Jayski's® Silly Season Site - OLD Daytona International Speedway News

PAST DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY NEWS/RUMORS

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Daytona USA

Vice President to attend Pepsi 400: Vice President Dick Cheney will attend the 48th annual Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway. Vice President Cheney will speak to race fans during pre-race ceremonies for the mid-summer classic as well as meet NASCAR drivers, teams and executives during his visit to "The World Center of Racing."
"We're honored that Vice President Cheney will visit Daytona International Speedway and participate in Pepsi 400 pre-race festivities," Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. "Vice President Cheney continues the tradition of high-profile elected officials that have visited the 'World Center of Racing'." In the 1984 Pepsi 400, the late President Ronald Reagan gave the starting command from Air Force One. Reagan, who became the first sitting President to attend a NASCAR race, witnessed Richard Petty earn his 200th NASCAR win. President George H.W. Bush attended the 1992 Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway, and current President George W. Bush served as the Grand Marshal for the Pepsi 400 during his 2000 presidential campaign. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld attended last year's 2005 Pepsi 400.(DIS PR)(6-27-2006)
Crossfade's Ed Sloan To Sing National Anthem At Pepsi 400: Ed Sloan, lead singer for Crossfade, one of the most powerful and inventive new hard rock bands around, will sing the National Anthem at the Pepsi 400 Nextel Cup Series race at historic Daytona International Speedway on July 1. Tickets for the Pepsi 400 Weekend are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(6-27-2006)
Space Shuttle, F-16s And Fireworks To Fill DIS Sky: Race fans attending the 48th annual Pepsi 400 Nextel Cup Series event on Saturday, July 1 will receive a 2-for-1 special on fly-overs before the start of one of NASCAR's most exciting nighttime races. Earlier in the day, NASA is scheduled to launch the space shuttle Discovery from the Kennedy Space Center in nearby Cape Canaveral, the first space shuttle launch in almost a year and the first ever on the same day of the Pepsi 400. The launch is scheduled to take place at 3:48pm/et and the "World Center of Racing" will be an excellent viewing spot. The second fly-over at Daytona International Speedway will take place during the national anthem later that night and provided by four Air Force F-16s from the Ft. Smith, Ark. Capping off the All-American night will be another high-flying spectacle as Santore & Sons Fireworks, located in nearby Bunnell, Fla., will once again display one of the largest fireworks shows in the Southeast.(DIS PR)(6-27-2006)
Daytona Intl Speedway picks winner to sing national anthem: A 16-year-old Palm Coast girl on Saturday sang her way past nine other finalists to win a chance to sing the national anthem before a televised NASCAR race at Daytona International Speedway later this month. "It's really thrilling to win because I've done my best and it's good enough," Tiffany Thomas said as she entered her version of Victory Lane at Daytona USA's Pepsi IMAX Theater. As the winner of Straightaway to Stardom II, an "American Idol"-style talent contest put on by the Speedway, Tiffany will sing before the June 30 Busch series Winn-Dixie 250. The judges decided who would win by the contestant's personality, stage presence and ability to sing a traditional version of the anthem. After more than 15 minutes of deliberation the judges announced Tiffany as the winner.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(6-21-2006)
NHIS 1st race July 1st in 2007 UPDATE other sched changes?: many New Hampshire International Speedway ticket holders got their renewals for the first NHIS 2007 race, and the date is July 1st, the race is usually the third weekend in July. With the 4th of July on a Wednesday in 2007, the Pepsi 400 is scheduled to run on July 7, 2007. No word on the NHIS race date in September 2007.(6-16-2006)
UPDATE On the schedule front, there are indications that next year's Cup slate will have a different look to it. New Hampshire's first race will be moved up two weeks to July 1st and rumors in the garage have a second Las vegas race and a possible Kentucky Speedway date showing up on the calendar.(RacingOne)(6-20-2006)
Superman to serve as Grand Marshal of Pepsi 400: Brandon Routh, who stars as the Man of Steel in Superman Returns, Warner Bros. Pictures' soaring new action adventure opening nationwide on June 28, will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 48th annual Pepsi 400 on Saturday, July 1 at Daytona International Speedway. Routh will give the command "Drivers, start your engines" in NASCAR's mid-summer classic. His Grand Marshal duties also include leading the 43-car field in the pace laps from the Grand Marshal pace car. Prior to his casting as Superman, Routh starred in the ABC sitcom Odd Man Out and the ABC Daytime Drama One Life To Live. He has also made guest appearances on the hit shows Gilmore Girls, Cold Case and Will & Grace. Jeff Gordon, will race his #24 Pepsi Chevy in a special Superman Returns paint-out car featuring the Superman S-Shield. Tickets for any of the Pepsi 400 Weekend events are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(6-16-2006)
Daytona Offers Two More Pepsi 400 Ticket Packages: Daytona International Speedway continues to offer its guests a wide array of unique ticket packages, with the announcement of a "Chevy Day At Daytona" package and a "SunTrust Dare To Sit There" ticket package. When a race fan participates in a Chevrolet Test Drive at a participating Southern Chevy Dealer, they'll have the opportunity to purchase the "Chevy Day At Daytona" package, which offers race guests the following for $75 ($349 value): * One Pepsi 400 ticket for Saturday, July 1
* One Winn-Dixie 250 presented by PepsiCo ticket
* One hospitality pass that can be used before the Pepsi 400
* Hospitality appearance by NEXTEL Cup Series driver J.J. Yeley
* Chevy gift
* One voucher for a hot lap around Daytona International Speedway (Must be used on Saturday, July 1)
* One Pre-Race/NEXTEL FANZONE pass
* Pre-Race tour
The race guest can purchase one additional "Chevy Day" ticket package which excludes the hot lap voucher. SunTrust is partnering with two-time Daytona 500 champion Michael Waltrip and Rolex 24 champion Wayne Taylor for a pair of ticket packages for the upcoming Independence Day holiday weekend. The SunTrust Dare To Sit There offer for Saturday, July 1, available for $125, includes:
* One Superstretch Terrace/Tower ticket for the Pepsi 400
* One Pre-Race/NEXTEL FANZONE admission
* Admission to a Michael Waltrip/Wayne Taylor fan forum on Saturday, July 1
The SunTrust Three-Day ticket offer, available for $190, includes:
* One general admission ticket to the Brumos Porsche 250 and Round 3 of the Crown Royal IROC Series race on Thursday, June 29.
* One general admission ticket to the Winn-Dixie 250 presented by PepsiCo on Friday, June 30
* One Superstretch Terrace/Tower ticket for the Pepsi 400 on Saturday, July 1
* NEXTEL FANZONE access for all three days of the Pepsi 400 Weekend
* Admission to a Michael Waltrip/Wayne Taylor fan forum on Saturday, July 1
For more information on these ticket packages and other great ticket offers for the Pepsi 400 Holiday weekend, call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(6-15-2006)
2007 Daytona 500 Tix on sale Today: On Saturday, May 27, at 8:00am/et, race guests will have their first opportunity to purchase tickets to NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious stock car race. The Daytona 500 on-sale dates coincide with the unveiling of the new 49th annual Daytona 500 logo. The event name stands out in front of the distinctive shape of Daytona’s world famous 2.5-mile tri-oval that is emboldened in red, white and blue. Tickets to America’s most watched motorsports event start at $95 and Daytona International Speedway offers several convenient methods for fans to purchase tickets to “The Great American Race.”
“The Daytona 500 has traditionally been a sellout and we encourage race fans to get their tickets early,” Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. Also available are tickets for the upcoming Pepsi 400 Weekend on June 29-July 1, including the Pepsi 400 on Saturday night, July 1, the Winn-Dixie 250 presented by PepsiCo NASCAR Busch Series race and Circle K Pole Qualifying Day on Friday, June 30 and the Brumos Porsche 250 and Crown Royal IROC Series on Thursday, June 29. NASCAR tickets for the 2006 Pepsi 400 are on sale now, order your tickets online or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(5-27-2006)
Daytona may build worker complex: As it continues planning for a $100 million redevelopment of its office park, International Speedway Corp. is considering building a 15-acre office complex on Dunn Avenue. ISC has applied to the St. Johns River Water Management District for a stormwater drainage permit for the project, but that doesn't mean it will do the project, yet, company spokesman Lenny Santiago said. "If we decide to go forward with the project, it's easier for us if we've already filed the permits. It's part of our ongoing process as we're looking at the Speedplex project," Santiago said. ISC already owns the land, acquiring it in 2000 as part of a 45-acre purchase. The company is trying to determine how it will house operations as it demolishes buildings for the project. ISC owns five of the six buildings in the former General Electric office park at West International Speedway and Bill France boulevards. It could tear down a building at a time as construction progresses, or it may have to tear down more than one building, Santiago said. The company may need to build the new office complex, and it may need to lease other space, he said. The Speedplex redevelopment will include office towers for ISC and NASCAR as well as retail buildings, a multiplex cinema and residential condos.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(4-29-2006)
DIS gets rent increased: Daytona International Speedway officials agreed Monday to pay almost 5,000% more to lease the public land where the racetrack was built. Annual rent payments will rise from a token $10,000 -- established to help get the racetrack built in 1957 -- to $500,000 immediately. Rent increases will be built in every five years. International Speedway Corp. officials proposed a flat annual rent of $500,000 last August even though their rent would have doubled to $20,000 next year and stayed unchanged until 2032 under the previous lease. Chairman of the Daytona Beach Racing and Recreational Facilities Commission, Fred Thellman's proposal to add automatic increases so the annual rent would average $750,000 after 48 years prevailed. Speedway officials were willing to pay more in order to extend the lease for the 447 acres fronting International Speedway Boulevard through 2054. John Graham, International Speedway Corp. vice president, said the longer lease will help justify a proposed $100 million investment in a Speedplex office, an office-commercial project on the north side of International Speedway Boulevard, across from the Speedway. Speedway officials won some concessions in the lease before agreeing to the higher rent. Under the terms of the original lease, racing district commissioners held the option to buy out the Speedway for 10 times gross revenues. They dropped that option Monday and also agreed to give the Speedway the first chance to negotiate with Volusia County when the racing district's lease of the land expires in 2054. The racing district subleases to the Speedway. Another feature of the original lease allowed the racing district to stage fundraising activities up to 90 days of the year at the Speedway, if facilities are available. Under new terms, the district only will use the Speedway 22 days each year, 11 per event, to continue sponsoring its popular car shows twice a year at the Speedway. A requirement to get the Speedway's permission for those auto-related events will be dropped. Plus, the racing district can use the Speedway for another eight days every year, but must get the Speedway's approval. A final vote on the lease agreement is scheduled for March 28, when the commissioners meet again.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(3-14-2006)
Pepsi 400 in Nov 2007? error or cat out of the bag? UPDATE denied & changed: on a Castrol GTX sweepstakes page, the grand prize is listed as:
(1) Grand Prize: 4-day/3-night trip for two (2) to the 2007 Pepsi 400 race currently scheduled for November 2007 in Daytona, FL. Sooo, is that an error [oops] in the contest rules/prizes or did they slip and let the 'cat out of the bag' telling us that the Pepsi 400, held on the July 4th weekend for years, is gonna be moved in 2007 to be part of the chase and end the season where it began? See the contest and links on my Racing Contest page, it is towards the bottom as it ends 12/31/06.(3-8-2006)
UPDATE: been told by Daytona International Speedway reps that the Pepsi 400 will be run on July 7th, 2007 and NOT moved to November in 2007. The contest info has now been changed to relect the correct date of July 2007.(3-8-2006)
Injured Fan Unnoticed at Daytona UPDATE: As tens of thousands of race fans left the Daytona 500 on Sunday evening, a Longwood man lay unnoticed in a pool of blood 15 feet from a main road, police said Monday. It was more than seven hours before Robert Eugene Faulkner woke up with little memory of what happened. Troopers think the 39-year-old was struck from behind by a pickup about 6:30 p.m. as he walked to his car parked near the Daytona Flea and Farmers Market, Florida Highway Patrol spokeswoman Kim Miller said. "It's just amazing that he would lay there that long," Miller said. "How did somebody not see the crash?" Troopers found a piece of a truck's mirror at the edge of Tomoka Farms Road, near the entrance to the flea market's parking lot, Miller said. The lot, a popular spot for race fans, was full during the Daytona 500, but troopers did not know how many vehicles were parked there. Faulkner woke at 2 a.m. with a cut on his head, scrapes on his face and a swollen left ankle. He then drove himself to his parents' Seminole County house, more than 42 miles away. "He's stubborn and determined. He just knew he needed to be at work," his sister, Sherrie Atkinson, said while visiting Faulkner at Shands Hospital in Gainesville. He was transferred there Monday morning to see a neurosurgeon. He had more than a dozen staples in his head. When Faulkner walked in the door of his parents' home Monday, his father saw that he was covered in blood. Perry Faulkner had been waiting for his son, who has lived with his parents in Longwood for the past several months, because he had not been able to reach him all night. Robert Faulkner had driven to the race alone and parked at a home near the flea market. The Dale Earnhardt Jr. fan met up with some friends at the speedway and walked back to his car after the race ended. "He said he heard a squeal," Atkinson said. "He doesn't remember anything after that." Faulkner was thrown, his sunglasses going in one direction and his cell phone in the other, his sister said. She found those items but couldn't spot his Earnhardt hat. Investigators think the mirror they found at the scene came from a dark-colored Ford F-150 truck, made between 2004 and 2006, Miller said. "I can't believe people just walked by and didn't do anything," Atkinson said. Anyone who has information about the incident is asked to call the Highway Patrol at 407-737-2200 or *FHP on their cell phone.(Orlando Sentinel)(2-21-2006)
