January testing back at Daytona? hearing that the Sprint Cup Series will test the new pavement at Daytona International Speedway in January, likely in mid to late January 2011. Supposedly all Sprint Cup teams will be allowed to test. DIS is currently in week 9 of repaving the 2 1/2 mile track.(9-3-2010)
Week 9 Daytona Repave Update: Paving Moves To The High Banks: The crew from Lane Construction began the most challenging aspect of the 2010 Daytona Repave on Thursday morning – putting new asphalt on the steep 31-degree high banks of Daytona International Speedway. Workers paved the drainage layer in Turns 3 and 4, the first of four layers that will make up the 2.5-mile tri-oval. The crew completed the first 21-foot wide pass late Thursday and will pave the bottom 21-foot pass on Friday or Saturday. Paving of the other layers of asphalt in the Turn 3 and 4 high banks will continue through next week.
Other highlights from the ninth week of work on repaving Daytona International Speedway include:
· Installation of the underdrain pipe and trench on frontstretch
· The milling of asphalt on pit road has started
· Paving of the overlay on the existing Supersuperstrech skid pad has begun
· Jeff Burton, driver of the No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, has scheduled a visit for next week to view all the progress on the project and assist Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III in burying a time capsule near the start/finish line.
Lane Construction, which repaved other ISC race tracks including Talladega Superspeedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Richmond International Raceway and Darlington Raceway, will use an estimated 50,000 tons of asphalt to repave more than 1.4 million square feet of Daytona International Speedway and has a target completion date of Jan. 1, 2011. Race fans can view the progression of the historic repaving project from a section of the Oldfield Grandstands, which will open free to the public. Track tours will also be available through attraction admission to Daytona 500 Experience.(DIS)(9-3-2010)
Week 8 Daytona Repave Update: Concrete Pit Stalls Completed: The crew from Lane Construction completed the installation of the 18-foot wide concrete pit stalls this week as the massive 2010 Daytona Repave entered its eighth week. Construction continues in many different areas throughout historic Daytona International Speedway. The daunting 31-degree high banks in Turns 3 and 4 continue to be graded and compacted in preparation for the first layer of asphalt, which is expected to be put down early next week. Other highlights from the eighth week of work on repaving Daytona International Speedway include:
· The first of two asphalt layers has been put down on the 500-foot skid pad extension along the Superstretch. The second layer, covering the existing skid pad as well as the extension, is expected to be installed in the next several days. Crews will leave an 80-foot gap closest to the racing surface which will be paved when the final asphalt layer is placed on the apron and race track.
· Work has begun on the Superstretch to install a new under drain system which will run the entire length of the 2.5-mile Superspeedway.
Race fans can view the progression of the historic repaving project from a section of the Oldfield Grandstands, which will open free to the public. Track tours will also be available through attraction admission to Daytona 500 Experience.(DIS)(8-31-2010)
Week 6 Daytona Repave Update: Tear Down Of Pit Road Begins: Workers on the historic Daytona Repave project hit pit road for the first time, but there was no pit stop for four tires and gas. The milling of the 1,900-foot long pit road began as asphalt was removed from all the pit stalls, another notable moment as the 2010 Daytona Repave continues. The pit stalls, which will be 18 feet wide, will be filled with concrete and then reminder of pit road will then be excavated and paved. Pit road will be widened from 52 feet to 62 feet.
Here are some of the other highlights from the sixth week of work on repaving Daytona International Speedway:
· The first three layers of asphalt have been paved on both the Frontstretch and the Superstretch
· The grading in Turn 4 is ongoing
· Turn 3 is being regraded after some recent rain.
· The grading of the extended skid pad on the backstretch is ongoing
About the Daytona Repave: Lane Construction, which repaved other ISC race tracks including Talladega Superspeedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Richmond International Raceway and Darlington Raceway, will use an estimated 50,000 tons of asphalt to repave more than 1.4 million square feet of Daytona International Speedway and has a target completion date of Jan. 1, 2011. Race fans will be able to view the progression of the historic repaving project from a section of the Oldfield Grandstands, which will open free to the public. Track tours will also be available through attraction admission to Daytona 500 Experience. For tickets and more information on Daytona International Speedway events, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(8-22-2010)
Chitwood replaces Brag at Daytona: International Speedway Corporation announced it has named Joie Chitwood III President of Daytona International Speedway effective immediately. Current DIS President Robin Braig will leave to pursue other opportunities. Chitwood, 41, has been Vice President of Business Development for ISC since 2009. In this position, he led strategic development and oversaw business execution across the Company’s 13 motorsports facilities and Americrown Service Corp., ISC’s catering, concessions and merchandising subsidiary. Prior to joining ISC, Chitwood served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Before joining the IMS executive staff, Chitwood was Vice President and General Manager of Raceway Associates, LLC, which oversaw construction and operation of the 1.5-mile Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill., from 1999-2002. Also of note, Chitwood, beginning at the age of five, was an integral part of his family’s motorsports entertainment business, the well-known Chitwood Thrill Show.(DIS)(8-13-2010)
Daytona repaving hits a snag: The winning streak could not last forever. The repaving of Daytona International Speedway's famous 2.5-mile tri-oval hit a minor snag Wednesday after heavy showers washed away some of the exposed lime rock base in Turns 3 and 4. "It's no big deal," project manager Bill Braniff said Thursday. "We'll go back, re-grade it and repack it again. We expect things like that to happen, and it underscores the importance of not removing the old asphalt in Turns 1 and 2." Up until Wednesday's weather situation, the paving project has been nearly flawless. In the last week, Lane Construction has laid three layers of asphalt over the entire length of the tri-oval and backstretch, started to grade the backstretch skid pad extension and pulled up asphalt along pit road. The pit road project is in focus right now.(Daytona Beach News-Journal)(8-13-2010)
Week 5 Daytona Repave Update: The Daytona Repave entered its second month as new asphalt continues to be put down on the legendary 2.5-mile tri-oval while removal of the old asphalt is also ongoing. Here are the highlights from the fifth week of work on repaving Daytona International Speedway:
· The first two layers of asphalt have been paved on both the Frontstretch and Superstretch
· The grading of Turn 3 is now complete
· The asphalt in Turn 4 has now been removed and is currently being graded
· Asphalt primer has been placed in Turn 3
· The concrete patch in Turn 2 was removed
Lane Construction, which repaved other ISC race tracks including Talladega Superspeedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Richmond International Raceway and Darlington Raceway, will use an estimated 50,000 tons of asphalt to repave more than 1.4 million square feet of Daytona International Speedway and has a target completion date of Jan. 1, 2011. Speedweeks 2011 will kick off with the 49th annual Rolex 24 At Daytona GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series race on Jan. 29-30 and conclude with the 53rd annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 20, the prestigious season-opening event to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Race fans will be able to view the progression of the historic repaving project from a section of the Oldfield Grandstands, which will open free to the public. Track tours will also be available through attraction admission to Daytona 500 Experience. For tickets and more information on Daytona International Speedway events, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(8-11-2010)
No plans to move Daytona July race: Wednesday, July 28, on SIRIUS NASCAR Radio, hosts Rick Benjamin and Chocolate Myers spoke with Robin Braig, President of Daytona International Speedway, who commented on the reports that there may be schedule changes in store for the Sprint Cup schedule in 2011.
Host/Rick Benjamin: “What dates will the races be held on, not just in February, we know that date, what about the second race next year? When will that be held?”
Robin Braig: “The July 4th race, you mean? I lost you.”
Benjamin: “Because there’s been talk that perhaps Daytona might move its second race [with] all the reshuffling of the schedule.”
Braig: “No, no, we don’t, no. There’s nothing changing…”
Benjamin: “Nothing to report from Daytona’s standpoint?”
Braig: “No, no. We love our July 4th race, have enjoyed it, it’s tradition. We don’t have any intention of moving off our date. And I know there’s talk about some other movement but it doesn’t include Daytona.”
