Tell me about Rolex 24 at Daytona

TechnoViking · TechnoViking's Garage

I'm thinking of taking my dad this year. Trying to figure out where to stay. Looks like we'll have to fly from Denver into Orlando, which is about an hour from Daytona.

Any advice from those who have done this trip?

Thx.

Paul_Heery · Paul_Heery's Garage

If you and your dad are big fans and would really like to be immersed in the experience, I would recommend the you check out RV rentals and get an infield spot.

Camping - Daytona International Speedway

VaSteve · 11-21-2010, 07:50 AM

Timely post, I'm planning to drive down with my son...probably will camp there on site. Who knows what about this?

bell · bell's Garage

definitely do the infield, when i go i don't buy grandstand seats, just infield/paddock passes....park in the infield, just be prepared to wait in traffic if you stay offsite to get out.....
my way of doing it is...
sat morning park in the infield and wander around, about an hour before the race walk across the track (it'll be open to cross before the 24 starts, at least it has been in the past), then hang out in the grandstands for the start, it's fun to be so close to all the cars on the first flying lap......then after a bit walk to the tunnel and head back to the infield until after dark settles in....wander the parking lot (there's always awesome special cars hidden in the lot), check out the paddock......head out after dark for dinner.....
get up very early sunday morning and head back to the track, we usually park across the street at the mall so we don't have to pay to park, watch the finish of the race from the grandstands then head out.......
have done the trip many times and that seems to be the easiest on the feet as you'll be walking many miles throughout the weekend.
the rv/camping in the infield is a definite experience to be done once in your life, but if you cant sleep if it's noisy out it may not be a good idea LOL
for food there's a great old school diner on the main strip by the beach north of the ocean center for breakfast (forget it's name)......
for lodging i always stay at "the cove motel", it's on the beach and has always been clean and bug free (iirc about $80/night) and they don't book spring breakers/party types....
Cove Motel, Daytona Beach, FL - Yahoo! Travel
it's about a 1.5-2 miles north if speedway blvd....
if you fly into orlando and want to stay here shoot me a pm for local info.....

VaSteve · 11-21-2010, 08:02 AM

Can you camp in the infield with just a car?

Racerbvd · Racerbvd's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by VaSteve

Can you camp in the infield with just a car?

Yes, I have done it many times in the past, matter of fact, the only time I used a hotel was when I was crewing.. Others have as well..
I used my old 944 as both hotel, & bar

When it came time to sleep (LOL) I would move the cooler to the drivers seat, recline the passengerseat & crash, before I did that, I would put my car cover on, then climb in the window..
Others just passed out in their cars...

URY914 · URY914's Garage

I've slept in my 914 several times. Back when I was young.

You have to rent a moterhome just to get in and away from the noise and weather. 24 hours is a long time to be standing or seating in a car seat.

VaSteve · 11-21-2010, 11:39 AM

I figured i'd set up a tent behind the car or something. Me and 5 year old. He's slept through many a race...LOL

cashflyer · 11-21-2010, 11:52 AM

I went in 2006.
Camped in a Ford Bronco.

L8Brakr · 05:19 PM

You might want to check out Grassroots Motorsports and get their ticket package. Usually includes parking, a couple of partiies, organized Q&A behind the scenes pit walks, and a designated area for R&R big screen TV viewing throughout the race. A good bargain and will help you nevigate the crowd if you've never been. It's always a great time, but I admit I really miss the IMSA Factory Prototypes and FIA GT days. A Ferrari 333SP at full song was a great sound.

Embraer · Embraer's Garage

Byron, now THAT is what i call a well-set up 944

TechnoViking · TechnoViking's Garage

Thanks, guys.

If this comes together, I'll be sure to post some pics!

Joeaksa · 11-22-2010, 12:57 PM

Byron, how do you "pull the curtains" for some private time there?

Racerbvd · Racerbvd's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joeaksa

Byron, how do you "pull the curtains" for some private time there?

Easy Joe, I would leave the passenger windo down, put my car cover over it, climb in, under the cover, slip into the window, and get cozy

A few of my friends didn't know that I was in there & opened it up to grab a beer only to find me in there, boy did their eyes OPEN up...