UPDATE - real nice....: A woman called police saying she has a key piece of evidence that could help solve a hit and run accident that happened after the Daytona 500. But she won't give it up unless she gets paid [what a sweetheart huh?]. When Robert Faulkner was hit by a vehicle along Tomoka Farms Road, everything went flying. His hat, cell phone, sunglasses went in different directions. Now a woman says she found the hat, but she's holding it for ransom. Now, to add insult to injury, a woman called FHP and said she found the injured man's hat and she'll give it back for a price. "She wants a reward for finding the hat," Atkinson said. FHP would like to know when the woman found the hat and if she happened to see a man lying unconscious on the ground in a pool of his own blood. However, the woman said she will give no information until she sees some money. "I just can't believe somebody would ask for a reward," Atkinson said. FHP said, right now, they can't charge the woman with any crime, but they would still like to talk to her. As for the bounty on the hat, Atkinson and her brother agree, information on the hit and run driver is much more valuable. "We both feel the same way, she can keep the hat," she said. Faulkner is recovering at home. His brain is bruised and he has a lot of cuts and scrapes. FHP believes it was a 2004 to 2006 Ford F-150 that hit him. If you have any information, please call the Florida Highway Patrol.(wftv.com)(2-24-2006)
Piece of #2 car goes into the stands: have seen nothing of this, but noticed it during the race and have seen video, the rear bumper cover of the #2 Miller Lite Dodge that Kurt Busch drivers, came off during a wreck on lap 188 and flew over the catch fence and into the stands during the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. The piece looked like it flew through an opening in the stands. Have heard nothing more seen any reports at all about any injuries, and sources at the track say no injuries were reported.(2-21-2006)
Scalpers Snagged: Scalpers hovering around Daytona International Speedway found themselves to be the target of a sting conducted by Daytona Beach police this past weekend, authorities said. Undercover officers arrested 14 people for peddling tickets along International Speedway Boulevard said Sgt. James Newcomb, of the Daytona Beach Police Department. The ticket hawkers were arrested and brought to the county jail after they sold tickets to undercover officers who posed as race fans looking for a good seat. The most expensive ticket bought was $150 more than the retail value, Newcomb said. Anyone who offers or sells a ticket for more than $1 above the retail price is charged with the resale of an amusement ticket, a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to $500 in fines or 60 days in jail. Buyers don't face any penalties because it isn't illegal to purchase a scalped ticket. The ticket peddlers pose a problem for police because they block traffic along International Speedway Boulevard and restrict pedestrian flow into the Speedway. Newcomb said most of the ticket sellers were from out of town and he hopes this weekend's operation would deter scalpers from selling again.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-20-2006)
A Darlington deal for the Daytona 500 The 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season has finally arrived. On Sunday, February 19, the eyes of race fans all over the world will be focused on the state of Florida and racing's premier event, the Daytona 500. Darlington Raceway is offering a special one-day-only deal to celebrate the opening of the season at Daytona. Fans who purchase any grandstand ticket to the 2006 Dodge Charger 500, coming up Saturday, May 13 at the track "Too Tough To Tame," will receive a free pre-race pit pass. The pre-race pit pass allows access to the pit road area until one hour before the start of the race. This offer is valid only on Sunday, February 19 - race day at Daytona. Ticket prices for the Dodge Charger 500 start at $45. Fans can purchase their tickets and receive their free pre-race pit passes by calling toll-free at 866.459.RACE (7223), or by visiting www.racetickets.com, on Sunday, February 19.(Darlington Raceway)(2-18-2006)
Clemens Named Honorary Official: Future baseball Hall of Famer and seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens has been named Honorary Official for the 48th annual Daytona 500. As Honorary Official, Clemens will ride in one of the Chevrolet Impala SS cars before start the prestigious 200-lap, 500-mile race.(DIS PR)(2-17-2006)
Olympic snowboard medalists to give start command: Olympic snowboard medalists Hannah Teter and Gretchen Bleiler, who led the United States to a 1-2 finish in the women's halfpipe, have been named Co-Honorary Starters for the prestigious 48th annual Daytona 500. Hannah Teter, a native of Belmont, Vt., captured the Gold Medal in the halfpipe competition in her Olympic debut at the 2006 Torino Games. Gretchen Bleiler, also making her Olympic debut, took the silver in the halfpipe. In 2005, the Aspen, Colo., resident returned from a torn ACL injury to win the X Games, Gravity Games, U.S. Open and a World Cup at the Olympic pipe at Bardonecchia.(DIS PR)(2-17-2006)
2007 Duels in prime time? Rumors are that next year's Twin 150s [Gatorade Duels] will be held in prime time.(RacingOne)(2-13-2006)
'Sonny?' Actor James Caan named Daytona 500 Grand Marshal: Actor James Caan, star of the NBC hit drama “Las Vegas,” has been named Grand Marshal for the prestigious 48th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 19 at historic Daytona International Speedway. Caan, who garnered an Academy Award nomination for his role as Sonny Corleone in “The Godfather” and an Emmy nomination for his performance as football star Brian Piccolo in “Brian’s Song,” will give the starting command “Gentlemen, start your engines” in the premier motorsports event in the world. Caan, who also starred in popular films such as “Misery” and “Honeymoon in Vegas,” will also ride in one of the Daytona 500 pace cars ahead of the 43-car field. In Las Vegas, which will be moving to Friday nights on NBC at 9:00pm/et beginning March 3, Caan stars as Ed Deline, the head of a surveillance team of a casino. On Monday, Feb 6, NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Driver Jimmie Johnson had a major guest starring role on the show, playing himself. “We’re proud to have James Caan serve as Grand Marshal and deliver the starting command for the Daytona 500 in front of thousands of race fans and millions more watching on television,” Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. “Attracting an accomplished actor such as James Caan continues the tradition of high-profile actors, athletes and politicians that have kicked off the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season.” Caan received a Best Actor Award from the Sebastian Film festival for his performance in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Rain People,” as well as the Actor of the Year honor from the National Associate of Theater Owners for “The Gambler.”NASCAR tickets for the 2006 DAYTONA 500 and all other Speedweeks 2006 events are on sale now, order your tickets online or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS Site)(2-15-2006)
Daytona: No Plans to Pave: While discussing the perils of bump drafting at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday night following the Budweiser Shootout, Dale Earnhardt Jr. took a verbal swipe at the condition of the 2.5-mile tri-oval. "I think the racetrack is in poor condition, in my opinion," Earnhardt said. "We run around the middle of the corner because the bottom is so dang rough. There's a lot of bad bumps and it moves the cars around when you're side by side. Three-wide and you've got cars running through bumps and holes; you're going to have a hard time hanging on to them."
"We respect the opinions of the drivers," Speedway president Robin Braig said in response. "On the competition side, we look to our sanctioning bodies, in this case NASCAR, and to Goodyear Tires for their recommendations about our track surface. They keep a close eye on the condition of the track surface." Earnhardt was 5 years old the last time the Speedway, owned by International Speedway Corp., was paved in 1979. ISC plans to pave Talladega Superspeedway, a track similar in size [2.66 miles] and shape, this year. Braig said that "at this time, there are no plans to repave" Daytona. "NASCAR and Goodyear have each told us we are in good shape right now," Braig said. "We always listen to our drivers, but we take our lead on the competition side from NASCAR and Goodyear."(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-14-2006)
Bud the official Beer of Daytona: Budweiser will become the Official Beer of Daytona International Speedway under a new multi-year agreement that includes Official Beer status and signage rights during all of the track's eight annual events, including Speedweeks, the Daytona 500 and Pepsi 400 and the renaming of the track's infield concession area to "The Budweiser Bistro." Budweiser, the official beer of NASCAR and driver #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr., will gain significant track signage, a major presence on the infield scoring tower in the NEXTEL FANZONE, use of the Speedway's logo and 2008 50th Anniversary logo, and will introduce its "Green Team" recycling programs to help keep Daytona International Speedway clean.(fingerprint inc. PR)(2-11-2006)
Daytona continues handicap parking permit enforcement program: Due to the extensive misuse of accessible (handicap) parking permits in recent years at Daytona International Speedway events and a successful program launch in 2005, the Speedway will once again enlist law enforcement to aggressively monitor and enforce proper use of state-issued accessible parking permits. Following July's successful handicap parking permit enforcement program, during Speedweeks 2006 at Daytona International Speedway, state and local law enforcement officers will once again require all accessible parking placards, hangtags and license tags users to show proper documentation or identification before allowing entrance to accessible parking lots. Unauthorized use of an accessible parking permit is unlawful and punishable under Florida law. Refusal to cooperate with law enforcement officers implementing this program constitutes "resisting an officer" and will result in additional sanctions. Please be aware of the following:
* Unlawful use of a parking permit is a 2nd degree misdemeanor, $1,000 fine, or 1 year in jail.
* Guests CANNOT use an accessible parking permit unless the person to whom it's issued is the driver of or passenger in your vehicle!
* The permit must be hung on the rearview mirror when the vehicle is parked in the accessible parking area.
* Both sides of the parking permit must display valid decals (month/year and DL#).
* Parking permit # must be displayed toward the front of the windshield.
* Accessible license plates may be used in lieu of a parking permit.
* Law enforcement officers at the Speedway will be checking permits issued by all U.S. states and Canada.(DIS PR)(2-9-2006)
Bon Jovi headlines Tribute to America at Daytona: As a continuation of Sprint Nextel's sponsorship of Bon Jovi's "Have A Nice Day" tour, the legendary rock band will headline the Sprint Tribute to America prior to the Daytona 500 Feb. 19, which kicks off the 2006 NEXTEL Cup Series season. The pre-race show will air live on NBC from Daytona International Speedway - the World Center of Racing. Now in its third year, Sprint Tribute to America brings top entertainers to Daytona International Speedway to honor the spirit of America and the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Thousands of people will have a unique opportunity to be up close during the high-energy show. Daytona International Speedway is accepting volunteers immediately at d500showvolunteers.com. The Daytona 500 pre-race coverage on NBC begins at 1:30pm/et Feb. 19, 2006. The race, which starts at 2:30 p.m., also will be broadcast live on MRN. For Speedweeks tickets, visit daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call (800) PITSHOP. More information on Bon Jovi, view bonjovi.com.(DIS PR)(2-8-2006)
Daytona 500 Souvenir Program Hits Major Retailers: Race fans eager for the 2006 NASCAR season to begin can get a head start with the official 2006 Daytona 500 souvenir program. This full-color, 144-page event program is packed with all the excitement that surrounds Speedweeks at the "World Center of Racing" - Daytona International Speedway. The official Daytona 500 souvenir program is now available at major retailers nationwide. Featuring NASCAR favorites 2004 Daytona 500 winner Dale Earnhardt Jr., two-time NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series champ Tony Stewart and 2005 Daytona 500 winner Jeff Gordon on the cover, the official 2006 Daytona 500 souvenir program brings together all of the latest news and information available prior to the waving of the green flag. In addition to complete coverage of 2005 Speedweeks and the NASCAR's biggest, richest and most prestigious race - the Daytona 500 - learn how Earnhardt Jr. and Gordon have recalibrated for the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season. Get a look at the participants expected to compete in the Budweiser Shootout At Daytona, and preview the Gatorade Duel At Daytona qualifying events. Cost of the program is $10. For information regarding Daytona International Speedway and the Daytona 500, please visit daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS PR)(2-8-2006)
B-1B to do Flyovers at Daytona: United States Air Force B-1 Lancer bombers will fly over the Daytona International Speedway for both the Hershey's Kissables 300 Busch race on Saturday Feb. 18, 2006 and the Daytona 500 NEXTEL Cup race on Sunday Feb. 19, 2006.(Air Force PR)(2-7-2006)
Daytona 500 purse exceeds $18million: The 48th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 19, America’s biggest and most prestigious motorsports event of the year, will once again carry the biggest purse in the history of stock car racing at more than $18 million. The posted awards for the “The Great American Race” on Sunday, Feb. 19 will be $18,029,052, an increase of nearly half a million. The posted awards for the 2005 Daytona 500, which was won for a third time by Jeff Gordon, was $17,623,980. The winner of this year’s Daytona 500 will collect a minimum of $1,438,155. The second, third, fourth and fifth-place finishers in the Daytona 500 will receive a minimum of $1,034,175, $741,325, $589,500 and $461,925 respectively. Even the last-place finisher in the Daytona 500 will be rewarded with a minimum of $224,665.