“Tradin’ Paint,” with Rick Benjamin and Chocolate Myers, airs weekdays (11am-3pm ET) on SIRIUS NASCAR Radio, SIRIUS channel 128 and XM channel 128 for subscribers with the “Best of SIRIUS” programming package.(SIRIUS XM Radio)(7-29-2010)
Buy a Daytona 500 ticket, get a piece of asphalt: Daytona International Speedway is offering race fans the exclusive opportunity to purchase a ticket to witness history as well as receive a piece of history all at the same time. Beginning on Monday, Aug. 2 at 9 a.m. and running through midnight on Aug. 8, race fans that purchase tickets for the 53rd annual Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Feb. 20 will automatically receive a portion of Daytona’s original asphalt. Race fans that have renewed their 2011 DAYTONA 500 tickets or purchased between June 18 and Aug. 1 will also receive this offer, which is limited to one piece of asphalt per account holder. Race fans can take advantage of this special offer by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or visiting www.daytona500.com.(DIS PR)(7-27-2010)
2011 schedule changes will be "impactful": NASCAR appears ready to give its 2011 Sprint Cup schedule a facelift. CEO Brian France said before Sunday's race at Indianapolis that stock car's top series is in the "final throes" of completing next year's Cup slate and that it could feature some "impactful" changes. International Speedway Corp. is asking for a second race in Kansas, while Speedway Motorsports Inc. wants Las Vegas to get a second Cup date. SMI is also hoping to bring a Cup race to its 1.5-mile track in northern Kentucky.(Associated Press/ESPN.com)
AND: NASCAR's 2010 Sprint Cup schedule is expected to have a considerably different look next season, including the site of the season finale. Some changes are expected in response to requests from major track owners International Speedway Corp. and Speedway Motorsports Inc., but several other race dates are believed to be in play. Several sources told the Observer and ThatsRacin.com on Sunday that changes being contemplated include the season's final race, now held at Miami-Homestead. That ISC-owned track could get the second race of the 2011 season. Auto Club Speedway currently occupies that spot on the schedule. The sources said two tracks figure in the options being considered to replace Homestead as host of the season's final race weekend: Las Vegas and Daytona. A Las Vegas finale could make it more convenient for fans, teams, media and others to attend NASCAR's season-ending awards events. Those events, held in New York City for years, moved to the desert gambling-and-resort city for the first time last year. A season finale at Daytona would add a second restrictor-plate race to the Chase for the Sprint Cup.(Charlotte Observer)(7-26-2010)
Week 3 Daytona Repave Update: Paving Begins On The Superstretch: Another significant moment in the 2010 Daytona Repave took place on Thursday morning as the first layer of asphalt was put down on the 3,000-foot Superstretch. The paving of the drainage layer on the Superstretch is the first of four layers of asphalt that will be put down on Daytona International Speedway's 2.5-mile tri-oval, which is being repaved for only the second time in its history. While new asphalt was being put down on the "World Center of Racing," the old asphalt in the daunting Turn 3 high banks has been excavated and removed. Here are some other notable achievements in Week 3 of the Daytona Repave project:
* SAFER barrier and safety fence continues to be removed in the banking in Turns 1 and 2.
* The milling and grading on the Frontstretch is complete and ready to be paved.
* Jostens, which is handling the distribution of the pavement to race fans, has cut and removed pieces of asphalt from multiple locations around the track.
* The dirt from the skid pad excavation continues to be used to fill behind the walls on upper rim road in Turns 1 and 2.(DIS)(7-24-2010)
Week 2 Repaving Progress Report at Daytona International Speedway: The following is the Week 2 progress report from engineers overseeing the repaving project at Daytona International Speedway:
· A total of 57 light poles have come down, which were stationed between Turns 1 and 2 and Turns 3 and 4. No more light poles need to be removed.
· The fence, including the posts, have been removed from Turn 3 to Turn 4.
· The steel and form energy reduction (SAFER) barrier has been removed from Turns 3 and 4 and from the tri-oval area. Each piece of the SAFER barrier is 28-feet long.
All the asphalt from the entire backstretch has been milled, or ripped from the ground and shredded into bits. The short chute exiting Turn 4 has been milled. Both the backstretch and first "short chute" has been compacted and are pavement-ready.
· Engineers estimate they have milled 60 percent of the 2.5-mile, tri-oval asphalt or an estimated 17 million pounds.
· The new skid pad area on the backstretch has been excavated and is being prepared for paving.
· The dirt from the skid pad area has been used as fill behind Turns 3 and 4.
A team from Jostens is cutting out pieces of racing surface. Those blocks will be transformed into collectibles and racing mementos.
· Current onsite work force is approximately 40. Lane Construction has 25 full-time employees working the job.
· The start-finish line pavement area was carefully removed and placed in a secure location on Speedway property.
· The mobile asphalt plant, located in a parking area outside of Turn 2, is nearly operational. Technicians were in the process of wiring the sensor equipment on the plant to a control room.(Daytona Beach News-Journal)(7-17-2010)
Waltrip's part of Daytona repaving ceremonial groundbreaking: Darrell and Michael Waltrip, the only brothers to win the Daytona 500, took a backhoe to the daunting Turn 1 high banks of Daytona International Speedway on Monday. The event served as the ceremonial groundbreaking on the historic repaving project at Daytona International Speedway.
“I’ve tried to knock the walls down but I’ve never tried to tear the track up. That was a first for me,” said 1989 Daytona 500 champion Darrell Waltrip. “It’s a good feeling. That piece of equipment is like driving a good race car. You have to have the right piece of equipment and we had it today. I’m excited about this project.”
“I’m going to get me a chunk of that and take it back to North Carolina,” said Michael Waltrip, the 2001 and 2003 Daytona 500 champion. “This place is special to our family. It’s part of who we are. I don’t come through that tunnel and not think about what this place means to me. I’m a traditionalist. I love Daytona and I love this being the Mecca of NASCAR racing.”
After taking their turns in the backhoe, both Darrell and Michael Waltrip were able to grab some pieces of the track. The repaving project officially began immediately after the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola on Monday, July 5. During the first week of work, crews were removing lights poles, SAFER barrier and safety fence and milling of asphalt began on the Superstretch and the Frontstretch. Daytona International Speedway’s entire 2.5-mile tri-oval will be repaved as well as the skid pads, apron and pit road. Concrete will be used for the pit stalls. All of the existing asphalt will be removed down to the original 52-year-old lime rock base, which will be leveled and then paving will begin. An estimated 50,000 tons of asphalt will be used on the project that will pave 1,435,000 square feet, about 33 acres.
Lane Construction, which repaved other ISC race tracks including Talladega Superspeedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Richmond International Raceway and Darlington Raceway, is repaving Daytona International Speedway and has a target completion date of Jan. 1, 2011. Speedweeks 2011 will kick off with the 49th annual Rolex 24 At Daytona GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series race on Jan. 29-30 and conclude with the 53rd annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 20, the prestigious season-opening event to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. For tickets and more information on Daytona International Speedway events, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(7-13-2010)
Daytona repaving gets underway: The green flag has waved on the historic Daytona International Speedway repave. On Monday, crews began the process by removing lights poles, SAFER barrier and safety fence. The safety fence and 57 light poles in both ends of the high banks are being removed as well 8,300 linear feet of SAFER barrier throughout the facility. The asphalt removal is expected to begin later this week or early next week. Daytona International Speedway's entire 2.5-mile tri-oval will be repaved as well as the skid pads, apron and pit road. Concrete will be used for the pit stalls. All of the existing asphalt will be removed down to the original 52-year-old lime rock base, which will be leveled and then paving will begin. An estimated 50,000 tons of asphalt will be used on the project that will pave 1,435,000 square feet, about 33 acres. The repaving project has a target completion date of Jan. 1, 2011. Daytona International Speedway also posting updates on the project at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/repave.(DIS)(7-6-2010)
Formula One president at Daytona: Jean Todt was guest of NASCAR and International Speedway Corp. at Daytona International Speedway this weekend. Todt, who replaced Max Mosley as president of the FIA (Formula One's governing body) in October, received exposure to American auto racing, which included the Nationwide Series race on Friday night followed by the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series and the Sprint Cup race on Saturday. So what was Todt's interest in NASCAR? "You know, simply, why all those people are here," Todt said. "It's very interesting to see what the others are doing, and it's always something to learn about. Of course, there are reasons why NASCAR is so big in America and why Formula One has never really been able so far to do something out here while doing a lot in other countries around the world. It's a fascinating experience."(Fox Sports)(7-4-2010)
Workers repair Daytona track patch: UPDATE: On Thursday night track workers were diligently attempting to repair the patch between turns one and two, which was formed during February’s debacle that halted action twice for a total of 2 hours and 25 minutes as asphalt crumbled from the surface. According to fans camped near the patch, workers appeared prior to the first Nationwide Series practice Thursday morning. Johnny Grainger, 57, of Deltona said representatives from Daytona International Speedway explained the workers were covering the patch with concrete and then grinding the surface around a square area where the cars were bottoming out throughout the practice sessions. Grainger added that the workers returned shortly after Happy Hour ended around 8 p.m. By 10 p.m., 11 vehicles along with a trailer surrounded the area as workers continued to address it. Although track officials denied there was any problem with the surface and NASCAR representatives were unaware of any issues, from the infield fence there was clearly visible a three- to four-foot hole in the patched area. Additional calls to Daytona and International Speedway Corp. were not returned Thursday night.(Fox Sports)(7-2-2010)
UPDATE: According to Daytona officials, "During an inspection by Daytona engineers after Thursday track activity an area of approx 1' x 4.5' in Turn 2 was repaired as a precautionary measure. Our track inspections will continue throughout the weekend and we will make any other repairs deemed necessary. The event schedule was not impacted and the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series cars were on track this morning at 8 a.m. as scheduled."(DIS)(7-2-2010)
Bobby Labonte named Grand Marshal for Coke Zero 400: Bobby Labonte, who is scheduled to make his 600th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start on Saturday night, will serve as Grand Marshal for the 52nd annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Labonte, who is driving the #09 car for owner James Finch in Saturday's 160-lap, 400-mile race, will give the starting command, "Gentlemen start your engines." Labonte, who is an original member of the Coca-Cola Racing Family, has captured 21 NASCAR Sprint Cup victories and 26 poles as well as the series' championship in 2000.(DIS)(7-2-2010)
Daytona to honor six Medal of Honor Recipients: Daytona International Speedway will pay tribute to six Medal of Honor recipients during this week's Coke Zero 400 Weekend Powered By Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway. It's the second straight year that the "World Center of Racing" will honor Medal of Honor recipients, a program that was first started by Bill France Sr. back in the 1970s. The Medal of Honor recipients, all from the Vietnam War, to be honored are:
* Joe M. Jackson, retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel from Newman, Ga.
