- 51 races, 4 rain outs: four Daytona 500's out of the 51 run have been shortened by rain:
1965 won by Fred Lorenzen, ran 129 laps for 322.5 miles
1966 won by Richard Petty, ran 198 laps for 495 miles
2003 won by Michael Waltrip, ran 109 laps for 272.5 miles
2009 won by Matt Kenseth, ran 152 laps for 380 miles.(2-16-2009)
- Engine Rule at Daytona: the engine rule is a little different at Daytona 500 [just like qualifying] then the other 35 races, teams must run the same engine from Saturday's first practice session (Feb. 6th) through the Gatorade Duel 150 mile qualifying races (Feb. 12). If a team makes a change before the Duel, then it must start at the rear of the Duel 150 field. After the Duel 150 races, teams can make an engine change before the Happy Hour practice session. After that, if an engine change is made, the driver will start at the rear of the Daytona 500.(2-11-2009)
- Double Yellow Line at Daytona = do not pass: In order to emphasize the yellow-line rule at Daytona International Speedway where passes are not permitted, NASCAR has made the single yellow line into a double-yellow line. The second yellow line was painted on the inside of the existing yellow line.(SceneDaily)(2-8-2009)
- Daytona 500 and Championship in same year: only eight times by five drivers has the Daytona 500 and the Sprint Cup Championship been won in the same season:
1959: Lee Petty
1964, 1971, 1974, 1979: Richard Petty
1977: Cale Yarborough
1997: Jeff Gordon
2006: Jimmie Johnson
- First Career Sprint Cup win in the Daytona 500: Six drivers have gotten their first career Sprint Cup win in the Daytona 500:
Tiny Lund, 1963 [5 total wins]
Mario Andretti, 1967 [1]
Pete Hamilton, 1970 [4]
Derrike Cope, 1990 [2]
Sterling Marlin, 1994 [10], won the Daytona 500 twice, also in 1995
Michael Waltrip, 2001 [4], won the Daytona 500 twice, also in 2003
- Harley J. Earl trophy, who was Earl? If there's one trophy a driver dreams of putting his hands on, it's the Harley J. Earl trophy. Awarded to the winner of the Daytona 500, the Harley J. Earl trophy is one of the most prized possessions in motorsports.
Named after Harley J. Earl, a famous General Motors designer and friend of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., the Harley J. Earl Perpetual Trophy rests year round inside The Daytona 500 Experience , "The Official Motorsports Attraction of NASCAR," and bears the name of every Daytona 500 champion.
Each year, the Harley J. Earl Perpetual Trophy makes a trip outside the attraction to the hallowed grounds of Gatorade Victory Lane at the "World Center of Racing" for a meeting with the Daytona 500 champion.
While the Daytona 500 champion doesn't take home the Harley J. Earl trophy, the winner of the "Great American Race" is awarded a replica Harley J. Earl trophy, which has a black base with a scaled-down replica of the Firebird One that Earl created in 1954 at the peak of his career with General Motors.
For the 50th running of the Daytona 500, the trophy was painted gold. The Harley J. Earl trophy is just one of three trophies awarded on the day of the Daytona 500.
The winning crew chief of the Daytona 500 champion is awarded the Cannonball Baker trophy, which is named after the famous coast-to-coast racer who was elected the first national commissioner of NASCAR in 1948 while the owner of the winning Daytona 500 champion is awarded the Governor's Cup.(DIS PR)
Richard Earl, a former Wall Street broker, makes his living selling Harley Earl-designed cars. " 'Motoramic masterpieces' is how I like to refer to them," he said. He maintains the official Harley Earl Web site, carofthecentury.com, and is working on a biography of his grandfather.(3-24-2009) .
Four CURRENT Race Tracks Martin has never won race at: There are FOUR current race tracks the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series runs on that #5-Mark Martin has not won at [a Sprint Cup race], plus Martin ran five races at Nashville and four races at Riverside and didn't win:
Pocono: 0 for 45 with six finishes of 2nd, last in 8/2004
Daytona: 0 for 48 with a best finish of 2nd in 2/2007
Indianapolis: 0 for 16 with a best finish of 2nd in 8/1998 and 7/2009
Homestead: 0 for 9 with a best finish of 2nd in 11/2005
Won at Chicago on 7-11-2009 after failing to win 8 times
Won at New Hampshire on 9-20-2009 after failing to win there 24 times
(9-20-2009)
Coke Zero Tickets on sale today: 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)
Daytona to contract dirt track: Daytona International Speedway will construct a quarter-mile dirt track located outside Turns 1 and 2 in the West Lot. The project was necessitated by the City of Daytona Beach’s redevelopment plans for Municipal Stadium, which includes replacing the dirt used for the Flat Track racing events with sports turf. Construction on the quarter-mile dirt track, which will be made up of lime rock, will start in the early fall and be completed in time for next year’s March 3-4 AMA Pro Racing Flat Track motorcycle events, which are a part of 2010 Daytona 200 Week By Honda. The new dirt track at Daytona International Speedway, which can also be utilized for other events such as the high performance karts from the World Karting Association, will have more than 5,000 temporary seats and lighting will be provided by Musco Lighting. For more information and tickets on all Daytona International Speedway events, go online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(8-5-2009)
- Kyle Petty Named Grand Marshal For The Coke Zero 400: Kyle Petty will serve as Grand Marshal for the 51st annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Saturday, July 4 at Daytona International Speedway. Petty, who is currently serving as an analyst for TNT, will give the command "Gentlemen, start your engines" to the 43-car field and to his father Richard Petty, who will pace the field in a replica 200th-winning #43 car.(Daytona Speedway PR)(7-2-2009)
- Papa John’s Founder John Schnatter to Serve as Honorary Starter for Coke Zero 600: John Schnatter, also known as “Papa John,” the Founder and CEO, for Papa John’s pizza restaurants, will serve as Honorary Starter for the 51st annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Saturday, July 4 at Daytona International Speedway. Schnatter will wave the green flag for the 43-car field from the starter’s stand and kick off the racing action in the Independence Day holiday classic. At the age of 22, Schnatter knocked out the broom closet in his father's tavern, sold his prized 1972 Z28 Camaro, purchased $1,600 worth of used restaurant equipment and began delivering pizzas out of the back of the bar. Papa John's opened its first pizza restaurant in 1984 and today is the world’s third largest pizza company with more than 3,400 restaurants world wide. Tickets for the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola on Saturday night, July 4 are available online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(7-1-2009)
- DIS To Honor Five Medal of Honor Recipients: Daytona International Speedway will pay tribute to five Medal of Honor recipients during the upcoming Coke Zero 400 Weekend Powered By Coca-Cola, reinstituting 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:
* Walter Marm, a retired U.S Army Colonel from Washington, Penn.