Other purses for Speedweeks 2006 events are:
· ARCA 200 ARCA RE/MAX Series race: $ 286,849
· Budweiser Shootout: $1,119,920
· GM Flex Fuel 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race: $835,651
· Hershey’s Kissables 300 NASCAR Busch Series race: $2,629,362
Tickets to any of the Speedweeks 2006 events are available online at or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(2-6-2006)
Daytona 500 Sells Out Again: All grandstand seats for the 48th annual Daytona 500 - at historic Daytona International Speedway are sold out, Speedway President Robin Braig announced today. While all the grandstand seats are sold out, fans can still purchase infield tickets for the "Great American Race" - the kick off to the NEXTEL Cup Series season scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 19. Fans can also purchase tickets for other exciting DIS Speedweeks events including the Budweiser Shootout (Feb. 11), Bud Pole Qualifying (Feb. 12), the Gatorade Duel at Daytona (Feb. 16), GM Flex Fuel 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (Feb. 17), Crown Royal International Race of Champions (Feb. 17) and the Hershey's Kissables 300 NASCAR Busch Series event (Feb. 18). Tickets are available for other Speedweeks events at Daytona International Speedway are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(2-3-2006)
Staind to perform at Bud Shootout: Multi-platinum recording artists, Staind, will be the headline act for pre- and post-race concert festivities at the 28th annual Budweiser Shootout at Daytona, which kicks off the NASCAR Nextel Cup season on Saturday, Feb. 11 at Daytona International Speedway. Staind’s Aaron Lewis will also sing the National Anthem prior to the Budweiser Shootout (8:00pm/et on TNT). Following the conclusion of the 70-lap no-holds-barred, all-star race, Staind will perform a free concert for all Budweiser Shootout ticket holders. At the conclusion of the Staind concert, fans are invited to view more live music in the Daytona infield Nextel Fanzone. Tickets for the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(1-31-2006)
Daytona USA Celebrates 10th Anniversary: To help celebrate Daytona USA's 10th anniversary, the Ultimate Motorsports Attraction will be doing a special giveaway each month that will highlight and celebrate the drivers who have won the Daytona 500 over the past 10 years. The first 500 guests to visit Daytona USA on certain dates will receive a commemorative print of the Daytona 500 winner in Gatorade Victory Lane along with a collector's lapel pin of the race logo from that year, for more info see daytonausa.com.(DIS PR)(1-25-2006)
NASCAR Drivers running Rolex 24 At Daytona: At least nine drivers with NASCAR ties are scheduled to test Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series cars Thursday through Saturday at Daytona International Speedway in preparation for the Jan. 28-29 running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona. Defending Nextel Cup champion Tony Stewart and recently retired Rusty Wallace are on the entry list for testing. They will be teammates - but in different cars - for Howard-Boss Motorsports. Ganassi Racing driver Casey Mears will be part of Ganassi's driver lineup, which includes former Cup driver Scott Pruett, who still drives road-course Cup events. Two-time Busch Series champion Randy LaJoie is on the entry list, as are Mexican drivers Adrian Fernandez and Michel Jourdain, who ran partial schedules in the Busch Series last year. NBC commentator and former Cup driver Wally Dallenbach will also participate.(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter), also Northeast short-tracker Ted Christopher and former Truck/Busch Series driver David Donohue will run the race.(Elmira Star Gazette)(1-5-2006)
MORE NASCAR Ties: other drivers with "NASCAR Ties":
Christian Fittipaldi (Cup/Busch); Butch Leitzinger (Cup/Busch); Darrin Brassfield (Cup in 1989); Tommy Riggins (Cup/Busch); Jack Baldwin (Busch); Tommy Archer (Trucks); Mike Borkowski (Busch/Trucks); Tony Ave (Cup start); Chris Bingham (Busch); Ron Fellows is testing the #40 with Bingham this week in Daytona and could end up running the race.(Mike Paz, DIS PR Announcer)(1-6-2006)
PLUS: NASCAR NBC Broadcaster and racing legend, Benny Parsons, will be the grand marshal of the Rolex 24 At Daytona.(1-9-2006)
Corvette Z06 to Pace Daytona 500 with Jay Leno at the Wheel: A specially outfitted 2006 Corvette Z06 will serve as the official pace car of the 48th running of the Daytona 500, on Feb. 19. "Tonight Show" host and auto enthusiast Jay Leno will drive the pace car. Selection of the Z06 model marks the second consecutive year that a Corvette has been selected as the Daytona 500 pace car. The Corvette Z06 that will serve as the Daytona 500 pace car is mechanically identical to those available at Chevrolet dealerships. It is the fastest vehicle ever offered by Chevrolet and General Motors. With 505 horsepower (377 kw) and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm) from its 7.0L all-aluminum, racing-inspired engine, the Corvette Z06 leaps from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds and has a top speed of 198 mph. It also differs from other production Corvette models with extensive use of lightweight materials, including carbon-fiber front fenders and a chassis comprised of aluminum and magnesium. A racing-ready suspension and large, 18-inch front wheels and 19-inch rear wheels help keep it glued to the tarmac, so it requires no drivetrain modifications to satisfy its role in front of the racing pack. In its official capacity, however, the pace car is outfitted with a variety of safety equipment and highly visible strobe lights.
The Corvette Z06's 505-horsepower (377 kw) output is actually more than the power produced by the race cars that will compete in the Daytona 500 - a first for a pace car. This is because of the unique "restrictor plate" rule established for the Daytona and Talladega. racetracks. On these 2.5-mile-long super speedways, the restrictor plate reduces airflow into the engine to limit horsepower and keep race car speeds below 200 mph. With a restrictor plate, racing engine power is reduced from about 750 horsepower to about 450 horsepower. Race cars can still average more than 190 mph on Daytona's long straights.
The Corvette Z06 Daytona 500 wears a unique paint scheme, inspired by the hot-to-cool color transition of a space capsule entering Earth's atmosphere at a high rate of speed. The paint scheme is carried out with an elaborate, interlocking scallops design - a twist on hot rod-style flames - that blends "hot" Lemon Drop yellow at the nose of the Corvette with Lemon Glow, Amber Ecstasy, Blazing Copper and Hot Poppy. The colors culminate with a cool Sapphire Trance blue color at the rear of the vehicle. DuPont, the sponsor of Jeff Gordon's #24 Monte Carlo, supplied the colors, which are from the company's "Hot Hues" line of automotive paint.
Jay Leno, host of the "Tonight Show" and an unabashed auto enthusiast, will drive the Corvette Z06 during opening ceremonies and the pace laps that start the race. Leno, who has a large collection of vintage automobiles and motorcycles, has previous experience as a pace car driver.(GM PR)(1-6-2006)
IROC adds road course...Daytona: The International Race of Champions [IROC] series will be on the road again in 2006, holding a road-course event as part of its four-race schedule for the first time in 14 years.The IROC series, sponsored by Crown Royal, will hold its third race this season on Thursday, June 29, on the road course at Daytona International Speedway. The last road-course event in IROC was at Watkins Glen International in New York in 1991, with Rusty Wallace winning. As part of its 30th anniversary season, IROC will also race Feb. 17 on the 2.5-mile oval at Daytona, on April 7 at Texas Motor Speedway and on Oct. 28 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. "We've missed the road racing element of the series over the years and I can't tell you how thrilled we are to add a road course back into the mix," said Jay Signore, IROC president and general manager. "This will be the first time the Crown Royal IROC Series will race on the Daytona road course since our inaugural season." IROC's test drivers began making laps Thursday on the 3.56-mile Daytona road course in conjunction with testing for the Rolex 24 of Daytona endurance race. The 12-driver field for this year's event is scheduled to be announced Jan. 17 in Daytona at a news conference during NASCAR's "Preseason Thunder," two weeks of testing that begins Monday.(ThatsRacin.com), the Daytona road course race takes the place of Richmond, which ran in Sept.(1-5-2006)
Lucky fan to be named "Mayor of Speedweeks" One lucky race fan will receive two tickets to all Speedweeks races and be part of the Daytona 500 Victory Lane celebration, all part of just a few of the perks bestowed upon Daytona International Speedway's "Mayor of Speedweeks." Teaming with Black Crow Broadcasting (WVYB, 103.3 FM; WHOG, 95.7; 93.1 KRO Country), the winner will also receive two credentials/access to pre-race & NEXTEL FANZONE on Sunday, February 19, 2006, have your photo taken with area mayor, participate in Speedweeks 2006 Opening Ceremonies at Rolex 24 practice receive two tickets to DAYTONA USA; wave the flag at Rolex practice session to officially get Speedweeks underway; attend the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Driver's Meeting; receive Party Zone access during the NASCAR Busch Series event and be part of the Gatorade Victory Lane celebration at the Daytona 500. To get all the perks of a politician, fans need to tell Daytona "Why Should I be Mayor of Speedweeks 2006" in 100 words or less. Future politicos can enter by mailing their essay to: Mayor of Speedweeks c/o Daytona International Speedway, 1800 W. International Speedway Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL, Fax to: 386-947-6791; E-Mail: daytonaspeedway@daytonainternationalspeedway.com or drop off our entry at Guest Services located at DAYTONA USA. Fans can also register on-line at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com. The contest runs January 2nd - January 13th. Winner will be chosen and called by an employee of Daytona International Speedway by January 16th.(DIS PR)(12-27-2005)
Rebate for Daytona Land? Daytona International Speedway's landlord agreed Tuesday to look into getting a sales tax rebate from the state. Members of the Racing and Recreational Facilities Commission were intrigued by the prospect of getting up to $2 million annually from the state, which allows sales tax rebates for sports facilities. Local officials would have to apply and get approval from the Florida Legislature. But they made clear their top priority would be completing talks on a new lease payment with the Speedway in January. Bob Leib, owner of The Leib Group of Wisconsin, said the Speedway pays $10.8 million a year in sales taxes to the state. International Speedway Corp. has paid $10,000 a year since 1957 to lease the 447 acres of public land where it built the world-famous racing complex. The company exercised its option in April to extend the lease through 2035 at an annual rent of $20,000 starting in 2007. However, ISC offered in August to increase its annual rent to $500,000 a year in exchange for extending the lease to 2054. The racing board hired The Leib Group for about $75,000 to recommend a fair lease payment.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(12-22-2005)
Southern Sports Awards Nominates NASCAR tracks/teams/drivers...what? no lugnut [LMS Mascot]?: The Daytona 500 and August night race at Bristol Motor Speedway have been nominated in the "Best Sports Experience" category in the inaugural Southern Sports Awards which recognizes and honors the athletes, fans and the traditions that "set the South above the rest in the sports world."(DIS PR)
Talladega The Talladega Superspeedway Infield is among select nominees for the first ever Southern Sports Awards (SSA), a two-hour special awards show that will recognize and honor the athletes, fans and traditions that "set the South above the rest in the sports world." Talladega Superspeedway's nomination is to the "Best Place To Tailgate" category.(TSS PR)
Roush Racing: Roush Racing [#'s 6,16,17,97,99] have been nominated for Best Management.
Dale Jr. vs Jeff? Dale Earnhardt Jr. vs. Jeff Gordon have been nominated for the Biggest Rivalry category.
Coach of the Year: among the nomiee's are Chad Knaus, #48 Crew Chief for Jimmie Johnson and Greg Zippadelli,(#20 Crew Chief for Tony Stewart.
Fan Favorite nominee's include Dale Earnhardt Jr. and #11, #18, #20 team owner Joe Gibbs, not for racing but for being the headcoach of the NFL's Washington Redskins.
Newcomer of the Year: surprise! Carl Edwards, driver of the #99 Ford [4 wins] is nominated along with #5-Kyle Busch, winner at California as a rookie.