* Don Jenkins, retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant from Quality, Ky.
* Thomas Norris, retired U.S Navy Lieutenant from Jacksonville, Fla.
* Richard A. Pittman, retired U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant from French Camp, San Joaquin, Calif.
* Kenneth Stumpf, a retired U.S Army Staff Sergeant from Menasha, Wis.
* Michael Thornton, a retired U.S. Navy Petty Officer from Greenville, S.C.
All six Medal of Honor recipients will be honored during a special luncheon on Friday at the Bill France Room inside Daytona 500 Experience and will attend driver's meetings and participate in pre-race ceremonies for both the Subway Jalapeno 250 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Friday night, July 2 and the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Saturday night, July 3. There will be a special salute to the six Medal of Honor recipients between the National Anthem and the starting command, "Gentlemen start your engines," for Saturday's Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola.(DIS)(7-1-2010)
Daytona 500 Tickets On Sale: The race to purchase coveted tickets for the 53rd running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 20 is about to begin. Tickets for the 2011 edition of “The Great American Race” – NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious race – will go on sale this Friday at 9:00pm/et. Prior to Friday, June 18, only renewals for seat assignments for the 53rd running of the Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race were taken by the ticket office at Daytona International Speedway. For the third straight year, tickets for the 2011 Daytona 500 – which will be the first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event on the new asphalt at Daytona International Speedway – will start at $55. Immediately following the Coke Zero 400 Weekend Powered By Coca-Cola on Monday, July 5, Daytona International Speedway’s entire 2.5-mile tri-oval will be repaved as well as the skid pads, apron and pit road. The repaving project will be completed in time for Speedweeks 2011 and the 2011 Daytona 500. For information and to buy tickets, go to daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS)(6-17-2010)
Bigger restrictor plate for Daytona in July: NASCAR has announced that NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams will use carburetor restrictor-plate openings of 1 1/32 inches for the July 3 event at Daytona International Speedway. The previous plate at Daytona last February was 63/64-inch. Monday’s announcement pertains only to next month’s Coke Zero 400 Powered by Coca-Cola – the last NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event on the current Daytona asphalt. The 2.5-mile, high-banked superspeedway will be repaved prior to the 2011 Daytona 500. Each restrictor plate contains four openings which restrict air flow to the engine, thus slowing cars. Larger openings mean more air, and more speed. "We think this will be a needed boost due to the additional drag we've picked up since switching from a rear wing to a rear spoiler," said NASCAR Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton. Rule changes, announced Jan. 21, mandated switching from a wing mounted on the rear deck lid of NASCAR’s new car, back to a more traditional stock-car spoiler. The March event at Martinsville Speedway marked the first race for the new spoiler. Carburetor restrictor plates are used only at Daytona and 2.66-mile Talladega Superspeedway. The 1 1/32-inch size openings will be the largest since the one-inch mandate in 1988, the first year the horsepower-reducing plates were mandated for yearly use in NASCAR Sprint Cup competition at Daytona. Teams used openings of 15/16-inch for this season’s spring race (April 25) at Talladega. That size was determined following a March 16 test at Talladega that helped answer several mechanical questions, among them, spoiler height and the restrictor-plate openings.(NASCAR)(6-7-2010)
Daytona repaving gives Goodyear tight timeline: Daytona International Speedway is repaving the 2.5-mile super-speedway for the first time since 1978. While work will begin following the Coke Zero 400 in July, track officials don't expect the asphalt to be ready for testing until Jan. 1. That's more than a month before NASCAR teams return for Speedweeks and it may not leave Goodyear ample time to perfect a tire for the Daytona 500. NASCAR officials informed Goodyear of an open Daytona test scheduled for mid-January (rumored to be Jan. 15th but denied by top brass from the sanctioning body). Goodyear traditionally begins manufacturing tires in October for Speedweeks with the usual run of 6,000 units. With a test involved, as is anticipated given a completely green and unknown track surface, Goodyear would likely up the tire inventory to 8,000 tires for all the Daytona events - the Budweiser Shootout, Gatorade Duels, Camping World Truck race, Nationwide Series race and the 500 (and practices for all those events). Originally, Stu Grant of Goodyear had hoped to start the testing process no later than Nov. 1, using the current Daytona tires as the control tires and build a data base. Should Goodyear not have time for a tire test prior to January, the Daytona open test sessions would become the tire test. Lane Contruction recently repaved Talladega using the same asphalt compound for Daytona, so Grant says Goodyear would now use the Talladega tire as the control tire. Goodyear has received pavement samples from Lane but if testing is not an option, the tires will have to be developed by engineers in the lab instead of on the track. The selection process begins with a control tire and usually requires four to six weeks to assemble the materials, then build and cure the tires. Even if Goodyear could test a tire on Jan. 1, teams would not have track-tested tires for a full Cup Series test on Jan. 15. Although it would be a push, teams could have the new tires for the opening day of Speedweeks on Feb. 9(Fox Sports)(5-9-2010)
Daytona to repave track for 2011 season: For only the second time in its history, Daytona International Speedway will be repaved following the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola in July, track President Robin Braig announced. “This is a historic moment for NASCAR’s most storied race track -- Daytona International Speedway,” Braig said. “Daytona was originally repaved in 1978 and the time has come again to put new asphalt on this legendary race track.” Since the conclusion of the 52nd annual Daytona 500 in February, International Speedway Corporation’s team of engineers and asphalt specialists have conducted a thorough evaluation of the entire track, and upon completion of that analysis, the results were delivered to the ISC Board of Directors where the decision was made to repave the race track following the 2010 Coke Zero 400. Daytona International Speedway’s entire 2.5-mile tri-oval will be repaved as well as the skid pads, apron and pit road. Concrete will be used for the pit stalls. All of the existing asphalt will be removed down to the original 52-year-old lime rock base, which will be leveled and then paving will begin. The repaving of Daytona International Speedway will remain true to Bill France Sr.’s original vision, layout and geometry of the track that was constructed in the late 1950s. The repaving project will begin immediately after the Coke Zero 400 Weekend on Sunday, July 4 with a target completion date of Jan. 1, 2011. Speedweeks 2011 will kick off with the 49th annual Rolex 24 At Daytona GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series race on Jan. 29-30 and conclude with the 53rd annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 20, the prestigious season-opening event to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Lane Construction, which repaved other ISC race tracks including Talladega Superspeedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Richmond International Raceway and Darlington Raceway, has been contracted to repave Daytona International Speedway. Due to the repaving project, the October motorcycles races, Richard Petty Driving Experience dates, testing sessions and other track rental events will be cancelled for the rest of the year. Daytona KartWeek presented by Cometic Gasket World Karting Association races on Dec. 28-30 will continue as scheduled with the sprint and dirt track events only as those two series do not utilize the 2.5-mile tri-oval.