* Kenneth Stumpf, a retired U.S Army Sergeant Major from Neenah, Wis.
* John McGinty, a retired U.S Marine Captain from Boston, Mass.
* Charles Hagemeister, a retired U.S Army Lieutenant Colonel from Lincoln, Neb.
* Gary Littrell, a retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major from Henderson, Ky.
All five Medal of Honor recipients will be honored during a special luncheon at noon 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 NASCAR Nationwide Series race and the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It’s bestowed on a member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself or herself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States. Tickets for the luncheon in which Daytona Beach Mayor Glenn Ritchey will serve as Master of Ceremonies are $40 and can be purchased by calling Daytona 500 Experience Group Sales at (386) 681-6470.
Tickets for the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola on Saturday night, July 4 are available at daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(7-1-2009)
- NBA Star to Serve as Honorary Pace Car Driver for Coke Zero 400: NBA basketball star and nearby Mainland High School graduate Vince Carter will serve as the Honorary Pace Car driver for the 51st annual Coke Zero 400 Powered Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series on Saturday, July 4. Carter, who currently plays for the New Jersey Nets, will pace the 43-car field prior to the green flag waving on the Independence Day holiday classic. Carter has shined off the court with his Embassy of Hope Foundation, assisting children and families in the Daytona Beach area, New Jersey and Toronto. Most recently, Carter, along with his mother Michelle Carter-Scott, donated $1.6 million to the Stewart-Marchman-Act Foundation to help build a 100-bed treatment center for alcohol and drug addiction recovery to be named “The Vince Carter Sanctuary.” Carter and his mother Carter-Scott will be honored during the Stewart-Marchman-Act Foundation Annual Dinner on Wednesday, July 1 at the Daytona 500 Club for their numerous contributions to the local community. Tickets remain available for the Independence Day holiday classic – the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola. For tickets, call 1-800-PITSHOP or visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS)(6-29-2009)
- Daytona International Speedway deals with flooding: The more than 17 inches of rainfall that has fallen in Daytona Beach, Fla., since Sunday has left portions of Daytona International Speedway under water. Pictures show water levels halfway up the SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) barriers in some portions of the track. The Turn 1 tunnel that haulers use to enter the track is filled with about 10 feet of water. Track spokesman Andrew Booth said there is no apparent damage and the track will be ready for the July 4 Sprint Cup race. "It's a significant amount of water, but all it is, is water,'" Booth said. "We have people living around the speedway and in Flagler County with water in their homes. We believe that is more pressing than water in our tunnel. What happened will not affect what happens in July.'" NASCAR officials have seen photos of the track and are not concerned about damage. They said no special test will be scheduled to help rubber in the surface. But until the water level has dropped, Booth said there is no way to know for sure there is no damage. "The pictures are very dramatic,'' he said. "It's not a sight you usually see. We'll be good to go in July.'"(ESPN)(5-22-2009)
NOTE: the six images were removed per request of the Daytona International Speedway.(5-27-2009)
- Tix Prices For Coke Zero 400 rolled Back To $40: A limited number of tickets in the Oldfield and Lockhart Grandstands will be rolled back from $55 to $40 for the 51st annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola on Saturday, July 4, Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig announced. The $40 tickets for the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola is the lowest ticket price for the Independence Day holiday classic since 1998. Tickets and great camping packages for the Coke Zero 400 Weekend Powered By Coca-Cola on July 2-4, which includes the Daytona 250 Nationwide Series race on Friday night and the Brumos Porsche 250 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series event on Saturday, can be purchased online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(5-17-2009)
- Daytona 500 tickets to go on sale: Tickets for the 52nd annual Daytona 500 will go on sale this Saturday at 9:00am/et. Prior to Saturday, May 16, only renewals and deposits for seat assignments for the 52nd annual Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race were taken by the ticket office at Daytona International Speedway. Tickets for the Daytona 500 will start at $55 and for the first time since 1982, there have been no ticket price increases for any seat locations for the prestigious race that will kick off the new NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season on Sunday, Feb. 14. Race fans that purchase Daytona 500 tickets on Saturday, May 16 will be eligible for a special one-day offer where they can take advantage of Daytona’s monthly payment plan. With the plan, they will be able to get tickets to the Daytona 500 for as low as $10 per month. In addition, parking at Daytona International Speedway is always free, race fans can continue to bring their coolers with food and beverages and area hotels are continuing to make their rooms even more affordable. Ticket information for the 2010 Daytona 500, 2009 Coke Zero 400 and other races can be found at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS)(5-14-2009)
- New emergency texting available to race patrons: International Speedway Corporation (ISC) has partnered with InStadiumSolutions to implement a text-message based communication system at all of its 12 motorsports facilities. The service was introduced last weekend during the NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup races at Darlington Raceway. The system allows fans to communicate with the racetrack's command post if assistance is needed inside the facility. The technology was tested at Homestead-Miami Speedway last November during the final weekend of the NASCAR season. Instructions will be posted throughout each racetrack and will be broadcast through audio and video public announcements. Besides Darlington and Homestead-Miami, ISC owns and/or operates Daytona, Talladega, Michigan, Richmond, Auto Club Speedway, Kansas, Phoenix, Chicago, Martinsville and Watkins Glen. The Fan Text Messaging Service is also being used by several professional and college teams, as well as at events such as the Super Bowl, BCS National Championship and World Baseball Classic.(Associated Press)(5-14-2009)
- Daytona 500 - Super Bowl Conflict coming? Plans to expand the NFL's regular season could very well wind up putting the Super Bowl on the weekend that's also the traditional date for NASCAR's premiere event, the Daytona 500, based on comments from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Speaking Friday in a meeting with Associated Press Sports Editors before this weekend's draft in New York City, Goodell outlined a scenario for the extended regular season that would push the Super Bowl back to President's Day weekend.