AND finally for the The "Style" Award...nominated from NASCAR are Kyle Petty and Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Fans can vote to determine the winner by logging on to www.southernsportsawards.com until Nov 23rd and completing the 13-category ballot. The awards will be presented Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2005 at The Tabernacle in Atlanta, GA.(11-10-2005)
Speedway to expand "Hospitality Village": Daytona International Speedway plans to move and expand its "Hospitality Village" along the track's south side. The backstretch Hospitality Village will be located about 200 yards away from its original location. The hospitality villages consist of temporary tents that are set up during events on concrete pads. The Speedway has applied to the St. Johns River Water Management District for permits for drainage and paving. Robin Braig, DIS president, said the hospitality tents are in place to accommodate NASCAR fans. "The tents allow the customers to eat and associate with vendors during events," Braig said. There are three hospitality locations around the track with two near the frontstretch and the one on the backstretch. The Daytona Club, one of the frontstretch areas, has a bar, restaurant and live music.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(10-25-2005)
The Dodge Daytona 500? UPDATE: NASCAR-ISC executives are trying to persuade Daimler-Chrysler's Dodge division to become the name sponsor of the Daytona 500 [at Daytona International Speedway in Feb 2006], but the German car company has not been willing to pay the price, according to sources close to the situation.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-26-2005)
UPDATE: Daytona officials confirmed talking with DaimlerChrysler about naming rights for the Daytona Craftsman Truck Series race, but they say that there are no plans to add a sponsorship name to the Daytona 500. The season's first race hasn't been sponsored since STP dropped its marketing of it in 1993 after sponsoring it as "The Daytona 500 by STP" for several years.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-30-2005)
60 Minutes Visits Daytona International Speedway: 60 Minutes, the CBS News magazine providing a blend of hard-hitting investigative reports, interviews, feature segments and profiles of people in the news, used Daytona International Speedway as the site for an upcoming corporate profile piece featuring NASCAR's first-family. International Speedway Corporation (ISC) Chairman and longtime NASCAR President Bill France, ISC President Lesa France Kennedy and NASCAR Chairman Brian France will be the subject of the corporate profile according to a 60 Minutes producer. The segment is scheduled to air sometime in September or October.
The trio sat down with 60 Minutes correspondent Lesley Stahl to talk about the past, present and future of America's fastest growing spectator sport. The interviews took place earlier this week at DAYTONA USA, the "Official Attraction of NASCAR" and at the luxurious Daytona 500 Club located at the start/finish line of the historic Speedway overlooking Gatorade Victory Lane. According to Nielsen, an average of 14.2 million viewers tuned in to the broadcast each Sunday evening over the 2003-04 season -- 200,000 more than for the previous season. The broadcast posted an average household rating of 9.4 with a 16 share.(DIS PR)(8-20-2005)
The Haskell Company Garners Award For DIS Infield Renovation: The Haskell Company, the Jacksonville based design and construction company that completed the multi-faceted, multi-million dollar infield renovation at historic Daytona International Speedway, has been awarded Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Florida First Coast Chapter Excellence Award. The project was recognized in the renovation category. After winning the award on the local level, the project will be entered into the national competition in November. The Haskell Company began the infield renovation immediately following the 2004 Pepsi 400 and among the amenities added included the NEXTEL FANZONE, the four-story Daytona 500 Club and new Gatorade Victory Lane, a massive Turn 1 tunnel, new NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series and Busch Series garages and waterfront specialty vehicle parking. The project was completed in time for Speedweeks 2005.(DIS PR)(8-2-2005)
Disabled permit enforcement nets 20 placards at DIS: More than 20 handicapped parking placards have been confiscated under tightened enforcement at Daytona International Speedway, according to track officials. Persons using stolen or improper handicapped placards to score an upfront parking space at the Pepsi 400 may be stopped in their tracks -- have the placard confiscated and face fines of up to $1,000. Florida Highway Patrol troopers -- in cooperation with the Florida Department of Transportation and the State Attorney's Office -- are stationed at designated handicapped motorists' lots: Lot 1 at the front of the Speedway; Lot 6 on the backstretch; and Lot E on the west end of the airport runway. A separate lot is being set aside with assured parking for race fans who purchase wheelchair spaces in the grandstands. Those fans receive separate Speedway handicapped placards, which will be checked for authenticity.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(7-2-2005)
Only a few tickets left for the 2006 Daytona 500:- Although NASCAR's most prestigious race - the 48th annual Daytona 500 - is eight months away, only a limited number of Frontstretch seats are available for NASCAR's biggest and richest event. "The Daytona 500 has traditionally been a sell out since the inaugural event in 1959 and we expect another capacity crowd for next year's event," Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said."Race fans continue to show that the Daytona 500 is the premier stock car race in America and we want to encourage everybody to make their plans to attend NASCAR's signature event as early as possible." Tickets for the Daytona 500, which is the season-opening event to the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series and the climax of Speedweeks 2006, start at $95. The Rolex 24 At Daytona, the toughest and most prestigious sports car race in America, will kick off Speedweeks 2006 on a new date - Jan. 26-29. Also on tap for the smorgasbord of racing at "The World Center of Racing" include: * Hershey's 300 NASCAR Busch Series * NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race * Crown Royal IROC Series * Gatorade Duel At Daytona * Budweiser Shootout * Advance Discount Auto Parts 200 * Bud Pole Qualifying for the Daytona 500 Tickets are available for all other Speedweeks 2006 events at Daytona International Speedway online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(7-2-2005)
Secretary Rumsfeld Named Pepsi 400 Grand Marshal: U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld has been named Grand Marshal for the 47th running of the Pepsi 400 on Saturday, July 2. Mr. Rumsfeld will give the command "Drivers, start your engines" in NASCAR's star-spangled holiday weekend event set to begin under the lights at 8 p.m. at the Daytona International Speedway. His Grand Marshal duties also include leading the 43-car field in the pace laps from the Grand Marshal pace car. Tickets for the Pepsi 400 weekend are on sale now, order your tickets online or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(6-30-2005)
DIS to Initiate Handicap Parking Permit Enforcement: Due to the extensive misuse of accessible (handicap) parking permits in recent years at Daytona International Speedway events, the Speedway has enlisted law enforcement to aggressively monitor and enforce proper use of state-issued accessible parking permits. During Pepsi 400 weekend, state and local law enforcement officers will require all accessible parking placards, hangtags and license tags users to show proper documentation or identification before allowing entrance to accessible parking lots. Unauthorized use of an accessible parking permit is unlawful and punishable under Florida law. Refusal to cooperate with law enforcement officers implementing this program constitutes "resisting an officer" and will result in additional sanctions.
Please be aware of the following:
Unlawful use of a parking permit is a 2nd degree misdemeanor, $1,000 fine, or 1 year in jail. Guests CANNOT use an accessible parking permit unless the person to whom it's issued is the driver of or passenger in your vehicle! The permit must be hung on the rearview mirror when the vehicle is parked in the accessible parking space. Both sides of the parking permit must display valid decals (month/year and DL#). Parking permit # must be displayed toward the front of the windshield. Accessible license plates may be used in lieu of a parking permit. Law enforcement officers at the Speedway will be checking permits issued by all U.S. states and Canada.(DIS PR)(6-30-2005)
Pre-Race Highlights for the Pepsi 400: Guests attending the 47th annual Pepsi 400 at historic Daytona International Speedway will be treated to an All-American evening of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series racing concluding with the largest fireworks display in the Southeast. Santore & Son Fireworks, located in nearby Bunnell, Fla., will once again launch the largest fireworks spectacle in the Southeast following the checkered flag in NASCAR's most exciting nighttime race on Saturday, July 2. Since the first nighttime running of the Pepsi 400 back in 1998, Santore & Sons has provided the post-race fireworks displays at "The World Center of Racing" and will use a plethora of different resources to produce this year's show including: * Seven days of preparation with 20 technicians * Two miles of control cable * 14 locations on the daunting high banks and 10 on the Superstretch * Two barges on Lake Lloyd * 10,000 pyrotechnic effects (over 8,000 pounds) * 100 lbs of red, white & blue confetti. Before the Pepsi 400 goes green, the pre-race revelry will be high gear with a patriotic salute on America's Independence Day weekend. JoJo, the 14-year-old singing sensation from Foxboro, Mass., will sing the National Anthem and four F-15 Eagles from the 125th Fighter Wing Florida Air National Guard located in Jacksonville, Fla. will provide the flyover before the start of the mid-summer classic. Tickets for the Pepsi 400 Weekend are available online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(6-28-2005)
National Anthem at Daytona: Blackground/Universal recording artist JoJo will perform the National Anthem before the 47th annual Pepsi 400 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race on Saturday, July 2 at historic Daytona International Speedway. The 14-year-old singing sensation from Foxboro, Mass., first appeared on the music scene at the age of 6 when she appeared on Bill Cosby's "Kids Say the Darndest Things." Her performance led to appearances on "America's Most Talented Kids," "The Rosie O'Donnell Show," "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and the 2000 Republican National Convention in Boston. Tickets for the Pepsi 400 Weekend are available online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(6-27-2005)
Earnhardt Jr., Riggs And Edwards To Participate In "Dare To Sit There" Race guests who love sitting on the exhilarating and unpredictable Superstretch have another reason to purchase tickets alongside the 3,000-foot long Superstretch during the 47th annual Pepsi 400 on Saturday, July 2 at historic Daytona International Speedway. NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr., Scott Riggs and Carl Edwards will participate in the exclusive "Dare To Sit There" ticket package that will provide a thrilling race day during the Pepsi 400 as well as benefit three charities. The Dare To Sit There ticket package, which costs only $115, includes: * One Superstretch seat in your selected driver fan section * One NEXTEL FANZONE/Pre-Race pass * Admission into an exclusive fan forum with either Earnhardt Jr., Riggs or Edwards before the Pepsi 400 A portion of the proceeds from a purchase of a "Dare To Sit There" ticket package will go to the driver's designated charity - Victory Junction Gang Camp (Earnhardt Jr.), Carolina Donor Association (Riggs) and the Dream Factory (Edwards). To purchase the "Dare To Sit There" ticket package, race guests can call 1-800-PITSHOP or log on at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS PR)(6-18-2005)
DIS Offers Special Pepsi 400 Father's Day Package: If you've got your sights set on another Father's Day tie, Daytona International Speedway has a deal for you. In addition to a unique, one-of-a-kind rubber tie, "The World Center of Racing is offering a special $110 Father's Day Pepsi 400 ticket package through June 19 that includes:
* One Pepsi 400 ticket located on the always unpredictable Superstretch
* A NEXTEL FANZONE pass/Pre-Race access
* The first 100 that purchase the Father's Day Pepsi 400 ticket package will also receive a pace car ride around the legendary 2.5-mile tri-oval on Saturday, July 2.
The exclusive Father's Day package is available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(6-14-2005)
Speedweeks in Daytona to have a different look - Testing dates to change?: The Rolex 24 At Daytona is moving up -- to a new date on the calendar. And the focus of next year's Speed Weeks will be different. The Rolex 24 At Daytona is being moved from its normal first weekend of February one week earlier to Jan. 28-29. The move is believed to be permanent, and is designed to end a longstanding first-Sunday-in-February schedule conflict between the race and the NFL's Super Bowl. Daytona International Speedway and Rolex Series officials will announce the move today. The move breaks the Rolex 24's longstanding tradition of being DIS' opening act in a three-week glut of car racing to follow. The NASCAR portion of the schedule remains unchanged, although the switch may affect testing dates.
Though Speedway officials were mum beyond comments on the Rolex 24, sources familiar with the new schedule say DIS' wall-to-wall January test dates will have to be shifted as well, with Nextel Cup or Busch Series testing -- perhaps a combination of both -- likely to fill the one-week void created by the Rolex 24 move. Seen as a transportation cost-saving bonus for Cup teams, tests done in the week previous to NASCAR's portion of the schedule will allow the teams to arrive and stay, instead of testing, leaving and returning over many different weeks, as has been the case for years.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(6-9-2005)
Buddy Baker Grand Marshal of Daytona Road Race: Buddy Baker, the 1980 Daytona 500 champion and one of the greatest racers in the history of Daytona International Speedway, will serve as Grand Marshal for the Brumos Porsche 250 Rolex Sports Car Series race on Thursday, June 30. Baker, who owns six stock car racing victories at the "World Center of Racing" and holds the distinction of winning the fastest Daytona 500 in history, will give the starting command for the 70-lap, 250-mile sports car race that kicks off the Pepsi 400 Weekend. It's fitting that Baker serves as Grand Marshal for the Brumos Porsche 250. His father Buck Baker made several starts in the legendary sports car race and earned a couple of top-three finishes as well as a victory in the 1971 edition of the race. The Brumos Porsche 250, which will feature the always exciting and competitive Daytona Prototypes as well as GT class machines on Daytona's legendary 3.56-mile road course, will have a new starting time during this year's Pepsi 400 Weekend. The race will go green on Thursday, June 30 at approximately 7:15 p.m. and will follow NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series and NASCAR Busch Series practice sessions. Tickets for the Brumos Porsche 250 Rolex Sports Car Series race and other Pepsi 400 Weekend events are available online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(6-8-2005)
Daytona 500 Tickets On Sale May 28: On Saturday, May 28, at 8:00am/et, race fans will have their first opportunity to purchase all remaining tickets to the 48th annual Daytona 500 on Feb. 19, 2006. Prior to Saturday, May 28, renewals and deposits for seat assignments for the Daytona 500 were taken by the ticket office at Daytona International Speedway. In addition, Visa cardholders had an exclusive opportunity to purchase advance Daytona 500 tickets. Tickets start at $95 and Daytona International Speedway offers several convenient methods for fans to purchase tickets, online at www.DAYTONA500.com, calling 1-800-PITSHOP, visiting the Daytona International Speedway ticket office inside the lobby of DAYTONA USA. Tickets for other Speedweeks 2006 events, including the Hershey's 300 NASCAR Busch Series race, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series 250 and the Crown Royal IROC Series, the Gatorade Duel At Daytona and the Budweiser Shootout. Hospitality packages including the Daytona 500 Club, the Daytona Club, the Green Flag Club and the Party Zone. NEXTEL FANZONE passes/Pre-race access. Tickets for the upcoming Pepsi 400 Weekend on June 30-July 2, including the Pepsi 400 on Saturday night, July 2, the Winn Dixie 250 presented by Pepsico NASCAR Busch Series race and Circle K Pole Qualifying on Friday, July 1 and the Brumos Porsche 250 on Thursday, June 30.(DIS)(5-26-2005)
Visa Cardholders get first shot at Daytona tix: Any Visa cardholder will have an edge in purchasing advance tickets for the 48th annual Daytona 500 on Feb. 19, 2006 – NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious race. Beginning on Saturday, May 14 and running through Friday, May 27, any Visa cardholder can purchase advance tickets to NASCAR’s signature event before they go on sale to the general public. Tickets start at $95 each and can be purchased with a Visa card – the official card of NASCAR and the Daytona 500 – by calling 1-866-500-DAYTONA (866-500-3298) or visiting www.DAYTONA500.com/visaadvance.