If race fans want to claim a piece of history, they can renew their 2011 Daytona 500 tickets and each account holder will receive a portion of Daytona’s track surface representing over 50 years of memories. The Daytona 500 ticket renewal process begins today. Race fans will be able to view all the progressions of the historic repaving project from a section of the Oldfield Grandstands, which will open free to the public. Track tours will also be available through attraction admission to Daytona 500 Experience. For tickets and more information on Daytona International Speedway events, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(4-24-2010)
Daytona to repave track for 2011 season: After months of investigation into Daytona’s aged asphalt surface, we finally have an answer as to the future of the speedway’s repaving project. Sources tell Mike Lovecchio [from Frontstretch.com] that an announcement will be made tomorrow by ISC the track will be fully repaved in time for the 2011 Daytona 500. According to sources, investigation into the track surface, which was last repaved in 1978, revealed “concerns” that have forced ISC to move up the timeline of the project. A source also says there are still private worries remaining about the condition of the asphalt for July’s Coke Zero 400, but the choice has been made to not rush the project and wait until after the second round of Daytona races. The move is an about face from ISC and Daytona’s stance on the matter in February. After a pothole caused two red flags totaling two hours, 25 minutes for repairs in this year’s 500, DIS President Robin Braig was adamant the track would hold off on its repaving job until 2012. No word on the exact cost of the project, but sources claim pieces of the old asphalt could be sold to fans once the repave is complete. Daytona International Speedway did not return a phone call for comment.(Frontstretch)(4-23-2010)
ISC profit up: Net income edged slightly higher in the first quarter at International Speedway Corp., but results came sharply below Wall Street expectations as admissions revenue fell. Profit was $25.4 million, or 53 cents per share, in the three months ended Feb. 28, up 1 percent from $25.1 million, or 52 cents per share, in the same quarter a year ago. However, excluding unusual items, earnings were 45 cents per share, down from 56 cents. Analysts, who typically exclude one-time items from their estimates, were looking for 53 cents, according to Thomson Reuters. Revenue also fell short. While company boasted a capacity crowd at its marquee event, NASCAR's Daytona 500, overall revenue for the quarter slipped 8 percent to $152 million from $166.1 million, as admissions revenue fell about 19 percent. Analysts expected revenue of $161.7 million.(Associated Press)(4-9-2010)
ISC says Daytona patch worked: Officials from International Speedway Corp., which owns several tracks that host Cup events, said they're confident the concrete patch used at Daytona International Speedway after a pothole developed in the 500 will work but that they're awaiting further analysis on the track to see if the track will need be repaved. The track was last repaved more than 30 years ago. John Saunders, president of ISC, said Thursday in a conference call with investors that planned repaving of the track, as of now, is targeted for around 2012. Saunders said the analysis shows that three things led to the pothole developing:
1. A "very unusual cold winter" in Florida. (The Daytona Beach News-Journal reported that the average temperature in Daytona in February was 53.1 degrees -- the coldest in Daytona since 1978.
2. Moisture where Saunders said "we experienced what the engineers call delamination, which occurs below the surface. It's not visible on the surface.'' This is where materials can weaken and split into layers.
3. The cars bottoming out. Said Saunders: "Eventually, with that weight and that force, it began to cut the asphalt and once that happens, it begins to accelereate.''
(Hampton Roads)(4-9-2010)
Daytona 'pot hole' repair looks good: The tiny pothole that brought the mighty Daytona 500 to its knees has been eliminated as a racing nuisance. The hole, which started as a gouge from the chassis of a Sprint Cup Series stock car, caused NASCAR to stop the 500 twice for more than 2 1/2 hours to repair the area. The pothole was fixed with a concrete patch four days after the checkered flag fell on the Daytona 500, capping three weeks of auto racing events. The area was allowed to "cure" for several days to complete the repair. Daytona 200 Motorcycle Week started Saturday with a dozen motorcycle road-racing events and the patch was not a worry for competitors. "There have been no issues with the bikes," Speedway president Robin Braig said. "We talked to tire and bike manufacturers and riders and there are no concerns." In a random survey of Championship Cup Series riders, who are racing in the West Banking area, the consensus was the patch -- closer to the apron than the outside retaining wall -- was not even in the preferred racing line. Braig is confident the patch will serve its purpose. "We don't anticipate any other issues with our track surface," Braig said.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(3-1-2010)
Daytona 500 Delays added Sponsorship Exposure: The one benefit of two lengthy track repair delays during last week's Daytona 500 was the unique opportunity for Fox to conduct interviews with an unprecedented 27 of the 43 drivers, and 10 crew chiefs.
According to research conducted by Joyce Julius & Associates, Inc. — which has monitored every NASCAR race telecast since the mid-1980s — by the time Fox signed off Sunday night from Daytona, a total of 46 separate driver interviews had been conducted, lasting a cumulative 46 minutes, 48 seconds (46:48).
Never far from the attention of the Fox crew, Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s three interview segments ran for a total of 4:53 to lead all drivers. As a result, Earnhardt's primary sponsor AMP Energy accumulated the most verbal mentions during the telecast with 10. When comparing the verbal exposure to the cost of a 30-second commercial during the Great American Race, AMP Energy collected nearly $1.7 million of exposure value. Earnhardt's sponsor was also mentioned on four occasions during MRN's national radio broadcast of the Daytona 500, good for another $26,000 of exposure value.
Budweiser mentions in association with its sponsorship of Kasey Kahne and UPS mentions regarding David Ragan were next in line among the leaders, as each brand was mentioned five times throughout the live Fox coverage. Budweiser picked up three more references during MRN's broadcast, bringing about a total of $853,000, while UPS obtained a half-dozen radio mentions for a total of $873,000 of media exposure.
Also prospering from the extended interviews and chatty drivers were the participating car makers. Ford failed to win the race, but certainly ruled the television and radio airwaves, as the brand was mentioned a combined 105 times, earning $8.5 million of comparable exposure value. Race-winning Chevrolet racked up 81 mentions ($4.2 million), followed by Toyota (49/$3.5 million) and Dodge (14/$1.2 million).
Most Mentioned on Fox
Sponsor, Mentions
Daytona 500, 178
NASCAR, 50
Daytona Int. Spdwy.,38
Sprint Cup, 25
NASCAR on Fox, 24
Driver, Mentions
Kevin Harvick 138
Clint Bowyer 82
Greg Biffle 66
D. Earnhardt, Jr. 66
Kesey Kahne 61
(Joyce Julius & Associates)(2-20-2010)
Daytona starts fixing race track: Daytona International Speedway has begun installing reinforced concrete in Turn 2, track president Robin Braig said Thursday, a temporary solution to repair the pothole that caused two stoppages totaling more than two hours in Sunday's Daytona 500. After a team of engineers and asphalt specialists from North American Testing Corporation conducted a thorough examination of the damage, track officials decided to repair the damaged portion of Turn 2 as an immediate first step.
Tests are also being conducted on the entire track. "This is the correct course of action to repair the track," Braig said in a statement. "Our team of engineers and asphalt specialists with North American Testing Corporation has previous experience with concrete being used on an asphalt track and it is a proven solution." The damaged area is along the 31 degrees of banking in Turn 2, making the utilization of concrete the best solution. Repairs will take about two days to complete, followed by several days of cure time, according to Braig. The engineering team concluded that a combination of unusually cold and wet weather exacerbated by race cars bottoming out in that section of the track contributed to the breakdown of the pavement during Sunday's race. International Speedway Corporation tentatively has scheduled a $20 million project to repave the entire track in 2012. Spokesman Lenny Santiago said whether that time frame will be moved up depends on the recommendation from NATC. Daytona hasn't been repaved since 1977. It has been battered by numerous elements, including a flood last year after 17 inches of water were dumped on the area.(ESPN/AP)(2-18-2010)
Daytona Repaving?: NASCAR Spokesperson Ramsey Poston on Monday about the pothole issue at Daytona:
Q: Are you ready to tell the track now is the time to repave it since it hasn't been repaved since 1978?
POSTON: "We don't know whether it's time to repave. Obviously, this is something they're going to spend a lot of time with the track on and make an assesment to figure out if now is the time to repave the track or as Robin (Braig, president of Daytona International Speedway) said last night do you need to focus in on that spot or a couple of spots. This comes down to what is best for the safety of the drivers, what is best for racing and that, with the help of the track's enginers, is the decision we need to come to.''
Q: Why, with all the engineering experts, did it come down to using Bondo to patch the hole?
POSTON: "Bondo is very effective. It was effective last night for the laps we needed to get in. We've used some of these compounds I think in Montreal when we had a track problem in Montreal two years ago. Same thing, went out and I think that's what was used and it was very successful.''
Q: Was this preventable?
