Rolex 24 Hour Suggestions -

[NoLift911]

Me and a bunch of buddies are heading down to Daytona for the race and wanted to know the best seats and deals on tix. What is worth paying for and what is not? Best places to sit, pit passes and info for people that have been?

Thanks -

-Jeff

[Porschephile944]

I attended the 2005 event. I didn't take care of any of the logistics with buying tickets or airfare so I can't help you with that.

Best places to sit? Where we spent most of our time was the grandstand seating where the cars are coming off the banking off the tri-oval and entering the first turn. Further up in the grandstand, and toward the end of the grandstand you sit the more of the turn you can see. Another advantage to sitting here is that you can pretty much see the whole track and all of pit road. Also make sure that you hit up the other end of the main grandstands, near the entrance to pit road. Just sit in the first row and listen to the cars scream by for a few minutes, absolutely amazing. The other good seating spot we found was in the infield looking at the main grandstand coming off the first 180 degree turn. It was definitely cool to watch day turn to night there.

Speaking of the night, this has to be the coolest time to watch the racing, just bring warm clothes. I made the mistake of thinking its Florida, its gonna be nice and warm, no need for anything more than a sweatshirt. Boy was I wrong, it was cold (40* at night) and windy. I wish I had brought my ski jacket and gloves so that I would have been able to stay for longer.

If your getting there the day before the race starts attend practice and scout some spots to watch stuff, also don’t plan on any of the concession stands being open during practice. There was a friendlys right across the street though which we found was worth hitting up. Also after practice is over check out the garage area if you can get in, really cool to see all the teams working on the cars and all the cars up close. The day of the race, you wont need to get there super early there is barely anyone there for the capacity of the area so parking isn't to hard. If you get there early enough and have the right tickets, which I’m pretty sure everyone does your allowed to walk around pit road and the tri-oval area, which might have been the coolest thing we did all weekend.

Otherwise just have a great time.

[NoLift911]

Great info - thanks!

[Racerbvd]

You have to get the Super Ticket package, that was you can come & go, park on the infield, go to the garages, go to the grand stands ect.

[targa911S]

yes for sure dress warm for the nights. It IS cold here these days and the nights ...well you can see your breath. But the track is very close to the ocean and the bbrrreeeezzze is chilling. have fun!