Prior to Saturday, May 14, only renewals and deposits for seat assignments for the Daytona 500 were taken by the ticket office at Daytona International Speedway On Saturday, May 28, at 8:00am/et, the general public will have their first chance to purchase all remaining tickets for the Daytona 500.
The Pepsi 400 Weekend will kick off with the Brumos Porsche 250 on Thursday, June 30 followed by Circle K Pole Qualifying for the Pepsi 400 and the Winn-Dixie 250 presented by PepsiCo on Friday, July 1. The 47th annual Pepsi 400 will cap off the patriotic weekend on Saturday, July 2. Tickets for the Pepsi 400 weekend are on sale now, order your tickets online or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(5-13-2005)
ISC President Named Most Influential Woman in Sports Business: International Speedway Corporation's (ISC) President, Lesa France Kennedy, has been named "The Most Influential Woman in Sports Business" by Street & Smith's SportsBusiness Journal. In its most recent edition published April 25, the publication "selected women who are actively applying their influence on a daily basis, none more so than the executive atop our ranking, Lesa France Kennedy of International Speedway Corp." The article continues: "She will continue to take stock car racing into new markets, greatly influence the consumer experience at race tracks and broaden the footprint of a sport that has become decidedly mainstream." Kennedy sits atop a list of the 20 Most Influential Women which includes second on the list, Dawn Hudson, President and CEO of PepsiCo North America and rounding out the top five: Nancy Monsarrat, Director of U.S. Advertising for Nike; Stephanie Tolleson, Senior Corporate Vice President at IMG; and Heidi Ueberroth, Executive Vice President, Global Media Properties and Marketing Partnerships for the NBA.(DIS)(4-27-2005)
DIS Lease Extended 25 Years: International Speedway Corp. renewed a lease of the Daytona International Speedway grounds on Tuesday for another 25 years. Members of the Daytona Beach Racing and Recreational Facilities Commission unanimously agreed to renew the original 50-year lease signed in 1957, which expires in November 2007. The renewal extends the lease through 2032. As outlined in the original agreement, lease payments by the Speedway to the Daytona Beach Racing and Recreational Facilities District will double to $20,000 a year starting in November 2008. State officials set up the racing district in 1955 to serve as landlord for the public site where the racetrack was built.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(4-20-2005)
ISC Earnings Jump: International Speedway Corp. said today its fiscal first-quarter earnings rose 37 percent and per-share earnings beat internal forecasts, thanks in part to a shift in NASCAR's calendar. The Daytona Beach, Fla.-based track operator also boosted its second-quarter and full-year earnings outlooks. ISC said net income in the quarter that ended Feb. 28 rose to $41.1 million, or 77 cents a share, from $27.8 million, or 52 cents, in the same period a year ago. Quarterly sales rose to $179.4 million from $130.6 million in the year-ago quarter, thanks in part to the shift of the NASCAR weekend at ISC's California Speedway from the second quarter to the first quarter this year. ISC said it posted gains in all major revenue streams, thanks primarily to higher television revenue and increased attendance, for comparable events this year.(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(4-6-2005)
ISC Still Pursuing Expansion: International Speedway Corp. said today it is continuing to pursue development of tracks in the New York borough of Staten Island and in the Pacaific Northwest. The company said it has begun the permitting process in New York and continues to work on its detailed feasibility study to evaluate project costs and the availability of public incentives. It also said it continues to meet with local resident groups and public officials there. Additionally, ISC said it "continues to evaluate suitable locations for the development of a motorsports facility" in the Pacific Northwest, although it did not identify any potential sites. "Several municipalities, along with state representatives, continue to indicate a high level of interest in the project, and the company remains optimistic of its prospects in this underserved region of the country."(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(4-6-2005)
Lights at Homestead...for Nov Cup finale? Daytona NOT moving: If Homestead-Miami Speedway president Curtis Gray gets his wish, future races at the track will be run at night, beginning with a trio of NASCAR races in November. To do it, the track will have to install lights and work out the details with local officials and the TV networks that broadcast the races. "It's something we're seriously looking at,'' Gray said Sunday during the IndyCar Series season-opening Toyota Indy 300. "Our fans have asked for it.'' Gray said he thought about the lights last year when the NASCAR Nextel Cup championship came down to the season-finale at Homestead. "Everything went fine last year but to have a race end early because of darkness in that situation, it's a risky proposition from our standpoint,'' he said. "And the networks like to have later starts. "We're talking to the sanctioning bodies and networks to get their input.'' The NASCAR season will end at Homestead the third week of November with a Craftsman Truck Series race, a Busch Series event and the Cup finale. Gray also said there is no truth to the rumor that NASCAR is considering moving the July race at Daytona International Speedway to the end of the season instead of finishing at Homestead. "We feel like we have the perfect track in the perfect market to end the season,'' he said. "It's a great market for the sponsors and the teams and fans from all over the country like coming down here the third week of November.''(ESPN.com/AP)(3-6-2005)
OSHA, Daytona Intl Speedway settle safety issues in worker's death: Daytona International Speedway track workers will have written guidelines, hands-on training and a definitive chain of command during racing events as part of a settlement agreement with the federal government signed Tuesday. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration withdrew its most serious citation against the track -- failure to have a written protocol for workers stepping onto the track -- in the case involving the death of track worker Roy Weaver during a 2004 race. In return the Speedway agreed to develop a written safety and training policy for cleanup personnel who are "exposed to the hazard of being struck by moving competition vehicles while performing their duties on or near the competition area during a motorsports competition event." The track will also train its safety teams at least once a year and strengthen radio communication between the control tower and those on the ground tending to accident situations. Weaver was killed instantly on Feb. 8, 2004, when struck by a racecar traveling in excess of 100 mph during the IPOWER Dash Series 150. He was on the racetrack surface during a caution period to retrieve debris in Turn 2 of the Speedway. The Weaver family found little solace in the OSHA-Speedway settlement. "It's amazing that a multi-million dollar company engaged in such a dangerous business didn't have comprehensive safety procedures in place until the federal government forced them to," said attorney Rob Clarke, speaking on behalf of the Weaver family. "For Roy and his family, it's too late." Tuesday's agreement stipulates that the citation and settlement "are not intended to be admitted in any action in state court or federal court as evidence of negligence or lack of due care" by the Speedway. Weaver, 44, of Ormond Beach was the first track worker killed since the Speedway opened in 1959. His widow, Linda Weaver, has said she is considering a wrongful death lawsuit. There were 12 additional violations and fines the Speedway did not contest. The Speedway will pay the other fines which total $4,875. Other minor citations dealt with issues including a security employee without hearing protection and a track worker without a helmet.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-23-2005)
Daytona 500 to Prime Time? If NASCAR gets its way next year's Daytona 500 will have a new time slot. Considered the Super Bowl of stock car racing, the Daytona 500 is likely to move to a 5:00pm/et starting time so it can end during prime time to attract a bigger audience and higher advertising dollars, just like football's Super Bowl.(Florida Times-Union)(2-22-2005)
Vanessa Williams to Sing National Anthem at Daytona 500: Vanessa Williams, who has recorded such hits as "Save The Best For Last" and "Colors of the Wind" from Disney's animated film "Pocahontas," will pull double duty for Daytona International Speedway, singing the National Anthem prior to the Daytona 500 and taking part in the NEXTEL Tribute to America, the pre-race extravaganza leading up to NASCAR's biggest, richest and most prestigious race on Sunday, Feb. 20. In addition to the National Anthem, Williams, will sing "America The Beautiful" during the NEXTEL-sponsored show, which will be carried live on FOX. The show, produced by Atlanta based Q and A Entertainment, will pay tribute to music as the fabric of America and will feature thousands of cast members on the Speedway's historic five-acre tri-oval grass. In addition to Williams, a star-studded group of entertainers, including country music superstar Clint Black, Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson, Columbia Records recording sensations John Ondrasik and "Five For Fighting," will highlight the NEXTEL Tribute to America.(DIS PR)(2-16-2005)
Daytona 500 Grandstands SOLD OUT: Grandstand seats for the 47th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 20 at historic Daytona International Speedway are sold out, Speedway officials announced today. While the grandstand seats have been sold, fans can still purchase infield tickets for "The Great American Race" - the kickoff to the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season. "We're happy to announce that the Daytona 500 is sold out," Speedway President Robin Braig said. "The fans, those in attendance and the millions more watching on FOX or listening on MRN Radio Network, continue to validate the Daytona 500 as the premier motorsports event in the world." The Daytona 500, which boasts a purse of more than $17 million, is the biggest, richest and most prestigious race in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. Tickets are available for all other Speedweeks 2005 events at Daytona International Speedway online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(2-15-2005)
Daytona Truck Series Grand Marshal/National Anthem: Donnie Abraham of the New York Jets will serve as Grand Marshal and adult contemporary singer Tierney Allen will sing the national anthem for the sixth annual Florida Dodge Dealers 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race on Friday night, Feb. 18 at Daytona International Speedway. Preceding the Florida Dodge Dealers 250 will be the season-opening round of the Crown Royal IROC Series, an invitation-only series featuring 12 of the best drivers in equally prepared cars in a 40-lap sprint.(DIS PR)(2-15-2005)
National Anthem: Monica Brown, a sophomore at Claflin University, sang the national anthem before Daytona 500 qualifying at Daytona International Speedway. Brown beat out four other finalists in NASCAR’s “Race for the Mic” competition with an “American Idol” format that is a part of the sport’s recognition of Black History month. Brown won an all-expense paid trip to Daytona Beach and a one-on-one artist development session with Maulden Brand Agency.(The State)(2-14-2005)
Scouts are Free Sunday: members of Central Florida Council of Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts of Citrus Council in uniform attend the Daytona 500 Pole Qualifying free; leaders and scouts should report to the grandstand entrance between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Gate 18, Daytona International Speedway, 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach. Family members and friends pay $25, children 11 and younger free with paying adult. (386) 681-5648.(DBNJ)(2-12-2005)
Star-Studded Lineup To Perform In NASCAR'S Daytona 500 Pre-Show NEXTEL Tribute To America: A star-studded group of entertainers, including country music superstar Clint Black, Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson, Columbia Records recording sensations John Ondrasik and "Five For Fighting," and singer/actress Vanessa Williams will highlight the NEXTEL Tribute to America, the pre-race extravaganza leading up to NASCAR's biggest, richest and most prestigious race - the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 20. The NEXTEL-sponsored show, which will be carried live on FOX and produced by Atlanta based Q and A Entertainment, will pay tribute to music as the fabric of America and will feature thousands of cast members on the Speedway's historic five-acre tri-oval grass. Black, a Grammy Award-winning artist and multiple Country Music Association award winner, will sing his No. 1 hit single "Nothin' But The Taillights." Among Black's more than 20 No. 1 hit singles are "A Better Man," "Killin' Time," "Like the Rain," "Something That We Do" and "When I Said I Do," a duet with his wife Lisa Hartman Black. Wilson, the singer, songwriter, producer, arranger and composer whose latest solo album "Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE" is nominated for three Grammys including "Best Pop Vocal Album" and "Best Rock Instrumental Performance," will sing the legendary Beach Boys hit single "Good Vibrations."
"Five For Fighting," whose lead singer and song writer is John Ondrasik, will sing the No. 1 hit "100 Years" from their latest album "Battle For Everything." Williams, who has recorded hits such as "Save The Best For Last" and "Colors of the Wind" from Disney's animated film "Pocahontas," will sing "America The Beautiful." Williams, who has also starred in such films as "Eraser," "Dance With Me" and "Light It Up," recently released her latest album "Everlasting Love" on Jan. 25.