It would have two preseason games in August, down from the current four. That would be followed by an open week on Labor Day weekend, followed by the opening week of the regular season. “We have not found a saturation point for pro football, which is a good thing,” Goodell said. “I don't want to be around if we do.” NASCAR's position on an expanded NFL regular-season and a possible conflict with the Daytona 500 hasn't changed. “We're aware of the proposal and are watching to see what happens,” NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said.(Charlotte Observer)(4-26-2009)
- Get well Mike Paz: lontime Daytona International Speedway and may other race track announcer, Mike Paz, was hospitalized on Saturday [3/28/2009] with a possible stroke. He is listed in guarded condition and thoughts and prayers go out to Paz and his family. Cards can be sent to Mike "Paz" Pazdyk c/o Strong Memorial Hospital, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642.(nyirp.com)(4-1-2009)
- New DIS entrance will take place of dog track: International Speedway Corp. officials are putting together a plan for a new entrance to the track that will include vendors and a TV compound, a company spokesman said Tuesday. Charles Talbert said the first step in creating the new look is the demolition of the former home of the Daytona Beach Kennel Club. ISC filed plans with the St. Johns River Water Management District last week outlining how it will handle drainage issues associated with the changes. The company got the city's OK in December for a major sports district on the 23-acre former dog track site on International Speedway Boulevard and a 110-acre property south of Bellevue Avenue east of Williamson Boulevard. ISC built the new $30 million home for the Daytona Beach Kennel Club, then traded that property for the old dog track, which is adjacent to the speedway. Delaware North Companies, the Buffalo, N.Y.-based operator of the greyhound track, paid ISC $8 million as part of the deal. Talbert said the old dog-track site will be used as temporary parking for events until construction begins on the new entrance. He declined to share details of the entrance plans. Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said last year the speedway has had to turn down moneymaking events because of zoning restrictions. The change to a major sports district allows such events.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(3-19-2009)
- Bobby Allison To Serve as Honorary Starter For 51st Daytona 500: Three-time Daytona 500 champion Bobby Allison will serve as the Honorary Starter for the 51st annual Daytona 500 on Sunday at Daytona International Speedway. The 2009 Daytona 500 marks 30 years since the famous fight between Allison, his brother Donnie and Cale Yarborough in the 1979 Daytona 500. In the first live televised broadcast of the Daytona 500, Yarborough and Donnie Allison were battling side-by-side for victory on the final lap of the Daytona 500. But neither Yarbrough nor Allison ever made it to the checkered flag. The two drivers were beating and banging on each other all the way down the Superstretch and crashed entering Turn 3. Richard Petty went on to win the race while meanwhile back in Turn 3, one of the landmark moments in the history of NASCAR took place as Yarborough and Allison began a heated debate that turned into a fist fight with Allison’s brother Bobby jumping into the fray. Bobby Allison is one of only five drivers to have won the Daytona 500 three or more times. He captured the 1978 Daytona 500 with Bud Moore, the 1982 with DiGard Racing and the 1988 with Stavola Bros. In the 1988 Daytona 500, Allison and his son Davey delivered the race’s only 1-2 father-son finish. That same year, Allison also won the 300-mile Nationwide Series race, the Gatorade qualifying race and the fishing tournament.(DIS PR)(2-15-2009)
- Daytona 500 Sold Out: After rolling back ticket prices from $99 to $55 as well as creating unique ticket packages and new concession offers – all in an effort to make NASCAR racing more affordable to the fans – the 51st annual Daytona 500 on Sunday will again be played out in front of a capacity crowd and millions more around the world on FOX 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 3:30 p.m. In addition to infield tickets, fans can still experience the festivities surrounding the Daytona 500 with Sprint FANZONE/Pre-Race access or tickets to the Daytona 500 After Party or ConAgra Champion’s Breakfast at the Daytona 500 Experience. For information on tickets for any Daytona International Speedway events, call 1-800-PITSHOP or visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS PR)(2-15-2009)
- Gavin DeGraw To Sing National Anthem For Daytona 500: J Records singer-songwriter, Gavin DeGraw, whose latest album “Free” will be released March 31, will sing the National Anthem for the 51st annual Daytona 500 on Sunday at Daytona International Speedway. Mercury Nashville recording artist and two-time Dancing With The Stars champion Julianne Hough, who was originally scheduled to sing the National Anthem for the Daytona 500, is unable due to illness. “I am so disappointed that I’m missing the opportunity to sing the National Anthem at the Daytona 500,” Hough said. “I came down with a severe case of influenza and the doctor told me I could not fly. I look forward to making it up to every one soon.” For tickets to the 51st annual Daytona 500 are available online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(2-14-2009)
- Sellout expected for Daytona 500: Daytona International Speedway president Robin Braig expects a sellout for Sunday's Daytona 500. He expects the 1,000 tickets remaining to be gone over the next day or so. He also suggests there should be an asterisk beside the sellout because ticket prices were dramatically cut. A $99 seat on the backstretch was reduced for $55. Many of the seats in suites that didn't sell to corporations also were sold at a discounted price.(ESPN)(2-12-2009)
- Julianne Hough To Sing National Anthem at Daytona 500: Mercury Nashville recording artist and two-time Dancing With The Stars champion Julianne Hough will sing the National Anthem for the 51st annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 15. Tickets for DIRECTV Speedweeks 2009 and the 51st annual Daytona 500 are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(2-12-2009)
- Daytona 500 Experience to Host Exclusive Parties: For race fans attending the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 15, the entertainment at Daytona International Speedway continues well after the checkered flag waves on “The Great American Race.” The Daytona 500 Experience, “The Official Attraction of NASCAR,” will host two exclusive parties following the conclusion of the Daytona 500.
