Thinking of going to the Daytona 24 next month. Any advice?

Wrecked944 · 12-13-2005, 09:47 AM

I know some Pelicans have gone before so I figure you all will know the real scoop. Any advice on hotels, airfare, tickets, etc?

Andras Nagy · 12-13-2005, 10:02 AM

Best advice I can give you is to sit in the stands before and during the start - you'll get goosebumps.

On Friday, visit the garages. You can get "up close and personal" with any team you want.

Then during the race, walk the course, and watch the cars at all the corners. It's amazing the many different "lines" you'll see. And incredible overtaking IN the turns.

Then sit in the stands again, and watch the pit stops. Rhythm in motion!!!!

Then, at night, visit the stand by the pits, and watch the turbo's shoot their flames as they "shut down" at the end of the straight befre they turn left into the infield.

As to the race itself, if you take a stop watch and clip board, and for a few hours at least, keep times on one or two cars to see their "progress through the ranks", you will have the same experience that the pit crews do, watching "your" car move up or back through the hours. It's like "participating" in the race.

As to hotel, who cares? You'll not want to spend any time in them, as this race is a 24 HOUR RACE. If you do crash for a few hours of sleep, who cares what the hotel room is like. Your eyes will be closed.

This is the best racing in America, (other than Sebring, which is another story altogether).

Stutgart46 · 12-13-2005, 10:25 AM

I prefer the 12 Hours of Sebring. The ALMS may not as many cars running but you are seeing the cutting edge of sports car racing. The RS Spyder will be there and Audi has already announced they are bringing their new Diesel with 800 ft/lbs. of torque.
Besides the weather is usually better than Daytona.
Just my $.02.

Andras Nagy · 12-13-2005, 10:36 AM

Yes, I agree, but....

He did ask about Daytona 24 Hours, and I was responding so as to help him.

Too bad the Spyder RS isn't going to run at Daytona.

jjone20 · jjone20's Garage

I think Andras nailed it. I haven't gone in several years, but it used to be a truly wonderful sight at sunset (not sure now with the stoopid NASCAR lights). You get the exhaust and brake rotor glow. Great other times too, but sunset was always the best. Garage access used to be really cool, especially in the wee hours. You get to see the thrashing by crews to repair some on-track skirmish - really, really tired people who don't give up. I'd say go for sure. Hmmm, think maybe I'll go, too...

jjone20 · jjone20's Garage

Oh, I forgot your question. I always drove the RV so I don't know about hotels. The Grand-Am board lists a bunch of ticket options - like a 4-day with all (but pit) access for $85. A 2-day infield and grandstand ticket for $45, and some other variations. The Daytona site only lists the 2-day. I'd definitely get the 4-day because it includes the garages. Have fun!

dweymer · dweymer's Garage

Call Brumos Porsche in Jacksonville, they may have special pricing on "box" seats. Covered, probably canvas enclosed for that race.

Carl Bauer · Carl Bauer's Garage

Get the $75 super ticket. It allows you to go everywhere except box seats and basically over the pit wall.

It's a pity that NASCAR has basically taken over this once truly great and important race. A staggered, advantageous start for the DP cars was the last straw for me...

Andras Nagy · 12-13-2005, 11:52 AM

NASCAR is only interested in "entertainment" nowadays. Old Bill France would be spinning and spinning in his grave.

Yes, they rake in more money with NASCAR's "parity" since all those spectators think "their" driver now has a chance. But notice that only the three- and four-car teams seem to be winning under this "parity". How are they going to allow "parity" of money and deep pockets?

The 24 Hours used to be a great race of attrition, of truly "superior and robust" design winning (hence Porsche's success). With the Daytona Prototypes, NASCAR is trying to control the entertainment. It is now much less "sport".

But perhaps "sport" doesn't "sell" anymore.

Craig 930 RS · 12-13-2005, 12:33 PM

I've gone the past 2 years -

Dress warm - VERY cold at night....warm days
Parking inside the track can be a PITA......a close walkable hotel is nice.
Great vantage point is on top of the new garages
Place is never crowded
Its a party surrounded by the race. Count the couches after the crowd has left

Hang around after the race for 3-4 hours to get a LOT of good stuff the teams toss....splitters, radiators, wheels, much of it cool *****.