Tickets for Speedweeks 2005 events are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP..(DIS PR)(2-12-2005)
Daytona 500 Pace Car: Dale Earnhardt Jr., the 2004 Daytona 500 champion, unveiled the all-new 2005 Corvette that will pace the 47th annual Daytona 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season opener during the national broadcast of Fox & Friends on Tuesday morning. Earnhardt Jr., who drives the #8 Budweiser Chevrolet for Dale Earnhardt Inc., revealed the Corvette coupe that will pace the 43-car field in "The Great American Race" on Sunday, Feb. 20 - NASCAR's richest, biggest and most prestigious event at historic Daytona International Speedway. The design of the Daytona 500 Corvette pace vehicle includes elements that reflect the heritage and attitude of the historic winning Corvette race cars. The Corvette pace vehicle is millennium yellow with a black racing stripe centered across the hood, roof and trunk lid with the Daytona 500 logo on each door and Chevy's "An American Revolution" slogan on the rear spoiler. This will be the 34th consecutive year General Motors has provided the Official Pace Car for the Daytona 500. The Daytona 500 will be one of 60 NASCAR events Chevrolet will pace in 2005, including 28 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, 17 Busch Series and 15 Craftsman Truck Series races.(DIS PR)(2-8-2005)
ISC and Checkers to make an announcement UPDATE: International Speedway Corp. President Lesa France Kennedy and Checkers Drive-In Restaurants President Keith Sirios are scheduled to make a joint business announcement tomorrow, the NASDAQ Stock Market says. The executives are scheduled to preside over the opening bell for NASDAQ in New York.(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(2-7-2005)
UPDATE: International Speedway Corporation announced it has signed a multi-year, multi-million dollar official status agreement with Checkers Drive-In Restaurants. Checkers/Rally's will serve as the Official Drive-Thru and Burger of several ISC facilities. Checkers/Rally's will have a significant presence through prominent signage and promotion, as well as at-track restaurants at the following ISC facilities: Michigan, Daytona, Homestead, and Richmond. ISC owns and/or operates 11 of the nation's major motorsports facilities, the four named above and in Talladega, California, Kansas, Phoenix, Martinsville, Darlington and Watkins Glen. Other track ownership includes an indirect 37.5% interest in Raceway Associates, LLC, which owns and operates Chicagoland Speedway and Route 66 Raceway near Chicago, Illinois. The Company also owns and operates MRN Radio, the nation's largest independent sports radio network; DAYTONA USA, the "Ultimate Motorsports Attraction" in Daytona Beach, Florida, the official attraction of NASCAR; and subsidiaries which provide catering services, food and beverage concessions, and produce and market motorsports-related merchandise under the trade name "Americrown." For more information, visit the Company's Web site at www.iscmotorsports.com. More info on Checkers Drive-In Restaurants at www.checkers.com.(ISC PR)(2-8-2005)
Daytona 500 Purse at $17 million: The 47th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 20, NASCAR's biggest and most prestigious event of the year, will carry the biggest purse in the history of stock car racing at more than $17 million. The post awards for the "The Great American Race" on Sunday, Feb. 20 will be $17,623,980, an increase of nearly $2 million. The posted awards for the 2004 Daytona 500, which was won by Dale Earnhardt Jr., was $15,972,313. The winner of this year's Daytona 500 will collect a minimum of $1,430,030. The second, third, fourth and fifth-place finishers in the Daytona 500 will receive a minimum of $1,029,425, $736,625, $584,750 and $456,875 respectively. Even the last-place finisher in the Daytona 500 will be rewarded with a minimum of $219,931. "The Daytona 500 is without doubt NASCAR's signature event and the 43-car field in this year's event will be paid handsomely for their efforts," Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. Other purses for Speedweeks 2005 events are: * Advance Discount Auto Parts 200 ARCA RE/MAX Series race: $305,507 * Budweiser Shootout: $1,087,300 * Florida Dodge Dealers 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race: $807,103 * Hershey's Take 5 300 NASCAR Busch Series race: $2,409,495 Tickets to any of the Speedweeks 2005 events are available online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP. (DIS PR)(2-7-2005)
Daytona 500 Grand Marshal: Matthew McConaughey was selected the Grand Marshal for the Daytona 500. The actor will give the command "Drivers, start your engines" at the Feb. 20 race in Florida. "I'm honored and excited to be the Grand Marshal of this year's race," McConaughey said in a statement. "There is nothing more American than NASCAR and the Daytona 500. McConaughey, who has starred in films including "Dazed and Confused" and "The Wedding Planner," will star in the upcoming thriller "Sahara." Previous Grand Marshals include Ben Affleck last year and John Travolta in 2003. Ashton Kutcher will be the honorary starter of this year's race.(ESPN.com/AP)(2-8-2005)
'BURN!' - Ashton Kutcher named starter for the Daytona 500: Ashton Kutcher [Kelso], the popular star of FOX's "That '70s Show" [bigtime Jayski Fave] and the star of the upcoming feature film "Guess Who" will serve as Honorary Starter for the 47th annual Daytona 500, NASCAR's biggest, richest and most prestigious race. As Honorary Starter, Kutcher will wave the green flag to start the 43 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series drivers in the 200-lap, 500-mile race. "We're excited to have Ashton Kutcher here to start the Daytona 500 and the 2005 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season," Speedway President Robin Braig said. "Attracting a star of Ashton's caliber proves once again the Daytona 500 is one of the premier sports events in the world." Kutcher will co-star with actor/comedian Bernie Mac in Columbia Pictures and Regency Enterprises' "Guess Who," which will be released March 25 of this year. In the movie, in an effort to impress his prospective father-in-law Percy Jones (Mac), Simon Green (Kutcher), who has already secretly proposed to Jones' daughter, boasts of his (nonexistent) past as a NASCAR driver. Simon's repeated attempts to make a good impression are futile as Percy rebuffs him at every turn and makes it his mission to undermine his daughter's new relationship. The film also stars Zoë Saldaña and Judith Scott. Kutcher will also star in another 2005 release "A Lot Like Love" which is scheduled for release in April. His past movie credits have included "The Butterfly Effect," "Cheaper By The Dozen" "My Boss' Daughter," "Just Married" and "Dude, Where's My Car?" He is also the creator of MTV's popular reality series "Punk'd". "Being Honorary Starter for the Daytona 500 is great way to experience NASCAR and come together with more than 200,000 fans at the Super Bowl of racing," Kutcher said. "As a fan of NASCAR, I'm excited to be involved and to wave the green flag in NASCAR's signature event." Kutcher continues the tradition of high-profile actors, athletes and politicians that have participated in the Daytona 500 pre-race ceremonies. Comedian Whoopi Goldberg served as Honorary Starter for the 2004 Daytona 500 and singer Mariah Carey sang the National Anthem and served as Honorary Starter for the 2003 Daytona 500. President George W. Bush and Academy Award-winning actor Ben Affleck served as the Co-Grand Marshals and the President gave the starting command, "Drivers, start your engines," for the 2004 Daytona 500. Tickets for Speedweeks 2005 and the 47th annual Daytona 500, which will be televised live by FOX Sports, are available online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(2-1-2005)
Daytona International Speedway Looking For People: If you want to be a part of a world-class entertainment production that will be broadcast to millions, has Daytona International Speedway got an offer for you? The World Center of Racing is looking for thousands of locals (ages 13-45) to be in the national spotlight, taking part in the heart-pumping pre-race revelry leading up to "The Great American Race" - the prestigious Daytona 500 on Feb. 20, 2005. The high-energy NEXTEL Tribute To America, featuring national music entertainers (to be announced at a later date) and a world-class, pre-race show at Daytona International Speedway, will be televised live on Fox Television and produced by Q&A Entertainment. The NEXTEL Tribute To America pre-race extravaganza is the culmination of events leading up to NASCAR's most prestigious race. To participate in the event, visit www.jmbcasting.com or call 407-224-6621 for more information.(DIS PR)(1-22-2005)
Daytona Tunnel Problem Fixed: A potential problem has been hammered away at Daytona International Speedway. Workers were busy Thursday morning breaking apart a section of a seven-foot-wide pedestrian walk at the entrance to the new tunnel under Turn 1. The demolition work will provide for a wider entrance to the tunnel and make it easier for large vehicles -- RVs as well as race-team haulers -- to negotiate the turn at the tunnel entrance. Track president Robin Braig said the tweaking will also improve the plans for getting fans into the infield from the Turn 1-area grandstands, and back out again. "We've taken a look at the pedestrian flow from the grandstands," said Braig. "That area is also a tram turnaround. We flat-out had our directions wrong for the pedestrian flow. We're adding a stairwell from the grandstands to that side of the tunnel, so fans will have their choice of taking the tram or walking into the infield. "It will improve the pedestrian flow and relieve that 'pinch point' for two-way traffic."(Daytona Beach News Journal)(1-14-2005)
Hotel Rooms a problem for Daytona 500?: Damage from last summer's hurricanes could have a significant impact on this season's Daytona 500, because about 3,700 hotel rooms of the city's 13,548 were knocked out of commission by the storms and many may still be under repair when SpeedWeeks kick off. It's unclear how reservations with those properties will be handled, or even how many of those Daytona 500 ticket holders are even aware of the situation. About 60 Daytona Beach hotels and a number of high-rise condos were damaged by the hurricanes. (Winston Salem Journal)(1-13-2005)
3 Doors Down Begin World Tour at Budweiser Shootout: 3 Doors Down, one of America's most popular bands, will perform during the 27th annual Budweiser Shootout on Saturday night, Feb. 12 at Daytona International Speedway. The performance will be nationally televised on FOX and comes just days after the release of the band's new album Seventeen Days (Republic/Universal Records) which hits stores February 8th. 3 Doors Down will perform their new single "Let Me Go" and lead singer Brad Arnold will sing the National Anthem before the start of the All-Star race, which features last year's pole winners as well as previous Budweiser Shootout champions. Following the conclusion of the 70-lap no-holds barred, non-points race under the lights that jumpstarts the 2005 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season, 3 Doors Down will kick off their world tour with a post-race concert, which will be free for all who purchase a Budweiser Shootout ticket. Twenty drivers are eligible for the Budweiser Shootout, two shy of the record 22 in 2002. Among the 2004 pole winners eligible to compete in the Budweiser Shootout under the lights include 2004 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series champion Kurt Busch, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Ryan Newman. Among the past Budweiser Shootout champions eligible are Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tony Stewart, Dale Jarrett, Mark Martin and Rusty Wallace. Tickets for the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(fingerprint inc./Anheuser-Busch PR)(1-5-2005)
Bye-bye Twin 125's, Hello Gatorade Duel at Daytona: Qualifying races that help set the field for the Daytona 500 will be 25 miles longer and have a new name in 2005. The races, formerly called the Gatorade 125s, will now be known as the Gatorade Duel at Daytona. Each race will now go for 150 miles, a move that could force teams to adjust their pit-stop strategies at the 2.5-mile Daytona International Speedway. There also will be a longer break between the races, which will be held on Thursday, Feb. 17, during Speedweeks in 2005. Qualifying for the 2005 Daytona 500 will begin on Sunday, Feb. 13. Only the two fastest cars secure starting spots for the 500 on that day, the front-row spots on the starting grid. Speeds from that qualifying session are used to determine the lineup for the Gatorade Duel, with drivers in odd-numbered positions in the qualifying results in the first 150-miler and those in the even-numbered slots going into the second qualifying race. The top-14 finishers - aside from the driver already assured of a front-row spot in the 500 - in each qualifier will line up in order of finish starting with Row 2 for the 500. Finishers from the first Duel race will get the inside spots on each row, with finishers from the second getting the outside spots. The remaining spots in the 43-car field are awarded based on qualifying speeds and provisionals [which supposedly in 2005 will only be a past champ](ThatsRacin.com)(12-17-2004)
AND more at the Daytona International Speedway site: Gatorade Duel At Daytona: The Daytona 500 uses a different qualifying procedure than any other race in the world. On Budweiser Pole Day, Sunday Feb. 13, only the fastest two cars solidify their starting spots for the Daytona 500. The fastest qualifier will earn the pole for both the Daytona 500 and the first 150-mile Gatorade Duel qualifying race. The second fastest qualifier earns the outside pole for the Daytona 500 and will start on the pole for the second 150-mile Gatorade Duel qualifying race, held on Thursday, Feb. 17. Drivers qualifying in odd-number positions will compete in the first Gatorade Duel race while drivers that qualify in even-number positions duke it out in the second Gatorade Duel race. The top-14 finishers, not including the pole sitter in the first 150-mile qualifying race, will line up behind the Daytona 500 pole sitter; while the top-14 finishers, not including the outside pole sitter in the second 150-mile Gatorade Duel qualifying race, will line up behind the outside Daytona 500 pole sitter. The next eight Daytona 500 starting positions (31-38) are awarded to the drivers with the fastest speed after pole qualifying. The final five positions (39-43) are given to teams that are entitled to a provisional [supposedly no provisionals except a Champ Prov will be used in 2005, so it may end up as drivers with teams in the top 35 get places then buy speed].(DIS Site)(12-17-2004)
3 Doors Down To Perform National Anthem at DIS: Republic/Universal recording group 3 Doors Down will sing the National Anthem during the 27th annual Budweiser Shootout on Saturday night, Feb. 12 at historic Daytona International Speedway. The performance will be nationally televised on FOX and comes just days after the release of their new album Seventeen Days which hits stores on February 8th. 3 Doors Down will perform and then sing the National Anthem before the start of the All-Star race, which features last year's pole winners as well as previous Budweiser Shootout champions. Following the conclusion of the 70-lap no-holds barred, non-points race under the lights that helps jumpstart the 2005 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season, 3 Doors Down will kick off their world tour with a post-race concert, which will be included in the race admission.(DIS PR)(12-17-2004)
Update on Daytona Infield Renovation: Daytona International Speedway's multi-million, multi-faceted infield renovation is beginning to see the light at the end of the Turn 1 tunnel. With the Turn 1 tunnel covered and re-paving of the Turn 1 track section complete, "The World Center of Racing" will see its first track activity since the Pepsi 400 Weekend in July. The ARCA RE/MAX Series will take to the historic 2.5-mile tri-oval on Dec. 18-19 for a two-day test session in preparation for the season-opening Advance Discount Auto Parts 200 on Saturday, Feb. 12. The test session will be free and open to the public with access to the Oldfield Grandstand available through the lobby of DAYTONA USA.