POSTON: "I don't know how many miles we've had at this track in the last 10 days, but we've had a lot. And the night before we had two major races and the morning of the Daytona 500 the track was walked as it was by track officials to inspect the track. There were no signs there and there was no indiciation any of the race prior to the Daytona 500 that there were any issues with the track. Obviously, it was very unfortunate. There were no warning signs.''(Virginian Pilot), there have been reports that Daytona International Speedway was planning on repaving the track sometime in 2012 and the coast would be around $20 million.(2-16-2010)
Wood Brothers Named Honorary Starters for Daytona 500: Marking the Wood Brothers’ 60th year in NASCAR competition, Glen Wood, one of the founders of Wood Brothers Racing, will wave the green flag for the 52nd running of ‘The Great American Race” – the Daytona 500. Joining Glen Wood in the flagstand for the start of the Daytona 500 will be his brother Leonard as well as Glen’s sons Len and Eddie Wood, who currently lead Wood Brothers Racing efforts in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series today. Under the leadership of Glen and Leonard Wood, Wood Brothers Racing has captured the Daytona 500– NASCAR’s most prestigious race –four times and earned a total of 96 wins with legendary drivers such as David Pearson, A.J. Foyt, Tiny Lund, Neil Bonnett, Dale Jarrett, Kyle Petty and Cale Yarborough. In the 52nd running of the Daytona 500, the #21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford will be wheeled by two-time Daytona 500 champion Bill Elliott, who will start 40th.(DIS)(2-14-2010)
Daytona 500 To Be Staged In Front Of Capacity Crowd: After listening to race fans and delivering a new rules package and the earliest start time for the Daytona 500 since 2003 – all in an effort to make NASCAR racing even more exciting – the 52nd annual Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday will again be played out in front of a capacity crowd and millions more around the world on FOX Sports and MRN Radio. While grandstand seats are no longer available, fans can still purchase infield tickets for “The Great American Race,” which will go green at 1 p.m., 2 ½ hours earlier than last year’s start time. In addition, ticket holders can still purchase Sprint FANZONE/Pre-Race access or tickets to the Daytona 500 After Party or Daytona 500 Champion’s Breakfast at the Daytona 500 Experience. For information on tickets to any future Daytona International Speedway events, call 1-800-PITSHOP or visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS)(2-14-2010)
The King to drive pace car for Daytona 500 Richard Petty will find himself in a very familiar place on Sunday afternoon, leading the field in the Daytona 500. Petty, who holds the NASCAR record with seven Daytona 500 victories, has accepted the role as “Pace Car Driver” for the 52nd running of “The Great American Race,” and will pace all 43 cars to the green flag behind the wheel of a special edition 2011 Mustang GT, powered by Ford’s all-new 5.0-liter V-8 engine. Petty is back as a member of the Ford Racing family after Richard Petty Motorsports merged with Yates Racing during the recently concluded off-season. “The King” previously drove for the blue oval in 1969 and won nine races that season in a Ford Torino. Ironically, the last and only other time Ford served as pace car for the Daytona 500 was one year later when a Ford Torino GT convertible started the 1970 event. In addition to the special paint, this year’s Mustang pace car features a Brembo brake package, Ford Racing suspension, strut tower brace and mufflers, unique 19-inch painted wheels, and summer-only tires. The actual car that Petty will drive recently was sold for $300,000 at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Ariz., with all proceeds above the MSRP being donated to The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.(DIS)(2-13-2010)
Grand Marshals named for Gatorade Duel At Daytona: Tim Tebow, the quarterback for the past four seasons with the University of Florida, and Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew will serve as Grand Marshals for the Gatorade Duel At Daytona on Thursday, Feb. 11.
Tebow, who won the Heisman Trophy as college football’s top player in 2007, will deliver the starting command “Gentlemen, start your engines” for the first Gatorade Duel while Jones-Drew will give the command to fire engines in the second Gatorade Duel. Tebow led the University of Florida Gators to National Championships in 2006 and 2008 and set numerous national, SEC conference and school records on the field including becoming the only player in the NCAA to rush and pass for at least 20 touchdowns in a season.
Jones-Drew is an explosive triple threat as a rusher, receiver and returner for the Jaguars and has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting running backs to watch in the NFL. Drafted in second round out of UCLA, Jones-Drew averaged 83.8 yards from scrimmage and 127.7 all-purpose yards per game in his first three seasons. This year, Jones-Drew had a stellar year and was named to the Pro Bowl. He rushed for 1,391 yards and 15 touchdowns on 312 carries and added 53 catches, 374 yards and a touchdown receiving. It was the first time in his career that he eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in rushing.
“We’re excited to welcome two of the state’s most popular football figures to the Gatorade Duel At Daytona,” Track President Robin Braig said. “Tim Tebow is a football hero to so many Floridians and Maurice Jones-Drew is one of the NFL’s most versatile players. We’re looking forward to hearing their starting commands and kicking off an exciting doubleheader day of racing.”
The two 150-mile, 60-lap Gatorade Duel races will finalize the starting lineup for NASCAR’s most prestigious race – the 52nd annual Daytona 500. The front row for ‘The Great American Race’ was set during Daytona 500 Qualifying Presented By Kroger with #5-Mark Martin taking the pole and #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. capturing the outside pole.
Tickets for all of Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks events, including the Daytona 500, are available at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(2-9-2010)
Junior Johnson Named Grand Marshal For Daytona 500: To mark the 50th anniversary of his 1960 Daytona 500 triumph, NASCAR legend Junior Johnson will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 52nd running of NASCAR’s most prestigious race – the Daytona 500 – on Sunday Feb. 14. As Grand Marshal, Johnson will deliver the four most famous words in motorsports – “Gentlemen, start your engines.” Johnson, who was the first driver to use drafting on the superspeedways, was recently selected in 2009 as one of the five inductees for the inaugural class for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1990 and named one of NASCAR’s 50 greatest drivers in 1998, Johnson claimed his only Daytona 500 win in 1960 driving for crew chief Ray Fox and owner John Masoni in a last-minute deal. Retiring from driving in 1966, Johnson moved into ownership earning 139 victories and six championships. Tickets for all of Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks events, including the Daytona 500, are available at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(2-9-2010)
Harry Connick Jr. To Sing National Anthem For Daytona 500: Singer and pianist Harry Connick Jr. will sing the National Anthem for the 52nd running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 14, NASCAR biggest and most prestigious race of the season. Three-time Grammy Award winner Connick recently released his 24th album titled ‘YOUR SONGS,’ which consists of Connick singing classic songs with a full orchestra, and, as with nearly all of Connick’s previous albums, he arranged and orchestrated all of the songs himself. Connick has performed in front of the NASCAR family before singing at the season-ending awards ceremony back in 2003. Tickets for all of Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks events, including the Daytona 500, are available at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(2-9-2010)
Two Daytona 500-Winning Cars To Be Honored: The past and present will converge in the pace laps prior to the green flag for the 52nd annual Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Feb. 14 at Daytona International Speedway. To mark the 50th anniversary of Junior Johnson’s victory in the “The Great American Race”, a replica Daytona 500-winning #27 Chevrolet as well as the 2009 Daytona 500-winning car of #17-Matt Kenseth will take to the high banks and participate in the pace laps prior to the green flag of the Daytona 500. Johnson claimed his only Daytona 500 win in 1960 driving for crew chief Ray Fox and owner John Masoni. The ride came together in a last-minute deal and Fox only had seven days to build the Daytona 500-winning race car. On lap 191, Johnson was drafting Bobby Johns when, coming off of Turn 2, Johns’ car was hit with a gust of win. The air pressure popped out the rear window and put Johns in a spin. Johnson would claim the Daytona 500 by a margin of 23 seconds. Alongside the #27 Chevy during the Daytona 500 pace laps will be the winning car from the 2009 Daytona 500 – Matt Kenseth’s #17 DeWalt Ford from Roush Fenway Racing. Kenseth, who earned Roush his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship in 2003, was able to deliver Roush his first Daytona 500 victory – a feat that has eluded the multi-team owner for over 20 years. The #17 was inducted into “The Official Attraction of NASCAR” – Daytona 500 Experience – after its victory in 2009 and will be returned to Roush Fenway Racing on Sunday morning, Feb. 14 prior to the start of the Daytona 500. Tickets for all of Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks events, including the Daytona 500, are available at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(2-9-2010)
Daytona gets new flagstand: The checkered flag, the sight every driver dreams of seeing first when they cross the start/finish line at Daytona International Speedway, has a new state-of-the-art home. Race fans attending Hershey's Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks 2010 events will see the debut of the newly installed flagstand complete with a full-color LED display that will overlook the legendary tri-oval of the "World Center of Racing." The flagstand, made of structural steel and standing 22 feet tall from the race track, will see its first racing action beginning with this weekend's Rolex 24 At Daytona GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series race and the Fresh From Florida 200 Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge. Other interesting statistics behind the one-of-a-kind flagstand include:
oApproximately 60 square feet space at the top of flagstand for the starter
oEighteen steps to climb to the top of flagstand
oThe high resolution LED display is capable of showing race information, live video and replays as well as graphics and animations in 4.4 trillion colors.
oImpressive 49,920 pixel LED display that measures nearly four-feet tall and 22.5-feet wide.