The Daytona 500 After Party on Sunday, February 15, will commence immediately following the conclusion of the Daytona 500. The After Party will feature superb entertainment, complimentary food and beverages, and a complimentary shuttle service to Daytona International Speedway parking areas after the celebration ends. The ConAgra Foods Champion’s Breakfast on Monday morning, February 16, offers racing fans a special opportunity to be a part of exclusive Daytona 500 car induction festivities, a buffet breakfast and each fan will receive a commemorative ticket and special gift. Tickets to either the Daytona 500 After Party or the ConAgra Foods Champion’s Breakfast cost $40 and a combination ticket that includes both parties costs only $75 dollars. The Daytona 500 Experience is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call (386) 947-6530 for more information or visit www.Daytona500Experience.com for tickets. To purchase tickets to the Daytona 500 After Party or the ConAgra Foods Champion’s Breakfast, call 1-800-PITSHOP or go online to www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS PR)
- Daytona track to be resurfaced: International Speedway Corporation plans to resurface Daytona International Speedway in three years, the first time that has occurred since 1978. "It has nothing to do with money, although it will be a $20 million project," DIS president Robin Braig said. "It has nothing to do with technology. We banked Talladega so we know we can do it on the high banking. "It's all about when NASCAR and Goodyear says we need to do it," Braig said. Daytona is one of the few major tracks that hasn't been resurfaced over the past 10 years. Talladega, Darlington, Lowe's Motor Speedway and many others have been through the process.(ESPN)(2-11-2009)
- 2010 Camaro to pace Daytona 500? UPDATE: The 2010 Camaro will be the 2009 Daytona 500 race’s official pace car per an advertisement found by many readers. See the image and more at camaro5.com.(2-2-2009)
UPDATE: Daytona International Speedway officials announced the return of the Chevy Camaro as the Official Pace Car of the 51st running of the Daytona 500—the first Camaro to pace the field since 1969. “Chevy has been a great partner of the Daytona 500 for more than 30 years, and the Camaro is an automotive icon,’” said Speedway President Robin Braig. “This 2010 model will set the tone for a 21st century sports car, and that’s a perfect fit to lead the pack at the ‘Great American Race.’’ The 426-horsepower vehicle, powered by the 6.2-liter all-aluminum Chevy V-8, carries a PPG Cyber Grey paint scheme with a bold accent design befitting “The World Center of Racing.” A Camaro has paced the field just twice in Dayton 500 history, in 1968 and ’69, and this 2010 model is scheduled to hit showroom floors this spring. Built on GM’s new global rear-wheel drive architecture, the Camaro also will be offered in V-6-powered LS and LT models. Additional specs of the 2010 model pace car include:
· All-aluminum 6.2-liter V-8
· 426 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque
· Fully integrated strobe system, including a GM-designed custom light bar utilizing Whelen 500 series linear strobes
· 27-mpg estimated highway fuel economy
· Fuel-saving Tremec 6-speed manual transmission
Tickets remain available for NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious race. For tickets, Sprint FANZONE/Pre-Race access packages and more information for the 51st annual Daytona 500, call 1-800-PITSHOP or visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS PR)(2-7-2009
- Ford to pace ARCA, Duels & NNS races at Daytona: For the first time in almost 40 years, a Ford pace car will lead the fields for Speed Weeks races at Daytona International Speedway. The honor goes to a 2010 Shelby GT500, which will pace three events on Daytona’s famous 2.5 mile tri-oval, with a 2010 Ford Fusion Sport prepped and ready to go in case a backup is needed. Both cars are completely stock mechanically, the only extra equipment being light bars supplied by Whelen Equipment. The Fusion Sport also has a special vinyl wrap applied, giving the car its colorful and distinctive flame motif. The Shelby GT500 is powered by a 540 horsepower V8 engine. The car’s features include a hood extractor to remove heat from the engine, and a Gurney Flap spoiler to tune rear downforce. The Fusion Sport is a new model for 2010, powered by a 263 horsepower V6 engine and equipped with an upgraded suspension and 18-inch wheels. Their pace car duties begin on Saturday [Feb 7th] in the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200, opening round of the 2009 ARCA/ReMax Series. Next up is the Gatorade Duel on Feb. 12— the twin 150-mile Daytona 500 qualifying races. And on Feb. 14, the cars again will be on the scene for the Camping World 300, the NASCAR Nationwide Series season-opener.(Ford PR)(2-7-2009)
- Concessions Specials & Expanded Menu Items at Daytona: As part of an ongoing initiative to help lower the cost burden for fans attending a race, Daytona International Speedway has announced concessions specials and new menu items are available for DIRECTV Speedweeks at Daytona. Fans attending the events at DIRECTV Speedweeks can take advantage of the following specials:
· A $3 all beef hot dog – price reduced 25% from 2008
· Value meals offerings allowing fans to save $3 on a burger or hotdog, fries, and soda or water
· Fast Franks combo of four hotdogs for $10
In addition, fans can also enjoy several newly introduced menu items and branded food options including:
· The Daytona Speedway Dog – a 1/3 pound all beef hot dog served on a fresh Bratwurst Bun, including regular condiments plus sauerkraut
· Shaved prime rib sandwich with cheese, mushrooms and au jus sauce
· Fresh (never frozen) Angus 1/3 pound hamburger served with freshly cooked potato chips
· Boardwalk French Fries available in the Midway Display Food Court
· Papa John’s pizza and chicken wings available below the Sprint Tower and Campbell Grandstands
· Juicy’s Outlaw Grill – The worlds largest grill – will be on-site at the Frontstretch Handicap Lot
Lastly, fans are encouraged to visit the brand new Food Court located in the Midway Corporate Display area, as well as the popular Budweiser Bistro in the Sprint FANZONE. Tickets for DIRECTV Speedweeks 2009 and the 51st annual Daytona 500 are available online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(2-6-2009)
- Official NASCAR Viewing Party of the Daytona 500 in NYC: the 4th annual viewing party of the Daytona 500 live in HD on a14-foot Big Screen at ESPN Zone in Times Square [at 42nd Street and Broadway -1472 Broadway, (212) 921-3776] in New York City is scheduled for Sunday, February 15th from 1:30pm/et until the conclusion of the race. Chance to win a trip for 2 to the 2009 Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway by competing in a virtual racing tournament. Competition begins in the Sports Arena on the 3rd floor at 1:30pm, space is limited. Tailgate Toss competition to win 2 DreamSeat recliner seats in the front row of the Screening Room to watch the race; plus a $40 voucher for food and non-alcoholic beverages. Competition begins in the Sports Arena on the 3rd floor at 1:30pm, space is limited. This event is free and open to the public. Table service requires a minimum charge of $10 per person per hour. For more information you can go to: www.espnzone.com/newyork.(2-2-2009)
- Bud Shootout Draw Party Set at Daytona: The first official act of the 2009 NASCAR season will take place on Thursday night, Feb. 5 with the Budweiser Shootout Draw Party on the SPEED Stage located outside Turn 4 of historic Daytona International Speedway.