Even though there's a test session on the calendar, there's still plenty of work remaining on the infield renovation project, which is scheduled to be complete in time for December's Daytona KartWeek. Other recent developments include:
* The curtain wall around the Daytona 500 Club has been completed and dry wall is continuing in both the interior and exterior. Pavement on the Gatorade Victory Lane area is expected soon.
* The stairs for the viewing deck above one of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series garages are scheduled to arrive this week and be installed.
* At the new Turn 1 tunnel, the entry roads have been paved and the area is being prepped for sod and landscaping.
* Two of the new motorcycle track sections have been boxed out and lime rock placed.(DIS PR)(12-6-2004)
Junie tours Daytona renovations; unsure of team plans: Legendary NASCAR NEXTEL Cup team owner Junie Donlavey made a surprise visit to historic Daytona International Speedway on Tuesday and took a tour of the infield renovation site with Speedway President Robin Braig. Donlavey toured the multi-million dollar, multi-faceted infield renovation site that includes a new state-of-the-art tunnel, waterfront specialty vehicle parking, new NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series and NASCAR Busch Series garages, new Gatorade Victory Lane and a uniquely-designed Fan Zone with prime viewing of the garages and inspection bays.
"Nobody will ever believe what you're doing here," Donlavey said. "This is unbelievable because it's laid out so good and it's for the benefit of the fans and car owners and crews. It's perfect. You had somebody with a lot of knowledge to be able to layout something like this." Donlavey, who still enters a car in races from time to time, has one NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series victory to his credit with driver Jody Ridley back in 1981 at Dover, Del. At Daytona International Speedway, Donlavey won three consecutive Hershey's 300s between 1972-74 with driver Bill Dennis and captured a Gatorade 125-mile qualifier with Schrader in 1987. Standing inside the new NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series garages, Donlavey said he was unsure if he will attempt to qualify a car in next year's Daytona 500. But after touring the new Daytona infield, he says he'll definitely consider it. "I hadn't thought much about it, but I'm hoping that we can get something together and do it," Donlavey said Race fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the massive construction project can visit DAYTONA USA and take the Speedway Tour, which costs $7.50 plus tax. The Oldfield Grandstand is also open and free to the public. The Speedway's Web site, www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com, will also have weekly updates on the infield renovation project. Tickets for Speedweeks 2005 events, including the 47th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 20, are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(10-27-2004)
Daytona Testing to Talladega? UPDATE NO..at Daytona: Daytona 500 testing in January could be moved to Talladega, according to NASCAR sources, because the recent spat of hurricanes has put infield reconstruction at Daytona far behind.(Winston Salem Journal)(10-11-2004)
UPDATE: Despite erroneous media reports, Daytona International Speedway will be the site for NASCAR testing for the 2005 season as well as NASCAR Preseason Fan Fest. "Daytona International Speedway weathered the recent hurricanes and we're looking forward to January testing," said Robin Braig, Daytona International Speedway track president. "Contrary to what fans may have read, "The World Center of Racing" will be the place to see all of your NASCAR favorites as well as the Grand American Series."(DIS PR), for the January testing schedule, see Jayski's Testing Page.(10-11-2004)
DIS Infield Renovation Still On-track: As a third hurricane - Hurricane Jeanne - made its way through the Volusia County area last weekend, Daytona International Speedway and DAYTONA USA all weathered the storm with no significant damage. The multi-million infield renovation project at the "World Center of Racing" also went unscathed, with no significant damage to the project and no concerns of delay. The infield renovation project, which is scheduled to be completed in time for December's Daytona KartWeek, includes amenities such as a state-of-the-art tunnel, a uniquely designed Fan Zone with viewing of the new NASCAR Nextel Cup and NASCAR Busch Series garage areas, waterfront specialty vehicle parking and a new Gatorade Victory Lane where fans can now also be part of the Victory Celebration. Other developments in the infield renovation project include:
* Excavation of the tunnel is complete.
* Construction beginning on the floors in the new Victory Lane Club.
* Final garage walls going up and roofs being placed on the NASCAR Busch Series garages.
* Additions on the Infield Media Center are taking shape with walls and steel being installed.
Race fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the massive construction project can visit DAYTONA USA and take the Speedway Tour, which costs $7.50 plus tax. The Oldfield Grandstand is also open and free to the public.(DIS PR)(10-1-2004)
Daytona USA close due to possible hurricane: Due to the threat of Hurricane Jeanne, DAYTONA USA, the "Official of Attraction of NASCAR," closed at 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 24 and will remain closed on Saturday, Sept. 25 and Sunday, Sept. 26. DAYTONA USA will reaccess operating hours when the storm has passed. For more information on DAYTONA USA, contact (386) 947-6800 or log on to www.DAYTONAUSA.com.(DIS PR)(9-25-2004)
Walls Going Up As Infield Renovation Project Takes Shape At DIS: Daytona International Speedway's multi-million infield renovation project is now deep into its third month of construction and buildings in the historic infield are beginning to take shape. The Victory Lane Club, located near the center of pit road, has gone vertical with the installation of walls with the help of cranes. Walls are also going up on the first NEXTEL Cup viewing garage while foundations are being set on the second NEXTEL Cup garage and the infield media center extension. Among the newest fan amenities included in the multi-million dollar infield renovation project are a state-of-the-art tunnel that will accommodate team transport vehicles and guest's specialty vehicles, anuniquely designed Fan Zone with roof-top viewing of the new NASCAR Nextel Cup and NASCAR Busch Series garage areas, waterfront specialty vehicle parking and a new Gatorade Victory Lane where fans can now also be part of the Victory Celebration. Other fan amenities at the "World Center of Racing" include free parking and tram service, the popular Fan Walk display area outside of Turn 4, information booths located throughout property during events and the pedestrian bridge. Race fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the massive construction project can visit DAYTONA USA and take the Speedway Tour, which costs $7.50 plus tax. The Oldfield Grandstand is also open and free to the public.(DIS PR)(9-14-2004)
NASCAR Announces 2005 Preseason Thunder Dates: The 2005 NASCAR Preseason Thunder test schedule at Daytona International Speedway will kick off with the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, which, along with its usual newsworthiness, also will enjoy the distinction of being the first event housed at the Speedway’s newly renovated infield and garages. Leading off next season’s edition of NASCAR Preseason Thunder will be the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series teams that finished in odd-number positions in the final 2004 car owner point standings. They will begin testing Tuesday, Jan. 11 and conclude Thursday, Jan. 13. The rain date is Friday, Jan. 14. All NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series teams will test Saturday, Jan. 15 and Sunday, Jan. 16. The rain date is Monday, Jan. 17.
All NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series teams that finished in even-number positions in the final 2004 car owner point standings will be on track Tuesday, Jan. 18 through Thursday, Jan. 20. The rain date is Friday, Jan. 21.
All NASCAR Busch Series teams will be on track Saturday, Jan. 22 through Monday, Jan. 24. The rain date is Tuesday, Jan. 25.
Fans, too, have their chance to participate in NASCAR Preseason Thunder. The Speedway’s Oldfield Tower grandstands, located just outside Daytona USA, will open free of charge to fans to watch the NASCAR preseason action. Also, four Fan Fests – whose proceeds will benefit the Speedway and NASCAR-designated charities – are scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 12, Saturday, Jan. 15, Wednesday, Jan. 19 and Saturday, Jan. 22. Adding to the 2005 NASCAR Preseason Thunder anticipation will be the Speedway’s new multi-million dollar infield renovation, which includes new garages for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series and NASCAR Busch Series, a new Victory Lane and a new Fan Zone.(NASCAR PR)(8-31-2004)
DIS contests OHSA findings: Daytona International Speedway is contesting federal findings that the Speedway failed to follow proper procedures in events surrounding the death of track worker Roy Weaver. OSHA slapped the Speedway with two citations following a six-month investigation into Weaver's death. He was killed instantly after being struck by a race car while attempting to pick up debris off the course in Turn 2. OSHA officials converged on the Speedway following the Feb. 8 death of Weaver, who was working on a clean up crew during the IPOWERacing Dash 150 race. He jumped off the back of a Speedway truck and was struck by a car that was going an estimated 100 mph. Weaver, 44, of Ormond Beach, was the first track worker killed since the Speedway opened in 1959. On Aug. 6, OSHA investigators levied one citation and a $6,300 fine against the Speedway for failing to have a written protocol to dictate when workers can step onto the track. In all, OSHA cited the Speedway with 13 violations and levied fines totaling $11,175 -- with only one of the violations dealing with Weaver's death. Other citations dealt with issues including a security employee without hearing protection and a track worker without a helmet.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(9-1-2004)
DIS Fined in track workers death: Federal labor officials cited the Daytona International Speedway Friday for failing to enforce safety procedures that could have prevented the February death of a track worker during a stock-car race. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued $11,175 in proposed fines, including a $6,300 penalty for the alleged violation that contributed to the death of track-crew supervisor Roy H. Weaver III on Feb. 8. The other $4,875 in penalties stem from other potential work hazards, including hearing loss, that federal investigators found during inspections at the track, but were not related to the accident. Weaver, 44, of Ormond Beach, Fla., was struck and killed by a race car during the IPOWERacing 150 while he was removing debris from the track. Several racing officials said at the time of the crash that the fact that the driver involved, Ray Paprota, is a paraplegic was not a factor in the accident. James Borders, area director of the Jacksonville office for OSHA, said a fine against a racing venue for a worker's death is rare. The citations against the Speedway are ranked as "serious," meaning that Speedway officials knew or should have known about the potential dangers to its employees. The maximum penalty for a serious citation is $7,000. Borders said the penalty for Weaver's death was adjusted because OSHA had not inspected the track before and had no prior history with the Speedway. The Speedway has 15 days to pay the fines, have a meeting with OSHA officials, or appeal the citation to OSHA's review commission. According to the 13-page citation released Friday, OSHA investigators found that the Speedway did not enforce safety procedures concerning when employees may enter the track during a race. Borders said the track should have a policy similar to what fire departments follow when fighting a major fire. The report also cited the Speedway for other potential problems found during OSHA investigations. According to the report, an employee clearing material on the racetrack apron wasn't wearing a helmet while cars passed by, a radio headset had spots of blood that weren't cleaned before being stored, and the Speedway didn't check that medical workers had up-to-date Hepatitis B vaccinations and annual training about blood-borne diseases.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-7-2004)
Fans struck by lightning..OK: The three unidentified men were struck while walking past souvenir trailers before the start of the Nextel Cup Pepsi 400. They were transported to the care center and held briefly for observation, track spokesman David Talley said. Talley said the men had only minor injuries and were released.(FoxSports)(7-4-2004)
Some fans protest new infield plans at Daytona: Tent-pitching fans' fears that the planned overhaul of the Speedway infield might not leave much room for them kicked up a small protest Saturday afternoon. Bulldozers are lined up to level the garage area of Daytona International Speedway to begin a $50 million renovation soon after the Pepsi 400 competitors speed off. Before Speed Weeks rolls around in February, it's anticipated that 15 acres of the infield's Lake Lloyd will be filled in and replaced with a new waterfront boardwalk with souvenir bazaars and other places to shop. Most controversial, though, is the plan to add 500 more spaces for recreational vehicles. At about noon Saturday, about two dozen people marched around "Tent City" urging that the tradition of tents and vans in the infield remain. For the renovation or not, both sides could agree one change would be for the better: infield showers.(Daytona Beach News Joural)(7-4-2004)
AI2 Singer and US Marine to sing Anthem: Lyric Street Records recording artist and "American Idol 2" sensation Josh Gracin will sing the National Anthem for the 46th annual Pepsi 400 on Saturday night and will perform a 30-minute pre-race concert. The 23-year-old Gracin, currently a U.S. Marine based at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, Calif., recently released his self-titled album earlier this month and his current single "I Want To Live" is 14th on the Billboard Singles Chart.(DIS PR)(7-2-2004)