oTwo new light tubes featuring super-bright green, red and amber LEDs above the display will flash the flag colors and provide fans and drivers greater visibility of the racing conditions.(Daytona PR)(1-30-2010)
Zac Brown Band To Perform Concerts, Anthem at Budweiser Shootout: Zac Brown Band, the GRAMMY nominees for Best New Artist whose platinum debut album 'The Foundation' (Atlantic Records) produced the No. 1 hit "Chicken Fried," will perform at the 32nd annual Budweiser Shootout on Saturday, Feb. 6 at Daytona International Speedway. The Atlanta-based group will perform a pre- and post-race concert, in addition to the National Anthem. Zac Brown Band - which consists of bandleader Zac Brown, bassist John Hopkins, violinist Jimmy De Martini, guitarist/organist Coy Bowles, drummer Chris Fryar and multi-instrumentalist and song writer Clay Cook - will perform three songs prior to the Budweiser Shootout on the Pre-Race Stage as well as the National Anthem, all of which will be carried live on FOX Sports. After the checkered flag waves, Zac Brown Band will perform a 60-minute post-race concert from the Sprint FANZONE Entertainment Stage.(Daytona PR)(1-28-2010)
‘Women In The Winner’s Circle’ Traveling Exhibit Now Open At Daytona 500 Experience: ‘Women In The Winner’s Circle,’ a traveling exhibit on the history of women in racing, is now open at the Daytona 500 Experience. Daytona 500 Experience is the first venue to host this unique exhibit that recognizes the past history, the growing achievements and the future growth of women in racing and will be on display through March. Racing legend Lyn St. James, founder of the Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation, joined forces with The Henry Ford of Dearborn, MI, to create the exhibit. Featured in the exhibit are informational panels, photographs, three race cars and personal artifacts that illustrate the history of women in motorsports, which dates as far back as 1903. Accomplishments of women drivers from five different eras are recognized in the exhibit, which has three cars on display – a replica of Louise Smith’s #94 Coupe, the 1989 Ford Thunderbird that St. James drove to set closed course speed records at Talladega Superspeedway with a speed of 212.577 mph, and Kara Hendrick’s TQ Midget which was restored by her brother, NASCAR driver Kenny Hendrick. Artifacts include Jutta Kleinschmidt’s helmet, shoes and gloves from her win in the 2001 Paris Dakar Rally, sports car and open wheel legend Desire Wilson’s helmet, shoes, and trophy, and a race suit worn by Sarah Fisher in the IZOD IndyCar Series. An interactive kiosk is setup so that visitors to the exhibit can read in depth biographies and see additional photos of the drivers, along with a glossary of racing terms, a list of driving schools and sanctioning bodies. More info at daytona500experience.com.(DIS)(1-26-2010)
Mayor of Speedweeks announced: The votes have been tallied and Ormond Beach resident Gordon Goodman has been declared Mayor of Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks 2010. Goodman’s 100-word essay on “Why I Should Be Mayor” was selected by Facebook users as the winner of the annual contest held by Daytona International Speedway. "I’ve wanted to be Mayor for a long time,” said Goodman. “I’m so happy and proud. If you want an ambassador for Daytona, you got the right person.” Goodman, an avid NASCAR fan who calls local radio stations to give race reports often, has NASCAR memorabilia in every room of his house. Unique aspects of Goodman’s home include a rendering of the tri-oval at Daytona International Speedway on one wall. “In 1967, as a little kid, we had (ABC’s) ‘Wild World of Sports’ (on the television) and I happened to be walking through the living room of the house and they had a little bit of the Daytona 500 going on,” said Goodman. “I just stopped and started watching. I’ve been infatuated every since.” Goodman will wave the flag at the Rolex 24 At Daytona practice session to officially get Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks 2010 underway as his first duty as Mayor. Other Mayor of Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks perks for Goodman include Pre-Race/Sprint FANZONE access for the Daytona 500, two tickets to the Daytona 500 Experience, an invitation to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Driver’s Meeting and a chance to be part of the Gatorade Victory Lane celebration at NASCAR’s most prestigious race – the 52nd running of the Daytona 500. Tickets for all of Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks events, including the Daytona 500, are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(1-19-2010)
Ford Mustang to pace the Daytona 500: Pacing the field for the 2010 Daytona 500 on February 14th will be a specially prepared one-of-a-kind 2011 Mustang GT powered by the all-new 5.0-liter V-8 engine producing 412 horsepower. This will mark the first time in 40 years a Ford Motor Company product has paced the field at the Daytona 500. The last Ford product to be a pace car at the Daytona 500 was the 1970 Torino GT convertible. The 2011 Mustang GT pace car will receive a special Daytona 500 Race Red paint scheme with Blue/White Lemans stripes, Ford Racing suspension, strut tower brace, mufflers, unique painted wheels and special interior treatment including lighted sill plates. This Mustang will be an actual production car with an early VIN and will be among the first 2011 models available to the public.
Also this Mustang (Lot # 1295.1) will be offered for auction at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction on Saturday January 23rd. All Proceeds over MSRP will go to help cure childhood diabetes through a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. One lucky bidder will have the opportunity to own the actual pace car prior to the race and will get to see their car pacing the field on February 14th.(Mustang Heaven)(1-17-2010)
Palin to make VIP appearance at Daytona 500: Former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin will be a VIP guest at next month's Daytona 500.
Daytona International Speedway president Robin Braig says Palin will make her first appearance at NASCAR's most storied track the day before she serves as guest speaker at the city's annual chamber of commerce dinner. Palin won't have any official role in the Daytona 500, but the former Alaska governor will be introduced at the pre-race drivers meeting along with other celebrities. Braig says track officials checked with NASCAR's political advisers before signing off on Palin's visit. Braig says the reaction was to "showcase her just as much as we would our mayor, our governor or our senators."(Associated Press)(1-17-2010)
McGraw to lead Daytona 500 Pre-Race: Grammy-winning country star Tim McGraw will be revving his vocal engine on the Daytona 500 Pre-Race Show.
McGraw will perform three songs at the pre-race extravaganza leading up to the start of the 52nd annual Daytona 500. "Tim McGraw is one of the most popular entertainers in the world and we're thrilled to have him perform the Daytona 500 Pre-Race Show," Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said.(ET Online)(1-15-2010)
Special tix deal for Daytona 500 in honor of Waltrip: On Sunday, Feb. 14, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver and two-time Daytona 500 champion Michael Waltrip will begin his 25th year in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at the sport’s biggest race – the Daytona 500. And to mark that special occasion, Daytona International Speedway and Waltrip, who captured the Daytona 500 in 2001 and 2003, are joining forces with a special Michael Waltrip Daytona 500 Celebration Offer.
The package, available for $129, includes:
· A ticket to the 52nd annual Daytona 500
· Question and answer session with Waltrip on the morning of the Daytona 500
· Celebration party with Waltrip, featuring cakes, beverages and other giveaway items
· Autographed commemorative event ticket
· And each race fan that purchases a Michael Waltrip Daytona 500 Celebration Offer ticket will be entered to win a chance to become an honorary pit crew member during the 2010 Daytona 500.
Waltrip said he hopes it’s a special day for all of the fans as well as his NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota. “The Daytona 500 is the greatest race in the world, my favorite race, and the race that defines my career,” Waltrip said. “I’m humbled that the speedway is honoring my 25th season with a commemorative ticket package. I very much look forward to meeting the fans race morning and then going after my third 500 win that afternoon.” Track officials said the offer will give fans a chance at a rare opportunity to talk with a two-time race winner the morning of the race. “Michael Waltrip is part of an exclusive club of Daytona 500 champions,” Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. “Beginning his 25th year with NASCAR’s biggest race is certainly going to be a special moment and this ticket package is going to deliver a unique and memorable experience to race fans.” The Michael Waltrip Daytona 500 Celebration Offer is available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/mwr or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(1-4-2010)
2010 Daytona 500 Artwork and Program Unveiled: Commissioned by Daytona International Speedway, internationally known artist Jay Koka has completed designing the artwork and event program cover for Speedweeks 2010 and the 52nd annual Daytona 500. Koka’s artwork depicts the 2009 Daytona 500-winning car – Matt Kenseth’s #17 Roush Fenway Racing Ford – and runner-up finisher Kevin Harvick’s #29 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet racing side-by-side through around historic Daytona International Speedway. Koka has been a featured artist and poster artist for many international automotive events including the famed Pebble Beach and Meadow Brook Concours, Bloomington Gold, Reading Ferrari Concours, Eyes on Design, Ferrari Club of America Annual Meets and the Cavallino Ferrari Classic of Palm Beach. Koka is a 22-year member and serves on the Board of the Automotive Fine Arts Society. He enjoyed a successful corporate career in marketing prior to the formation of his studio in 1985, which is located near Toronto. Tickets for all Speedweeks 2010 events are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(12-31-2009)
Daytona's dirt track opens: The new dirt track at Daytona International Speedway opened for business Monday and competitors said it had the same feel of the old oval at Municipal Stadium. "It is a quarter-mile lime-rock course," Speedway spokesman Andrew Booth said. "It's the same dirt they had over there. They pulled it out of the stadium and brought it over here." The flat track was built in less than three months outside Turns 1 and 2 of the Speedway tri-oval course. The World Karting Association held a day of practice Monday at the new racetrack before two days of racing. Booth said the area would be used for motor home parking for Speed Weeks. The DIS operations department will have about two weeks to put the track back together for flat-track motorcycle races in March.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(12-30-2009)
NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fests return to Daytona: The top NASCAR stars will gather at historic Daytona International Speedway on Jan. 15-16 for the annual NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fests, which give race fans a sneak preview on the new NASCAR racing season as well as Speedweeks 2010 and the 52nd annual Daytona 500.