Drivers that are eligible for the 31st annual Budweiser Shootout will draw their starting position for the 75-lap All-Star classic set for Saturday, Feb. 7 at "The World Center of Racing." The draw party, which begins at 6:30pm/et, is free and open to the public and parking is available at Lot 3 (Speedplex Offices). For ticket information on the Budweiser Shootout as well as other DIRECTV Speedweeks events, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(2-1-2009)
- Significant Upgrades Made To DIS Superstretch: Race fans who attend the upcoming DIRECTV Speedweeks 2009 and the 51st annual Daytona 500 Sprint Cup Series race will notice significant improvements on the Superstretch at historic Daytona International Speedway. Work to improve the Superstretch began after the conclusion of the Coke Zero 400 Weekend Powered By Coca-Cola in July, 2008. Included in the renovations were:
· Widened roads and expanded loading/unloading zones for the Lot 10 parking lot that will greatly reduce the wait time for guests.
· Improved lighting and an increase in restroom facilities ensure a high degree of safety and comfort.
· New large video screens along the Superstretch and the brand new Budweiser Beer Garden and Budweiser Entertainment Stage will provide new and exciting entertainment.
“We recognized the need to improve the Superstretch after the 50th running of the Daytona 500 last year,” Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. “With improved parking and tram services and other new amenities, these are significant steps that will take the fans’ overall race experience at ‘The World Center of Racing’ to a new level.” The new and improved Superstretch will open to race fans during the Camping World 300 Nationwide Series on Saturday, Feb. 14 and the 51st annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 15. Tickets for DIRECTV Speedweeks 2009 and the 51st annual Daytona 500 are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(1-29-2009)
- Florida Governor Charlie Crist Named Grand Marshal For Daytona 500: Florida Governor Charlie Crist has been named Grand Marshal for the 51st annual Daytona 500 Sprint Cup Series event on Sunday, Feb. 15 at Daytona International Speedway, Track President Robin Braig announced. “We’re honored to have Gov. Charlie Crist serve as the Grand Marshal for the Daytona 500,” Braig said. “By serving as Grand Marshal, Governor Crist will be joining a long list of high-profile guests who have helped kick off ‘The Great American Race.’ “ As Grand Marshal, Gov. Crist will deliver the four most famous words in motorsports -- “Gentlemen, start you engines” – to start NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious race. In addition, Governor Crist will attend the driver’s meeting prior to the waving of the green flag for the Daytona 500. Gov. Crist, a native of St. Petersburg, graduated from Florida State University in 1978 and earned his law degree from the Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama. In 1992, Governor Crist was elected to the state senate where he served for six years before being elected Commissioner of Education for the state of Florida in 2000. In 2002, Gov. Crist was elected Florida’s Attorney General and on November 7, 2006, Governor Crist was elected as the 44th Governor of Florida. “I am thrilled to serve as Grand Marshal at this year’s Daytona 500,” said Governor Crist. “As the 4th most recognized sporting event in the world, the race adds to the tremendous economic impact motorsports has on our state. In fact, Daytona International Speedway and the national headquarters of its parent company, International Speedway Corporation, contribute more than $2 billion dollars in annual economic impact to our economy.” Tickets for DIRECTV Speedweeks 2009 and the 51st annual Daytona 500 are available online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(1-27-2009)
- Daytona International Speedway Partners with Local Hotels: Representatives of Daytona International Speedway have been working closely with local area hotel owners, the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Orlando Convention and Visitors Bureau to help make attending DIRECTV Speedweeks at Daytona more affordable for fans in these challenging economic times, As a result of this collaboration, many hotels in the Daytona Beach and the greater Central Florida region area have reduced or altogether eliminated minimum night stay requirements. In fact, there are a number of rooms available for less than $100. In addition, dozens of ticket packages and promotions are available that give fans added value and one-of-a-kind experiences with their race tickets during DIRECTV Speedweeks. Hotel availability can be found online at daytonabeach.com/daytona500_availabilities. Tickets and great camping packages for DIRECTV Speedweeks and the 51st annual Daytona 500 can be purchased online at www.daytona500.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(1-18-2009)
- Palm Coast Resident Wins DIRECTV Mayor of Speedweeks: The votes have been tallied and Palm Coast resident Keith Quint has been declared Mayor of DIRECTV Speedweeks 2009. Quint’s 100-word essay on “Why I Should Be Mayor of DIRECTV Speedweeks 2009” was selected as the winner of the annual contest held by Daytona International Speedway. Quint, who owns a remodeling business, and his nine-year-old son, Brady, are avid NASCAR fans and have attended numerous races over the past few years where they cheer on their favorite NASCAR driver Tony Stewart. “I didn’t have any words,” Quint said describing his reaction to winning the contest. “I was speechless. The most exciting thing is getting to see my son be involved in something he will probably never get to do again. To get to experience this with my son means everything to me.” Quint’s first task as Mayor of DIRECTV Speedweeks will be kicking off the Rolex 24 At Daytona weekend next Thursday morning, Jan. 22 when he is sworn in on pit road and waves the green flag for the first Rolex 24 At Daytona practice session. As part of the Mayor of the DIRECTV Speedweeks 2009 prize package, Quint will receive two tickets to all the DIRECTV Speedweeks races in addition to witnessing Daytona 500 Gatorade Victory Lane celebration. Other Mayor of Speedweeks perks for Quint include Party Zone access during the Camping World 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race, access to pre-race and the Sprint FANZONE for the Daytona 500, two tickets to the Daytona 500 Experience motorsports attraction and the opportunity to attend the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Driver’s Meeting. Tickets for DIRECTV Speedweeks 2008 and the 51st annual Daytona 500 are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS PR)(1-15-2009)