NFL QB Named Grand Marshal for the Pepsi 400: Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Byron Leftwich has been named Grand Marshal of the 46th annual Pepsi 400 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race on Saturday night, July 3 at Daytona International Speedway. Due to a scheduling conflict, NBA All-Star guard Tracy McGrady, who was recently named Grand Marshal for the Pepsi 400, will be unable to attend. "I'm excited to be part of the Pepsi family and take over the duties from Tracy," Leftwich said. "I'm looking forward to being part of the festivities for the upcoming Pepsi 400 and giving the starting command." Leftwich, a 2003 first-round draft choice from Marshall University, threw for 2,819 yards and 16 touchdowns in his rookie season for the Jaguars. He was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month in December after leading the Jaguars to two home victories. During his college career, the 6-foot-5, 240-pound quarterback was a prolific passer for the Thundering Heard, compiling 11,903 yards and 89 touchdowns. As a three-year starter for one of college football's most explosive offenses, Leftwich set Mid-American Conference records for passing yards and total offense. Tickets for the Pepsi 400 Weekend are still available online at daytonainternantionalspeedway.com or by calling the Speedway ticket office at 1-800-PITSHOP.(Speedway PR)(6-29-2004)
Infield renovation: Following the Pepsi 400, the Daytona International Speedway will begin a multi-million dollar infield renovation, which includes a new tunnel, new NASCAR NEXTEL Cup garages, new NASCAR Busch garages, a new Gatorade Victory Lane, a Fan Zone, new specialty vehicle parking, new scoring trilons and expansion of the existing media center. The massive undertaking is scheduled to be completed in time for the Speedway's World Karting Association events in December. The project will not alter the layout of the track's surface.(DIS PR)(6-29-2004)
National Anthem on Pole Night: From a field of approximately 150 singers, Orlando's Tara Rowell emerged after three weeks of competition to capture first place in Daytona International Speedway's inaugural "Straightaway to Stardom" singing talent contest. By claiming the win, the mother of four will now showcase her talent in front of thousands by singing the National Anthem at the Circle K Pole Qualifying Night for the Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 1.(DIS PR)(6-29-2004)
New Emergency Plan at Daytona: Daytona International Speedway and NASCAR unveiled a new emergency services game plan to safety workers Saturday, but the procedure for halting a race remains a sticking point for some. About 130 part-time emergency services employees attended Saturday's meeting, which was closed to the media, to review track procedures and voice concerns about their safety during Speedway events later this week. Two key changes will be in place for the Pepsi 400 weekend events. First, track observers on platforms around the 2.5-mile oval will switch over to the primary emergency services radio frequency and spot for safety workers attending to an accident site. Observers previously were responsible only for spotting oil and debris on the track. Track worker Roy Weaver was killed in February after being struck by a race car during a caution period. Second, the Speedway's new three-tier command radio communication system also is designed to alleviate needless chatter by allowing only a few safety officials to speak at any time. The stopping of a race with a red flag, meanwhile, remains in the hands of the sanctioning body [NASCAR]. NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said by phone Saturday that race officials want safety workers to communicate red flag requests to those in NASCAR's chase vehicle, who in turn will report to the control tower, where the final decision rests. If the chase vehicle is not there, safety workers can communicate directly with the tower. Race officials will meet with another group of Speedway safety workers today.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(6-27-2004)
SAFER Install underway at DIS: Installation of Steel and Foam Energy Reduction barriers are currently underway at Daytona International Speedway. The project to install the SAFER barriers is scheduled to be complete by June 27. The Pepsi 400 Weekend is scheduled for July 1-3. The SAFER barrier at Daytona International Speedway will run continuously for 3,050 feet from the entrance to Turn 1 through the exit of Turn 2 and 3,050 feet from the entrance to Turn 3 through the exit of turn 4. Additional SAFER barrier with a length of nearly 900 feet will run along the inside Superstretch wall and another 900 feet of SAFER barrier will run along the inside wall of the skid pad in Turn 4. In the tri-oval, there will be 1,270 feet of SAFER barrier.(DIS PR)(6-8-2004)
SAFER at Daytona...go watch: A specialized construction crew will begin hanging so-called "soft walls" on the turns around the Daytona International Speedway starting Monday. The walls will give when struck by a race car, helping protect the driver from serious injury. The soft walls are hardly soft -- they are made of steel and sheets of hard foam. But when the $2.3-million job is finished, in time for the July 3 Pepsi 400 and related races, the track's most dangerous walls will be much more forgiving than the existing concrete. The Speedway and its owner, International Speedway Corp., are paying Indianapolis-based Elrod Fabrication to install the SAFER barriers over the next few weeks. Jeff Elrod, president of the fabrication company, said the absolute completion date is June 26. The SAFER barriers will front the outside concrete walls in Turns 1 through 4 and in the tri-oval, the dogleg turn at the start-finish line. Elrod will also install SAFER on the inside walls exiting Turns 2 and 4.
Want to Watch? Race fans and engineering buffs may observe the installation of the Steel and Foam Energy Reduction barrier at Daytona International Speedway. The Speedway will open a section of the Oldfield Grandstands at no charge. The track also runs sightseeing trams through the infield everyday. Call the Speedway for tram ticket information at (386) 253-7223.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(6-6-2004)
Dale Jr. President of DIS...for a day UPDATE lots of announcements: NASCAR says Dale Earnhardt Jr. will serve as "president" of Daytona International Speedway on Wednesday. His duties are scheduled to include the announcement of the purse for the July 3 Pepsi 400 Nextel Cup race as well as the selection of the paint scheme for the Pepsi 400 pace car.(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(6-2-2004)
UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt Jr., the 2004 Daytona 500 champion, took on a second job on Wednesday, President of Daytona International Speedway. Earnhardt Jr. filled in for Speedway President Robin Braig and performed several presidential duties at the "World Center of Racing" which included:
· Selected the paint scheme for the Chevrolet Monte Carlo that will pace the Pepsi 400 on Saturday, July 3. It's the first time since 1969 that a Chevrolet has paced the Pepsi 400 and the first time a Monte Carlo has paced the field in the history of the mid-summer classic.
· Announced that Orlando Magic guard and NBA All-Star Tracy McGrady will serve as Grand Marshal for the Pepsi 400.
· Announced a record purse of $5,804,363 for this year's Pepsi 400 on Saturday, July 3, an increase of more than $800,000. The winner of this year's Pepsi 400 will collect a minimum of $266,475.
· Offered a special 8-pack ticket package for the Pepsi 400 weekend for $308. The package includes four general admission tickets to the Winn-Dixie 250 presented by PepsiCo and four Superstretch tickets for the Pepsi 400. The offer, which is good June 2 through June 8, is available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or go online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com. Earnhardt Jr. also worked at the counters selling tickets at the ticket office.
· Looked over the new infield renovation plans for the Speedway. The construction for the new garages, Gatorade Victory Lane, tunnel, fan walk and specialty vehicle area will begin following the Pepsi 400.(DIS PR)(6-3-2004)
2005 Daytona 500 Tickets On Sale NOW: ~ 272 Days Until The 2005 Daytona 500 ~
On Saturday, May 29, ticket sales for the 47th annual Daytona 500 on Feb. 20, 2005 went on sale. Prior to Saturday, May 29, renewals and deposits for seat assignments for the Daytona 500 were taken by the ticket office at Daytona International Speedway. The Daytona 500, the kick off to the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, is the biggest, richest and most prestigious stock car race of the year. Daytona International Speedway offers several convenient methods for fans to purchase tickets to the "Great American Race."
Online at www.DAYTONA500.com
Calling 1-800-PITSHOP
Visiting the Daytona International Speedway ticket office inside the lobby of DAYTONA USA
Also available for purchase through www.DAYTONA500.com or 1-800-PITSHOP include:
Tickets for other Speedweeks 2005 events, including the Hershey's 300 NASCAR Busch Series race, the Florida Dodge Dealers 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race and the Crown Royal IROC Series, the Gatorade 125's and the Budweiser Shootout.
Hospitality packages including the Daytona Club, the Green Flag Club and the Party Zone.
Pre-race pit passes for the Daytona 500.
Tickets for the upcoming Pepsi 400 Weekend on July 1-3, including the Pepsi 400 on Saturday night, July 3, the Winn-Dixie 250 presented by PepsiCo NASCAR Busch Series race on Friday night, July 2 and Circle K Pole Qualifying Night and the Paul Revere 250 presented by Brumos Porsche on Thursday, July 1.(DIS PR)(5-30-2004)
Circle K To Sponsor Pepsi 400 Qualifying Night Circle K will sponsor pole qualifying for the Pepsi 400 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race at the Daytona International Speedway. Circle K Pole Qualifying Night will be held under the lights on Thursday night, July 1. Tickets for Circle K Pole Qualifying Night and the Paul Revere 250 presented by Brumos Porsche are available online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling the Speedway ticket office at 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(4-10-2004)
Changes Coming at Daytona UPDATE: Daytona International Speedway is expected to announce today a massive construction project which will dramatically change the look of the entire infield. Speedway president Robin Braig has called a press conference today to explain the redevelopment plans, which include a new Nextel Cup Series garage area, a tunnel under Turn 1 and a different location for Victory Lane. DIS also plans to fill part of trademark Lake Lloyd to make room for more parking inside the track. This enormous capital project, which will cost International Speedway Corp. millions of dollars to complete, is designed to modernize the 2.5-mile tri-oval, which opened for business in 1959. North American Testing Company, an engineering subsidiary of ISC, drew up all the construction plans for the Speedway's facelift. The Speedway has canceled its fall schedule of events -- including Fall Cycle Scene and the Grand American season finale -- with the hope of completing all this work in time for Speed Weeks 2005. According to sources familiar with the project, many of the buildings and structures in the garage and paddock areas will be razed or moved to other locations outside Speedway property. The Benny Kahn Media Center, which is now an auxiliary press area, and NASCAR's current technical and inspection areas, will be demolished. The tin-roof shelters that serve as the Busch Series garage will be relocated outside the Speedway as cover for company vehicles. Several small buildings behind pit road -- the Pepsi scoring room, Victory Lane and the Speedway's operations department -- will be dismantled or destroyed. Once those facilities have been removed, the Speedway will build a series of concrete buildings to house a state-of-the-art garage area for a variety of competitors. The new garages will add heating and air conditioning -- a new standard in the racing industry. The area now known as the Nextel Cup garage will be refurbished and used by various competitors during the peak of Speed Weeks events. Another source said the Speedway may use this opportunity to create a premium grandstand/suite area along pit road. DIS has always built new grandstand seating on the outside of the course. The operations and maintenance facility, which is now housed behind the scoring stand and takes up a large chunk of valuable infield realty, will be relocated to an area outside the track, beyond Turn 2. When the Speedway was being built in 1958, it boasted a set of tunnels in Turn 4 that allow traffic to flow to and from the infield during an on-track event. Those tunnels will remain in place. The new tunnel system in Turn 1 will be more than twice the size of the originals, big enough to allow campers, motor homes and even tractor-trailers to pass under the racing surface. Lake Lloyd was created when construction crews in '58 needed dirt from that area to form Daytona's famous 31-degree banking. Once the area was dug out, the Speedway turned it into a water retention sight and named it after a former local car dealer.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(3-24-2004)
UPDATE: In one of its most aggressive construction projects since Daytona International Speedway was built in 1958, track officials on Wednesday announced an exciting, multi-million dollar, multi-faceted infield renovation project making "The World Center of Racing" not only the most prestigious track on the NASCAR circuit, but one of the most modern as well.
The immense project, scheduled to begin following the 46th running of the Pepsi 400 on July 3, will include a new tunnel, new NASCAR NEXTEL Cup garages, new NASCAR Busch garages, a new Gatorade Victory Lane, a Fan Zone, new waterfront specialty vehicle parking, new scoring trilons and expansion of the existing media center.
The massive undertaking is scheduled to be completed in time for the Speedway's World Karting Association events in December. The project will not alter the layout of the tracks surface.
"Without a doubt, this is one of the most expansive and aggressive projects at Daytona International Speedway," said DIS President Robin Braig. "Our goal has always been to make "The World Center of Racing" unique and fan friendly. Our new amenities make it just that for our fans, officials, competitors and sanctioning bodies."
Specifically, the infield 'face-lift" includes:
* A new tunnel located in Turn One will be able to accommodate team transport vehicles and guests specialty vehicles.
* New NASCAR NEXTEL Cup garage area.
* New NASCAR Busch series garages similar to the NASCAR Nextel Cup garages.
* A new Gatorade Victory Lane which will