On those dates, race fans will be able to get their “racing fix” prior to Speedweeks 2010 and the 52nd annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 14 with numerous activities with their favorite drivers from the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series in the Sprint FANZONE located in the heart of the “World Center of Racing.”
Among the activities planned for both days include:
* Interactive fan forums
* Autograph sessions
* Show cars, displays, music
* Online auction
* Blood drive
* Richard Petty Driving Experience
* SPEED Channel personalities on site broadcasting all of the festivities
Ticket information, driver appearance schedules and more details about the NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fests will be released in the coming months. For ticket information for all Speedweeks 2010 events, call 1-800-PITSHOP or go online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS)(12-5-2009)
Daytona Enhancing The Superstretch Experience: As part of its ongoing effort to continue improving the race-day experience at the “World Center of Racing,” Daytona International Speedway will add a new interactive fan area adjacent to the Superstretch grandstands outside Turn 3. Construction on the enhancements has already started and will be completed in time for the 52nd annual Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Feb. 14. Included in the 136,000-square foot interactive fan area will be amenities such as a go-kart track, kids play area, Ferris Wheel, show cars and a fan hospitality area called the SPEED Trackside Tavern, among other attractions. The enhancements will necessitate the removal of grandstand seats on the Superstretch, which will be utilized at other International Speedway Corporation facilities in the future. Also for the 2010 DAYTONA 500, ticket options on the Superstretch have been made even more affordable for race fans, with the popular $55 seating area expanded to include additional rows. Single-day DAYTONA 500 admission and new lower prices have been implemented on all other Superstretch seats. The Superstretch enhancement comes on the heels of two other fan-friendly initiatives recently announced. Already under construction is phase one of the frontstretch renovation on the old dog track property behind the Keech and Lockhart Grandstands that will deliver amenities such as:
* Two additional gate entrances
* Relocation of the Turn 1 tram stop closer to the center of the frontstretch grandstands
* New exterior pedestrian boulevard that will eventually stretch from Turn 1 to Turn 4
* New and improved directional signage, landscaping and lighting
Additionally, a new start time has been announced for the 2010 Daytona 500. In response to the race fans’ desire for an earlier start time for NASCAR’s signature event, “The Great American Race” is scheduled for a 1:00 pm/et start –2 ½ hours earlier than 2009 and the earliest start for the Daytona 500 since 2003. Tickets for the 52nd annual Daytona 500, which start at $55, as well as other Speedweeks 2010 events, are available at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(11-27-2009)
Daytona offering exclusive ticket deals during after-Thanksgiving sale: The days following the Thanksgiving holiday are known around the country as the best time of the year for shoppers to find bargains. For race fans, there will be two exclusive deals to choose from in Daytona International Speedway’s After-Thanksgiving Sale on Friday, Nov. 27 and Monday, Nov. 30. On those days only, Daytona International Speedway is offering a pair of exclusive $45 ticket packages for the Gatorade Duel on Thursday, Feb. 11 and the Budweiser Shootout, which is part of a racing tripleheader on Saturday, Feb. 6.
The Budweiser Shootout package includes a ticket to the tripleheader day of racing that includes the electric All-Star race, the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 ARCA event and Daytona 500 Qualifying Presented By Kroger as well as admission to the Pre-Race Party featuring an appearance by Kasey Kahne, Hooters wings and beverages (savings of over 35%). The Gatorade Duel package includes a ticket to the 150-mile qualifying races that set the field for the Daytona 500 and a Pre-Race/Sprint FANZONE access pass (a savings of over 45%).
For race fans that strike early and purchase either package on Friday, Nov. 27 between 9 a.m. and noon, they will also receive free shipping (a savings of $14).
Other great deals currently being offered by DIS that can make for great stocking stuffers include:
* Tickets for the wild and unpredictable NextEra Energy Resources 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Friday night, Feb. 12 start at $39, a reduction from $50 from the 2009 event
* SPEED Trackside Tavern, available for $99 per ticket, is located in the new interactive fan area in the Superstretch and includes a ticket to the 52nd annual Daytona 500, all-you-can-eat hamburgers and hot dogs, unlimited Coca-Cola products and Dasani water and appearances by SPEED Channel personalities.
* Children 12 and under are free in Sprint FANZONE during Speedweeks 2010 and free in the general admission areas at the Budweiser Shootout, Gatorade Duel At Daytona and NextEra Energy Resources 250. To purchase tickets to any of the Daytona International Speedway’s events, call 1-800-PITSHOP or visit daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS)(11-26-2009)
Coke Zero Tickets on sale: On Saturday, Nov. 7, race fans will have their first opportunity to purchase tickets for Daytona International Speedway’s racing doubleheader on July 3, 2010 – the 52nd annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and the Rolex Series 250 Grand-Am sports car race. Single-day Sprint Tower seats are available starting at $150 and ticket prices for frontstretch grandstand seats start at $40. Also available beginning on Saturday, Nov. 7 will be tickets to the Subway Jalapeno 250 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Friday night, July 2, where the new NASCAR Nationwide Series car will make its race debut. To buy tickets or more info, go to www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(11-7-2009)
Construction begins on Daytona Frontstretch Renovation: Construction on phase one of Daytona International Speedway’s frontstretch renovation will begin this week. Phase one of the frontstretch renovation will be focused on the old dog track property located behind the Keech and Lockhart Grandstands and will include new fan amenities such as:
* Two additional gate entrances
* Relocation of the Turn 1 tram stop closer to the center of the frontstretch grandstands
* New exterior pedestrian boulevard that will eventually stretch from Turn 1 to Turn 4
* New and improved directional signage, landscaping and lighting
Construction is expected to be completed for Speedweeks 2010 and the 52nd annual Daytona 500. Tickets for the 52nd annual Daytona 500, which start at $55, as well as other Speedweeks 2010 events, are available at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(11-2-2009)
Daytona catchfences get taller: Talladega Superspeedway and Daytona International Speedway are raising the height of their catch fences from 14 feet to 22 feet after analyzing their safety barriers following the accident that sent Carl Edwards flying into the Talladega fence in April. Talladega will get the frontstretch portion of its fence completed before its Oct. 30-Nov. 1 race weekend and will do the backstretch during the offseason. Daytona, which has no more NASCAR races this year, will complete its new fence on both the frontstretch and backstretch by mid-January. Other enhancements have been made to the fences at other tracks owned by International Speedway Corp., the parent company of both Talladega and Daytona, but neither [Talladega Superspeedway President Rick] Humphrey nor DIS President Robin Braig would go into more details.(SceneDaily)(10-6-2009)
Terrorist threat did not exist at DIS: A state trooper was named Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for July 2008, cited for "excellent training, experience, investigative techniques, and self-motivation," that led to the arrests of four "potential terrorists who may have been targeting the Daytona International Speedway." But the FBI said Friday that while Trooper William Cain did the right thing when he reported the men to the FBI and a Florida Department of Law Enforcement Joint Terrorism Task Force, the men were not arrested and did not pose a threat. "Several individuals were interviewed and, after it was determined that no immediate terrorist threat existed, those individuals were released," said Special Agent Jeff Westcott of the FBI's Jacksonville office. It all started with Cain's observations of the men photographing the speedway three days before the Coke Zero 400 and escalated when Cain rain the tag on their minivan and the registration matched a name on a terrorism watch list. FHP spokeswoman Sgt. Kim Montes said the incident is an open investigation and any information about the traffic stop is not public record.(Orlando Sentinel)(9-12-2009)
Daytona 500 Qualifying moved to Saturday: Daytona 500 Qualifying Presented By Kroger, which secures the prestigious front row for the 52nd annual Daytona 500, will be part of a tripleheader day of racing on Saturday, Feb. 6, joining the 32nd annual Budweiser Shootout and Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 during Speedweeks 2010. Daytona 500 Qualifying Presented By Kroger, which is traditionally scheduled on the Sunday prior to the Daytona 500, will kick off activities on Saturday, Feb. 6 at 1:05 p.m. on FOX, followed by the season-opening Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 for the ARCA Series at 4:30 p.m. on SPEED, and the Budweiser Shootout at 8:10 p.m. on FOX.(Daytona PR)(8-28-2009)
Racing related deaths at Daytona:
Racing related deaths at Daytona International Speedway since the track opened in 1959:
