Daytona 24 hrs race day (Miami: hotels, buyer, camping)

[ace587]

Anyone here go annually to the Rolex 24 hrs Daytona? im gonna be going this January for the first time. I'm coming from Miami. Just want to see any tips from those who stay for the whole 24 hr race? Do you guys get hotels nearby or just sleep over at the speedway? Just looking for tips since im a newbie

[Rabflmom]

Originally Posted by ace587

Anyone here go annually to the Rolex 24 hrs Daytona? im gonna be going this January for the first time. I'm coming from Miami. Just want to see any tips from those who stay for the whole 24 hr race? Do you guys get hotels nearby or just sleep over at the speedway? Just looking for tips since im a newbie

When we havegone we just go the evening and leave for sleep and show up again by 6am for the rest of the race.

One bit of advice.....one year the temps were in the high 30s low 40s so watch the cold fronts to see if they will make it down and be prepared to wear winter clothes, coats, hats, gloves, etc. Lots of people that year were wearing hotel towls and blanketswrapped around their head and socks on their hands to stay warm---well to just not freeze.
daytona can get cold in January. LOL Especially for people from
South Florida.

[Granny Sue]

I've gone and stayed for the entire thing....sleeping as much as possible just before racetime....sometimes excitiment doesn't permit it.

As Rabflmom has mentioned it can get downright cold! Wear layers and blankets. (now watch it be toasty and warm lol)
To save $$ we packed our food to take with us and just used the water fountains for water.
Take in travel sizes of things like sunblock, sanitizer and such. A poncho for $1 at Walmart is cheaper than the $6 they will charge you there.
Check with the speedway just before you arrive to make sure what you can and cannot bring into the track.
You'd be surprised at what all you can pack in the dimentions they give you.

Most of all have fun!

[ace587]

Thanks! btw did u guys park infield? i have a Nissan coupe and want to try to park infield. my friend told me its a drunkfest and not worth it. Is it true?

[MartinEden99]

Originally Posted by ace587

Thanks! btw did u guys park infield? i have a Nissan coupe and want to try to park infield. my friend told me its a drunkfest and not worth it. Is it true?

Well, that's kind of a personal preference & subjective I'd think.

I have a buddy of mine that goes every year (or at least every other year) and parks at the infield. He tells me its like a big party so I imagine there is plenty of people drinking, and a few that drink too much.

If you hate being around people drinking it might bother you as my guess is that many will be drinking especially considering they are not planning to drive. Of course, I believe there's a difference between drinking and getting plastered.

[ace587]

oh ok. I drink but not much, but im usually cool with people drinking. Looking forward to it . Thanks everyone!

[daytonadewd]

Here are my suggestions:
The main issues to deal with during races are: parking, traffic, not waiting forever to eat and getting sleep.

Ways to avoid this are to stay at the Beach Resorts (better get a rez now) that have either shuttle vans to DIS or are nearby DIS shuttle bus points. Because of fuel costs today, I don't know any more that are free -- but you're going to pay big $ to park anyway and this is still a better deal. This is also way less of a hassle than waiting in traffic parking/paying/walking (great distances) to DIS. You can focus on the scenery and conversation while everything is taken care of as your're dropped off right in front (of everybody else).

Restaurants get packed-out on the beach areas and can have some long waits (even after you're seated as staff will be slammed) during Race Events. Try looking for a place to eat on the mainland instead such as downtown or suburban areas to avoid the lines. If you want to drink heavy (don't drive!), take the Trolley instead up/down A1A to downtown. (Your hotel desk should have a schedule or get you info.) If you want to close the bar/pub after Trolley service has ended, have your server call you a cab (as it will be next to impossible to find one on the street during events).

Staying and camping overnight infield is a fun experience to try at least once in a lifetime, but don't plan on getting much sleep! Drivers and mechanics will be testing their cars outside of race or trial times.

Because of the present economy, many of the Skyboxes (includes food, and may include drinks too, climate control and restrooms in or nearby) will have seats available to sell due to cancellations or clients who've pulled out of the group package. This is usually a great deal when you price your ticket, food, beverages -- and maybe would like a power nap. Be sure to be clear if service gratuity is included in your price. But buyer beware of scams: use reputable ticket web sites, and if it sounds too good to be true -- it probably is!

Have Fun!

[Rabflmom]

Originally Posted by daytonadewd

Here are my suggestions:
The main issues to deal with during races are: parking, traffic, not waiting forever to eat and getting sleep.

Ways to avoid this are to stay at the Beach Resorts (better get a rez now) that have either shuttle vans to DIS or are nearby DIS shuttle bus points. Because of fuel costs today, I don't know any more that are free -- but you're going to pay big $ to park anyway and this is still a better deal. This is also way less of a hassle than waiting in traffic parking/paying/walking (great distances) to DIS. You can focus on the scenery and conversation while everything is taken care of as your're dropped off right in front (of everybody else).

Restaurants get packed-out on the beach areas and can have some long waits (even after you're seated as staff will be slammed) during Race Events. Try looking for a place to eat on the mainland instead such as downtown or suburban areas to avoid the lines. If you want to drink heavy (don't drive!), take the Trolley instead up/down A1A to downtown. (Your hotel desk should have a schedule or get you info.) If you want to close the bar/pub after Trolley service has ended, have your server call you a cab (as it will be next to impossible to find one on the street during events).

Staying and camping overnight infield is a fun experience to try at least once in a lifetime, but don't plan on getting much sleep! Drivers and mechanics will be testing their cars outside of race or trial times.

Because of the present economy, many of the Skyboxes (includes food, and may include drinks too, climate control and restrooms in or nearby) will have seats available to sell due to cancellations or clients who've pulled out of the group package. This is usually a great deal when you price your ticket, food, beverages -- and maybe would like a power nap. Be sure to be clear if service gratuity is included in your price. But buyer beware of scams: use reputable ticket web sites, and if it sounds too good to be true -- it probably is!

Have Fun!

We used to go with complementary tickets but seems like I remember even the cheapest ticket gave you access to the infield and grandstand. You also could choose anywhere in grandstand to sit. I also didn't feel like there was the drinking going on everywhere like at a Nascar race. People were somewhat more refined---but then maybe it was because we weren't there from about 1AM to 6 AM and were there during breakfast hours and most people were freezing and drinking hot chocolate or coffee to stay warm. . LOL

[ace587]

Thanks guys! I go to the website, it says if you buy the 4 day option which is $90 u get infield parking but doesnt say infield parking for the 2 day option which i'm only planning to do. btw what resorts u guys recommend? ive been to the hilton before, but havent been to like the others. Looking at free wifi, aside from that basic necessities are enough for me. I think i might do the 4 day ticket with infield because its 50th anniv, and im sure that will be special. But 4 days meaning ur parked there for 4 days infield? lol