow the traffic. I'd suggest getting there at least 3 hours before race time.

Only other tips I have, is take a rain poncho and blanket. Last year, there was a wind right in your face on the backstretch and some little ice crystals (at least they felt like ice) that made it pretty miserable for awhile. Lots of people show up in shorts and tank tops for the 500, but Daytona can get COLD in February.

I broke down and bought a Uniden NASCAR scanner on Ebay, and really enjoyed having it. You can rent 'em at the race, but I got the scanner and two headsets for less than $100- about two races' worth if you rent. One of the best things about the scanners is it protects your ears from all the noise.

Hope you have a great time- I'm jealous. My Mom is in the hospital (doing well) but I won't be able to go this year.

Bud

I too will be there for the first time. We have 5 isle seats in turn 2 thanks to my brother. should be a great time... I have been to bristol and believe me, a cooler full of beverages and a small kettle grill and folding chairs sway the boredom till race time

[craigro]

My husband and I attended the races in July but were on the frontstretch..we also will be sitting on the superstretch this weekend...as far as what time to go to the race depends on whether you will "shop" for driver stuff or participate in some of the various sponsors activities..the earlier you arrive the less traffic you will be stuck in..parking in the free lots is not bad they have airconditioned shuttle buses that take you across from the track depending on where you park...after the race we have been stuck in traffic on the north side of the track because they route you towards the same direction..this will be a first for us coming in via route 1 but I imagine it should be fairly organized...going to the races always involves traffic after the races so just expect the worse and maybe it won't be so bad!! Enjoy the races!!