[number20]

Having procured the plane, auto, hotel and most importantly the RACE tix and reservations, now comes the undaunting task of planning the days at the track.

I've read through countless pages of track info and rules, but would like to get the skinny from someone with experience at the 500.

First off, from what I understand, all I can bring in is a 6"x6"x12" softside cooler or bag. Is that really true. Being insulin dependant diabetic, that woudl barely carry my supplies. I've been to other tracks where a cooler and a small backpack were allowed. Is this really not the case at Daytona? Does this really mean I must use my one carry in item for my necessary medical particulars and not be able to bring in even a camera or binoculars to enjoy and remember my day at the great american race.

FWIW, this is also in celebration of my 50th birthday. Having been a "hippie" all my life, I plan to shave my head at some point either before or during the race, donating my very long hair to Locks of Love. Any thoughts on that? Heck at this point I'm concerned I won't be able to even have room fo scissors to do this, forget a razor.

We are seated at the top of the turn 2 terrace. Is there an elevator (my gf has major ashma, climbing up 60 rows is not an option.) What about getting to merchadising and concessions?

The Daytona website is very lacking in this IMHO very basic info.

Thanks in advance to all who reply, and I'm sure there will be more questions to come

[Quality88]

Welcome to GoteamsGo Number20. We have a wealth a knowledge among our memebers. Standby and soon someone will help you out.

[LSC9901]

I would suggest calling the facility and explain exactly what it is you want and need to bring. They would your best source of information.


Fans may enter ISC facilities with:

• One soft side bag / cooler, no larger than 6 X 6 X 12 inches.
  Examples include: a soft side insulated cooler, a scanner bag, a fanny pack, a purse, a diaper bag, or a binocular bag, etc.
  This one bag may be carried in any manner, i.e. by handle, with shoulder straps, on a belt, etc.
  The soft side insulated cooler may contain ice.
• One clear plastic bag, no larger than 18 X 18 X 4 inches, to accommodate samples received and purchases made after fans have parked their cars. This one clear bag may be carried in any manner, i.e. by handle, with shoulder straps, etc. Clear plastic bags may not contain ice.
• Note: Fans are allowed to bring in one each of the bags described above.
• Binoculars, scanners, headsets, cameras, not in a bag, worn separately over the neck or on the belt and seat cushions carried separately are also allowed.
• Seat cushion bags with compartments will be reviewed on an individual basis.
• All items brought through a grandstand gate will be inspected.

The following may not enter the admission gates:

• Firearms, Fireworks and items restricted by Local, State or Federal laws
• Hard sided coolers, thermos and insulated cups of any size.
• Items restricted by track policy:
• No strollers, umbrellas, etc.
• Any bags, backpacks, or containers larger than the allowed size.

[number20]

SC9901 as I said in my orignal post, I've already read the info on the track website, I want info from someone who's actually been there.
Anyone?

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by number20

SC9901 as I said in my orignal post, I've already read the info on the track website, I want info from someone who's actually been there.
Anyone?

I don't know for certain but since you are insulin dependent, I'd venture to say you qualify for ADA benefits, IRT special treatment at the gate. I bet that if you bring yor works in the cooler, with a perscription and doctor's note, you'll slide right through.

[disco stu]

If you plan on shaving your head during the daytime, it's probably a good idea to make sure you have a hat with you. I'm not meaning to be smart or anything, it's just that sunstroke or a burnt head could seriously ruin the experience for you.

Good luck with it, though. I hope you both have a great time.

[number20]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

I don't know for certain but since you are insulin dependent, I'd venture to say you qualify for ADA benefits, IRT special treatment at the gate. I bet that if you bring yor works in the cooler, with a perscription and doctor's note, you'll slide right through.

Thanks, Bob. Can you explain what ADA benefits, IRT special treatment means to us layfolks? I searched both, and came up with American Dental Association for ADA and some wound treatment info for IRT.

I always wear my #20 Winston Cup championship hat no matter where I am, but thanks for the advise Stu.

[LSC9901]

ADA = Americans with Disabilities Act

IRT = In Respect To

[number20]

Thanks for the clarification LSC9901, but diabetes doesn't qualify as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

[number20]

Still looking for details on track rules for spectators from someone with experience at the 500 please.

[SpaceCadet]

Originally Posted by number20

Still looking for details on track rules for spectators from someone with experience at the 500 please.

20, your case is very specific. I don't know of anyone who has been there personally who has had the same situation you do, so it's kind of hard for us to say, yup, they'll let you right in. The truth is, the guys at the gates are told to follow the rules, regardless. And they are pretty strict. If your stuff won't fit in the size cooler they allow, call them and find out how to get in the gate with your medications. If you don't, you will eventually get in but it could be a hassle and pretty inconvenient. Have it all set up with the track before you go and you won't have any problem. A word to the wise - if they say, "oh, don't worry about it, they'll let you in", get it in writing, get the name of the person who told you that, and take the hard copy with you. The people answering the phones don't always get the information to security people at the gate. This is true for any track, not just Daytona. If the rules state that they will only let in a 6x6x12 cooler, then that's exactly what they will allow. You really need to call the track. As Bob stated, you might get in easily with a Dr's note and perscription, but it's a gamble. Don't leave yourself at the mercy of the gate attendant. Get is ok'd ahead of time and maybe save yourself some grief. I have not been to Daytona yet, but spoke directly with a friend who just went last February. He says they go by the rules and you really need to call to avoid a possible problem. He knows of no written rules allowing for special cases, but has seen more than one person with too large a cooler get turned away. One of the coolers contained special food for someone on some kind of a restricted diet. Didn't matter, they had to go get a smaller cooler. Make that phone call or email them so your trip doesn't get ruined.