1. Marshall Teague, NASCAR stock car practice, Feb. 11, 1959.
2. George Amick, USAC 100-mile race, April 4, 1959.
3. Dr. Bernie Taylor, powerboat race in infield lake, June 14, 1959.
4. Harold Haberling, NASCAR stock car practice, Feb. 21, 1964.
5. Billy Drew Wade, NASCAR stock car tire test, Jan. 5, 1965.
6. Don MacTavish, Sportsman 300 race, Feb. 21, 1969.
7. Wayne Harris Bartz, lightweight motorcycle race, March 12, 1969.
8. Talmadge "Tab" Prince, Twin 125-mile qualifying race, Feb. 19, 1970.
9. Joe "Rusty" Bradley, Daytona 200 race, March 14, 1971.
10. Davd Pearl, Paul Whiteman Trophy Race, July 30, 1971.
11. Friday Hassler, Twin 125-mile NASCAR qualifying race, Feb. 17, 1972.
12. Ricky Knotts, Twin 125-mile NASCAR qualifying race, Feb. 14, 1980.
13. Francis Affleck, ARCA stock car practice, Feb. 7, 1985.
14. Dr. Charles Ogle, stock car testing, injured Dec. 15, 1985, died Dec. 26, 1985.
15. Bruce Jacobi, Twin 125-mile NASCAR qualifying race, injured Feb. 1983, died Feb. 4, 1987.
16. Joe Young, Charlotte-Daytona Dash race, Feb. 13, 1987.
17. James Kolman, kart testing, Dec. 27, 1987.
18. Randy Glenn, motorcycle practice, Feb. 26, 1988.
19. Don Williams, Sportsman 300 race, injured Feb. 1979, died May 21, 1989.
20. Dale Robertson, kart race, Dec. 27, 1989.
21. Julius Johnson, ARCA 200 stock car race, injured Feb. 11, 1990, died Feb. 14, 1990.
22. Joe Booher, Florida 200 Dash race, Feb. 12, 1993.
23. James Adamo, motorcyle race, March 7, 1993.
24. Neil Bonnett, NASCAR stock car practice, Feb. 11, 1994.
25. Rodney Orr, NASCAR stock car practice, Feb. 14, 1994.
26. Michael Himes, IMSA Two-Hour endurance race, Jan. 31, 1997.
27. Dale Earnhardt, NASCAR Daytona 500, Feb. 18, 2001.
28. Roy H. Weaver III, Dash Series race, Feb. 8, 2003.
(Orlando Sentinel)
Qualifying Procedure for the Gatorade Duels/Daytona 500:
Pole Day: This “locks in” the first two positions – the front row – for the Daytona 500. It also establishes the starting orders for the Gatorade Duel at Daytona, which are two 150-mile qualifying races for the Daytona 500.
The fastest car earns the pole for the Daytona 500 AND the pole for the first Gatorade Duel race.
The second-fastest car earns the outside pole for the Daytona 500 AND the pole for the second Gatorade Duel race.
The Gatorade Duel at Daytona: These two 150-mile qualifying races set positions 3-39 for the Daytona 500.
A combined total of 66 cars will be allowed into the two Gatorade Duel races.
Cars must compete in one of the Gatorade Duel races, in order to race in the Daytona 500.
Odd-number finishers in the final 2006 car owner point standings (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.) are in the first Gatorade Duel race.
Even-number finishers in the final 2006 car owner point standings (2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.) are in the second Gatorade Duel race.
Additional qualified cars that weren’t in the final 2006 top 35 are alternated between the two Gatorade Duel fields using an odd-even format.
Setting the Daytona 500 field:
Cars that finished in the top 35 in the 2006 car owner point standings automatically make the Daytona 500 field.
The top two starting positions are determined by Pole Day qualifying speeds.
Positions 3-39 are determined by finishing orders in the Gatorade Duel races.
The final four spots in the 43-car field will be based on Pole Day qualifying speeds of cars that have not already earned a starting position. However, if there is an eligible Sprint Cup Series past champion entered who has not already qualified, that past champion will receive the 43rd and final position. If there is more than one past champion eligible for this berth, it goes to the most recent champion.
another way to look at it:
The following cars will be assigned to the first of the two qualifying races:
The odd-number positions (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.) of the highest-ranked 35 finishers in the final previous NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car owner points standings.
The pole winner from Pole Qualifying scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 8. Should the pole winner be among the highest-ranked 35 in the the previous season owner points, the pole winner will start in the first race regardless of his odd or even position in those standings.
The following cars will be assigned to the second of the two qualifying races:
The even-number positions (2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.) of the highest-ranked 35 finishers in the final previous season NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car owner points standings.
The second-fastest qualifier from Pole Qualifying. Should this car be among the highest-ranked 35 in the previous season owner points, it will start in the second race regardless of its odd or even position in those standings.
Additional cars that were not among the highest-ranked 35 in the final previous season car owner points will be alternated between the first and second 150-mile qualifying events using an odd-even format. The odd-number positions will be assigned to the first qualifier while the even-number positions will be assigned to the second qualifier.
The odd-even positions are not determined by where the car qualified in the overall field, but their specific qualifying order among those cars not part of the highest-ranked 35 group. For example, a car qualifies eighth overall in Pole qualifying, but ranks third-fastest among those cars not part of the highest-ranked 35. That car would be an odd-number position and start in the first race as a result of its qualifying standing of those cars not in the highest-ranked 35.
The lineup for each qualifying race will be set based upon the qualifying speeds in the time trials for all cars, including those who are among the highest-ranked 35 in the finalprevious season car owner point standings. The highest-ranked 35 designation does not determine the car’s starting position, only the assignment of its 150-mile qualifying event.
A maximum of 66 cars will be permitted to compete between the two qualifying races, and all cars must compete in one of these events to be eligible for the Daytona 500.
Starting positions for the Daytona 500 will be designated for the highest-ranked 35 positions from the final previous season car owner point standings from each qualifier, the two-highest finishing cars in each qualifier not among that highest-ranked 35 group and the two front-row qualifiers.
The balance of the 43-car field will be filled by the fastest remaining qualifiers who have not earned a starting position, with the exception of the 43rd position which will be assigned to an eligible former or current Sprint Cup Series champion. Should there not be an eligible champion, the position will be assigned to the next fastest qualifier not in the field.
- The simple version: how the Daytona 500 lineup is set:
Pos 1 and 2: Pole sitter and outside pole sitter from qualifying
[no need to be top 35 in prevoius season car Owners Points]
Pos 3 thru 39: top 35 in prevoius season car owners points and two highest finishing teams in each Gatorade Duel races race NOT in the top 35 set by their finishing postion in the Gatorade Duel races.
Pos 40-42: fastest qualifiers not in by above
Pos 43: past champion provisional - at this point only. Otherwise the spot goes to the next fastest qualifier.
- The Gatorade Duel races:
The Daytona 500 pole-sitter will start on the pole of the first Gatorade Duel at Daytona. The outside pole winner will start on the pole of the second qualifying race.
Cars that finished in odd positions (first, third, fifth, etc.) in owner's points last season will fill the first qualifying race, and those with even-number finishes will compete in the second race. The lineup for each qualifying race will be set based on the qualifying speeds. Owner's points do not determine the car's starting position, only which of the two Duel races in which it will race.
Cars that were not among the highest-ranked 35 in the previous season will be alternately entered into the two 150-mile qualifying events based on qualifying speeds. The non-top 35 car with the fastest qualifying time is entered into the first (odd) Duel race, the next-fastest in the second (even) race and so on.
- All 77: Three drivers had competed in all 77 restrictor-plate races at Daytona and Talladega:
#01-Mark Martin (2 Talladega, 0 Daytona wins)
#21-Ken Schrader (1, 0)
#55-Michael Waltrip (1, 3)
until Talladega in April 2007, when Waltrip & Schrader failed to qualify and Martin didn't run the race.
Plus all three ran the one-off restrictor plate race at New Hampshire, but that was not a drafting/aero track.(4-29-2007)