- Dierks Bentley to perform at Bud Shootout: Popular country music star Dierks Bentley, whose latest album “Feel That Fire” will be released in Feb. 3, will perform before thousands of race fans before and after the 31st annual Budweiser Shootout on Saturday night, Feb. 7 at Daytona International Speedway. Bentley, who previously performed a pre-race and post-race concert for the 2007 Budweiser Shootout, will sing three of his hit songs from the Pre-Race Stage before the start of the Budweiser Shootout. The performance of his latest hit, “Feel That Fire.” will be carried live on FOX as part of the festivities. After the checkered flag drops, Bentley will perform a 60-minute post-race concert from the Sprint FANZONE Entertainment Stage. Sprint FANZONE/Pre-Race access holders will be able to view the pre-race concert from the tri-oval grass while all ticket holders will have access to the post-race concert, which will start in the Sprint FANZONE approximately 30-minutes after the end of the race. In addition to his Pre and Post Race Concerts, a special $85 ticket package designed around Bentley and the Budweiser Shootout has been created that includes a General Admission Grandstand ticket, Sprint FANZONE/Pre-Race access, fan forum with Dierks Bentley, VIP access to the Pre and Post Race Concerts, an enter to win opportunity for an autographed Dierks Bentley CD and an enter to win backstage access for the Post Race Concert. The event distance is increasing from 70 to 75 laps and will continue to include a 10-minute intermission after 25 laps during which teams can change tires, add fuel and make normal chassis adjustments. Tickets for the 51st annual Daytona 500 and Pre-Race/Sprint FANZONE access passes are available online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(1-14-2009)
- Prices For Select Daytona 500 Tickets Rolled Back To $55: A limited number of tickets in select areas on the famed Superstretch for the 51st annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 15 will be rolled back from $99 to $55, Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig announced. The $55 ticket price for the Daytona 500 is the lowest ticket price for "The Great American Race" since 1995. To purchase race tickets for DIRECTV Speedweeks 2009 and the 51st annual Daytona 500, go online to www.daytona500.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(Daytona PR)(1-10-2009)
- Keith Urban to headline Daytona pre-race show: Grammy Award winner and country music superstar Keith Urban will perform at the Daytona 500 Pre-Race Show, the pre-race extravaganza leading up to the start of the prestigious “Great American Race” at Daytona International Speedway, on Sunday, February 15th. Urban is set to perform three of his eight #1 songs prior to the 51st annual Daytona 500 – the season-opening event to the Sprint Cup Series.(Daytona PR)(1-10-2008)
- Champion's Suite With Bobby Allison ay Daytona: It’s an opportunity that every race fan would dream of doing – watching the Daytona 500 and visiting with a three-time winner of “The Great American Race.” Daytona International Speedway is making that dream happen. With the Champion’s Suite With Bobby Allison, race fans will have the opportunity to rub elbows with three-time Daytona 500 winner Bobby Allison during DIRECTV Speedweeks and the 51st annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 15. Included in the package will be admission to the Champion’s Suite With Bobby Allison located on the famed Superstretch as well as other amenities such as: ,Meet and greet with Allison, Food and two drink tickets for beer or wine (cash bar for mixed drinks), Unlimited Coca-Cola soft drinks and Dasani water, Pre-Race access including Sprint Fanzone, Souvenir event program and Daytona 500 Experience admission. Prices range from the four-day package of $999 to a single-day package for the 51st annual Daytona 500 of $699.(DIS PR)(1-9-2009)
- GM renews sponsorship of Daytona: General Motors Corp. has renewed its decades-long sponsorship of the Daytona International Speedway and its signature stock car race, the Daytona 500, but at a cheaper price. And instead of a multi-year deal, the cash-strapped automaker will sponsor NASCAR's most prestigious event on a year-to-year basis. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The renewal ends speculation that GM's money woes, which have triggered a scaling back of corporate sponsorships, would force the automaker to terminate sponsorship of an event that was the top-rated motorsports telecast in North America last year. The multi-year deal expired Dec. 31. GM finalized the new deal Dec. 19, the same day President George W. Bush announced the Detroit automaker and Chrysler LLC would receive up to $17.4 billion in short-term loans. GM has sponsored Daytona for more than 40 years, and motorsports in general provide a prime marketing opportunity for automakers to reach customers who buy domestic vehicles at a rate higher than the national average. The race, which last year drew 33.5 million television viewers, is Feb. 15. GM provides fire and safety vehicles, pace cars and other vehicles for the race, as well as a July race at the track. GM did not disclose how much it spends on the Daytona deal or NASCAR sponsorships. Last year, GM had sponsorships at 12 tracks that host NASCAR events, including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but three of those sponsorships have not been renewed. Chevrolet also is the official vehicle sponsor of the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 held in September at Richmond International Raceway in Virginia. That sponsorship expires this year.(Detroit News)(1-8-2009)
- NextEra Energy partners with Daytona, Homestead: Daytona International Speedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway announced a multi-year partnership with NextEra Energy Resources, a subsidiary of Florida-based FPL Group, and the nation’s largest provider of wind and solar energy. Financial terms were not disclosed. Under terms of the agreement, NextEra Energy Resources becomes the Official Renewable Energy Provider of Daytona International Speedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway. Rights include entitlement of the NextEra Energy Resources 250 Camping World Truck Series race at Daytona and title sponsorship of Homestead-Miami Speedway’s Speedjam IndyCar and Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series Championship weekend. NextEra Energy Resources will support its position through both a financial investment and a commitment for annual promotion around events at both facilities. Also as part of the arrangement, International Speedway Corporation, parent company of both racing facilities, will purchase certain renewable energy certificates (RECs) from NextEra Energy Resources. The RECs will help fund a number of renewable energy projects, including the development of wind and solar energy plants.(HMS PR)(1-8-2009)
- GM rethinks Daytona sponsorship: General Motors Corp. has not decided whether to renew a decades-long sponsorship of the Daytona International Speedway and its signature stock car race, the Daytona 500, despite the deal's expiration in three weeks.