Pics:

Our place -

Speedway museum -

The Porsches -

Need an engine?

Craig 930 RS · 12-13-2005, 12:40 PM

Some shady characters:

Hayden - Mr. WEVO

Young 'uns:

P.L.N. -

B.L.?

B.S. -

Wrecked944 · 12-13-2005, 12:43 PM

Thanks Craig! It was your excellent thread from last year's 24 that made me think about going this year...plus the timing is perfect for an escape from the New England winter. May I ask if you can recommend the motel you stayed at?

Craig 930 RS · 12-13-2005, 12:49 PM

Thanks! It was a great time, esp last yr with no rain. 2004 was torrential and a bummer.

Oh man......in 2004 it was one of the main chains...let me ask the spouse who set it up-

Craig 930 RS · 12-13-2005, 12:53 PM

BTW, the Porsches are LOUD. Bring ear plugs just in case.....

kevin993 · 12-13-2005, 12:53 PM

Craig has it exactly right (especially the part about dressing warm at night - it gets very cold at 3AM).

Walking through the garages on Friday is great because everybody is a little more laid back and the crowds haven't come in yet. The other mandatory thing to do is to visit the garages between midnight and 4am (roughly). The thrashing and repairs going on behind the wall and in the garages is something to see. Some of the coolest things to see are the privateer 911 teams that had problems and are just trying to finish for pride and track time. They're in the garages whacking away at bodywork (or riveting/taping bodywork together), rebuilding gearboxes or any one of a hundred other repairs that would otherwise make no sense to do during a race.

The HSR support race usually brings out some good cars - 956 and 962 race cars are always great to see.

The other good tip is to bring a stool or short ladder to stand on. The fences are just high enough that they make taking pics of the cars on track a little difficult. A little elevation goes a long way toward better pics.

fiminod · 12-13-2005, 12:59 PM

I went a lot during the mid and late 90's and stopped in 2004 all the while watching it go downhill via the NASCAR involvement. Stayed everywhere from the Bermuda Villages @$35/night and a short walk to/from the shark lounge (a must see attraction) and did the $75 all access ticket. Then did the hotel upgrade, Admiral something, with the infield pass with private seating at the horshoe a much better way to go IMHO, (with the upgrade to lollipops...another must see venue) That was in 2004 with the race stopped in the rain for lack of proper tires for the 8 dp's so they could finish.... and I swore I'd never go back. Its was such a great event with the ferarri/porsche/corvette/viper etc. One more thing, try the propane powered dragsters behind Hooters...lots of laughs for $1.00

rfuerst911sc · 12-13-2005, 01:32 PM

I started going to the 24 in 1994 when I moved to Orlando. It is not the race it once was but it is entertaining and it starts the year off. There will be more Porsche powered DP's this year and I'm curious to see how they do, rumor is they have more power and Brumos has new and improved chassis's. Also while your their the local PCA always has a large tent set up in the infield so come on by and say hello. Then it's off to Sebring!!!

Carrera3.5L · Carrera3.5L's Garage

When I used to go for Andial in the late '80's/early 90's in the 962 days, all of us used to enjoy a nice "drive on the beach" in the wee hours of the morning in the rental car. Getting chased by the cops in jeeps was alot of fun. Do they still let you drive on the beach?

I prefer the Adam's Mark in Daytona Beach myself.

Ralph

strupgolf · 12-13-2005, 02:03 PM

I'm sorry, but when did the" NASCAR GRAND PUBA" allow "turbo" engines in their 24 hour race? I thought that all engines are the same, within a set of rules. One of the reasons that there is a split in the sports car racing world is that Turbo engines are not allowed. Thats now the reason for the ALMS. I have to say that the race is fun, but it's not the cutting edge of the racing world

Jim Garfield · 12-13-2005, 02:07 PM

When I was there for Rennsport I stayed at a motel right across the street from the main entrance, I think that it was a Ramada. It was very convenient being so close to.... recharge camera batteries....recharge my batteries....go for a swim to cool off. It probably won't be as hot for the 24hr. race though.