The Daytona 500 Experience is the Ideal Attraction for NASCAR Fans

Dubbed the "Official Attraction of NASCAR'', the Daytona 500 Experience, originally Daytona USA, opened in 1996 at the famed Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. The attraction replaced a small two-story visitor center that once sat on the grounds of the speedway, featuring a modest display of racing memorabilia and photos of past Daytona 500 winners.

The opening of Daytona 500 Experience provided a more interactive experience for visitors to the popular NASCAR raceway. The current attraction, which has already been expanded once in 2001, currently includes 60,000 square feet of space accommodating a number of different displays and hands-on experiences.

In Acceleration Alley, guests ride a full-motion racing simulator that includes the opportunity to climb aboard an 80 percent scale model of a NASCAR stock cars. Guests can race against each other as well as computer competitors. Another simulator ride, Dream Laps, takes visitors through the typical events that occur on a NASCAR race day.

An IMAX theater, sponsored by Coca-Cola, offers race aficionados a chance to view the movie NASCAR 3D, a full-length 3-dimensional feature film about the history and excitement of NASCAR racing. Films change periodically and the IMAX theater also presents special viewings of other films, particularly during special events held at the facility.

For a real hands-on, interactive experience, guests can participate in the Chevy 16-Second Pit Stop Challenge. In this unique attraction, visitors test their pit crew skills against the Daytona 500 Experience home pit crew, who practice each day. This is the most popular attraction at the facility and participation often requires a long wait in line.

The Goodyear Heritage Museum is a tribute to all who have raced at Daytona Beach during decades of racing history. The exhibit pays homage to land speed record holders and others who frequent the Daytona Beach Road Course as well as title holders and others who have made their mark at the International Speedway.

The Champion's Walk of Fame, akin to the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, touts the winners of the Daytona 500 from the time the facility opened in 1996 until present day. Near this concrete walkway are statues of notable NASCAR personalities including NASCAR founder Bill France, Jr. and his wife Anne, and late racing great Dale Earnhardt. Guests can also view a number of trophies and the most recent winning car from the Daytona 500, which remains on display until the next race.

Thirty-minute Speedway tours are available with general admission or visitors may opt for the 2.5 hour VIP tour, which includes behind-the-scenes experiences. Also, from April through October, guests may sign up for the Richard Petty Driving Experience, a ride-along adventure on the Daytona 500 Speedway track.