GM has a multiyear agreement that ends Dec. 31 to serve as the official car and truck provider of the speedway and the Daytona 500, NASCAR's most prestigious event, speedway spokesman Andrew Booth said Thursday. The race is Feb. 15. GM said discussions are under way about the Daytona sponsorship but the automaker has not reached an agreement. The Daytona sponsorship dates to the early 1970s. GM provides fire and safety vehicles, pace cars and other vehicles for use during the race, as well as a July race at the track. GM did not disclose how much it spends on the Daytona deal or NASCAR sponsorships. Scaling back motorsports sponsorships is seen as a risky move because the auto industry and racing are closely linked and give automakers a prime marketing opportunity to reach customers who buy domestic vehicles at a rate higher than the national average. Race fans, particularly stock car enthusiasts, are loyal to the sport's sponsors and advertisers. The heritage and loyalty runs so deep that NASCAR Chairman Brian France recently lobbied Congress to support a financial bailout of the auto industry. NASCAR sponsorships are a wise investment because each race attracts about 120,000 fans, said Terry Dolan, manager of Chevy Racing. GM often creates a showroom environment on the speedway grounds, giving spectators an intimate look at its model lineup. The 2008 Daytona 500 attracted 33.5 million television viewers and is the top-rated motorsports telecast in North America. This year, GM had sponsorships at 12 tracks that feature NASCAR events, including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, though three of those sponsorships have not been renewed. Chevrolet also is the official vehicle sponsor of the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 held in September at Richmond International Raceway in Virginia. That sponsorship expires next year.(Detroit News)(12-12-2008)
- Daytona's Preseason Thunder is still planned: Daytona International Speedway may have lost its popular Preseason Thunder NASCAR sessions for 2009 due to the sanctioning body's testing ban but events featuring drivers are still planned. Speedway President Robin Braig said on Saturday officials from International Speedway Corp., NASCAR's corporate twin that owns Daytona and 11 other tracks, have met with NASCAR to discuss fan fest events to be held at the speedway in January to help drive ticket sales for the 51st Daytona 500 and help fans interact with drivers. Specific information on dates and format of the fan events involving drivers and crew chiefs from NASCAR's three national touring series – Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series -- will be forthcoming. Braig said the speedway also hopes to involve the Richard Petty Driving Experience into the fan fests. Braig also said the speedway anticipated more of a promotional push for the Jan. 25-26 Rolex 24 at Daytona.(Florida Today)(11-16-2008)
- 2009 Coke Zero 400 Tix on sale Sat, Oct 11: On Saturday, Oct. 11, at 8:00am/et, fans will have their first opportunity to purchase all remaining tickets for the 51st annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola Sprint Cup Series race on July 4, 2009 at Daytona International Speedway. Great seats, including a limited number of premium tower seats, will be available. Also available beginning on Saturday will be ticket packages that include tickets to the Winn-Dixie 250 Powered By Coca-Cola Nationwide Series race on Friday, July 3 and the Brumos Porsche 250 Rolex Sports Car Series race on Thursday night, July 2. Daytona International Speedway offers several convenient methods for fans to purchase tickets to the mid-summer classic, which start at $55: Online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com; Calling 1-800-PITSHOP; or visiting the Daytona International Speedway ticket office inside the lobby of Daytona 500 Experience. Overnight parking packages for the Coke Zero 400 Weekend are available only by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(10-11-2008)
- Below yellow line at Daytona/Talladega OK on last lap? NO UPDATE 3: This was posted back in Feb 2007 about the Truck Series race at Daytona. The 'rule' was metnioned at the end of ABC's broadcast, but NASCAR ruled otherwise.
Drivers throughout the Craftsman Truck Series garage were still talking about last week's [Feb 2007] three-wide finish at Daytona International Speedway. While they admitted the finish was good for television, most wondered why NASCAR allowed Johnny Benson to drive below the yellow line - Daytona's out of bounds line - to jump from third to second in the final 200 yards. Benson wasn't penalized because "if you can see the checkered flag on the last lap, anything goes," according to NASCAR spokesman Owen Kearns.(Augusta Chronicle)(2-24-2007/10-5-2008), no word on the exact ruling, problem with the ruling? take it up with NASCAR, contact info on my Racing FAQ/Contact NASCAR page.
from NASCAR: Post-Race Comments from NASCAR Vice President of Corporate Communications Jim Hunter Talladega Superspeedway, Oct. 5, "You cannot improve your position anytime you go below the yellow line. In our judgment, he (Regan Smith) improved his position and the penalty for that is a pass thru, so he was moved back to the tail end of the longest line or 18th position. At the driver's meeting, we clearly state that you cannot improve your position by going below the yellow line. We do not feel he was forced below the yellow line. Anytime you get into a situation like this, there are going to be two different opinions. We respect Regan's view, but we made the call, we think it's the right call and the finish is final. NASCAR has to maintain some kind of control – and that's the reason we say, you cannot advance your position by going below the yellow line. If he had not improved his position, he probably would have been awarded 2nd place."(NASCAR)(10-5-2008)
UPDATE: Smith and even Johnson, the two-time defending champion, said after the race they thought that the rules were not as tight coming to the finish line. A NASCAR spokesman stated publicly after a controversial truck race finish at Daytona in February 2007 that such was the case. Hunter, speaking for NASCAR on Sunday, said that was not true. "From what the officials tell me, it was pretty black and white,'' Hunter said of the decision. "You can't advance your position. It doesn't matter how you get there. It's a no-no.''(Roanoke Times)
UPDATE 2: Talladega Drivers Meeting: THIS IS YOUR WARNING DRIVERS: Race Director -David Hoots told the drivers and crew chief’s today “This is your warning. If you race below the yellow line and in the judgement of NASCAR you advance your position, you will be black flagged. If, in NASAR’s judgement you force someone below the yellow line in an effort to stop him from passing you , you may be black flagged” Hoots added: “Aggressive driving zones..first off don’t place yourself in position of opening up in our judgement of what’s aggressive. It’s considered all the way around the race track with much emphasis and observation placed on the turns and in the tri-oval. If you think that you are getting ready to go over being aggressive back off and let’s get to the end of the race."
Hoots also warned the group about speeding. “I would remind you all we had numerous speeding penalties yesterday at the entrance and exits and yellow line to yellow line,” he said. NO Questions: When asked by Hoots if there were any questions - the room of drivers and crew chiefs was silent.(Dialed in/Claire B. Lang)
UPDATE 3: NASCAR Rule Clarification Regarding Passing At Daytona International Speedway And Talladega Superspeedway: At yesterday's Drivers Meeting, NASCAR reiterated the rule about passing under the yellow line and provided the same information to all drivers and crew chiefs in a hand out, as we've done in past Daytona and Talladega races. The verbatim language is: "This is your warning: race above the yellow line. If, in NASCAR'S judgment, you go below the yellow line to improve your position, you will be black-flagged. If in NASCAR's judgment you force someone below the yellow line (in an effort to stop him from passing you), you may be black-flagged."
"During the last lap of yesterday's race at Talladega Superspeedway the driver of the #01 violated NASCAR policy by driving under the yellow line to improve his position," said NASCAR President Mike Helton. "In NASCAR's opinion he was not forced below the yellow line. NASCAR correctly took immediate action to enforce the policy by penalizing the #01 and scoring the #20 as the race winner."
Helton continued, "Since the end of the race there has been some confusion as to what is allowable during the last lap at Daytona and Talladega. To be clear, as we go forward, there will be no passing under the yellow line at any time during NASCAR races at Daytona or Talladega, period. This includes any passing below the yellow line near the start/finish line on the final lap," said Helton.(NASCAR PR)(10-6-2008)
- DIS Begins Major Frontstretch Grandstand Renovation Project: Daytona International Speedway has embarked on a significant frontstretch grandstand renovation project. The project is currently under way and is expected to be complete by the end of the year. The renovation project will replace the lower grandstand seating in the DePalma and Oldfield Grandstands (located near Turn 4) as well as the Seagrave, Keech and Lockhart Grandstands (located near Turn 1) with chair seats with arm rests. In addition, all risers and walkways will be replaced with new aluminum. New and additional handicap ramps and stairs will provide access to seating as well. The grandstand renovations will also create new open areas underneath the grandstands for additional concession/souvenir kiosks. “These renovations will enhance the race fan’s experience at Daytona International Speedway,” Track President Robin Braig said. “We’re very cognizant of our ‘Fans ’R’ 1st At Daytona’ program and we’re always looking for new opportunities to make the race fan’s visit to ‘The World Center of Racing’ more memorable.” To purchase tickets for DIRECTV Speedweeks 2009 and the 51st annual Daytona 500 call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(9-5-2008)
- DIS 'superstretch' to be closed for 400 next year: The 57,000-seat "superstretch" grandstand, which begins just off Turn 2 and runs about halfway down the back straightaway, will be closed for next July's Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway. The only grandstand tickets sold will be for the 110,000-seat stands that run the length of the front "dog-leg" from Turn 4 to Turn 1. "We did the math," DIS track president Robin Braig said Wednesday. The two large Jumbotron television monitors, which face the backstretch seats during race events, reportedly cost about $200,000 to rent. When Speedway officials included the costs of additional shuttle buses and manpower needed to manage a race-day event, closing those seats became a viable option. "We're trying to keep the costs down on tickets," Braig said. "When we open the superstretch, there's everything from concession stands, cleanup crews, parking lots with buses and trams, the two huge Jumbotrons . . . Add up all that for the amount of people who are sitting back there, we just said, 'Hey, let's try to get everybody in the best seats we have, and try to hold costs down, especially since the demand for that area is lower than in past years.' " In an effort to soften the blow for those fans who actually prefer the backstretch to the front, DIS officials are highlighting the virtues of the main grandstands.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(8-22-2008)
- Coke Zero to sponsor Daytona race in July: Coke Zero is taking the driver’s seat as the new title sponsor of the July Sprint Cup Series race at the Daytona International Speedway. Officially, the race will be entitled the “Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola.” To bring NASCAR fans closer to the sport they love and create excitement about the race, Coke Zero and Daytona International Speedway are hosting an online voting contest that allows fans to choose the official race logo. Beginning in conjunction with the 50th running of the Daytona 500, fans can visit NASCAR.com to vote for their favorite from two logo options. The winning logo, determined solely by fan votes, will be revealed on NASCAR.com immediately after the contest concludes on March 1, 2008. Scheduled for July 5, the 2008 Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola, concludes a holiday weekend of racing at Daytona International Speedway. The Nationwide Series takes to the speedway for the running of the Winn-Dixie 250 Powered By Coca-Cola on July 4. The debut of the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola is part of a new 10-year sponsorship agreement between Coca-Cola North America (CCNA) and International Speedway Corporation (ISC). Through a variety of track partnerships, brands from CCNA will be refreshing fans at 12 race tracks in 2008 before expanding to 16 race tracks by 2012.(businesswire.com)(2-8-2008)
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)
