DIS Promotes Two Long-Time Executives: Daytona International Speedway announced today the promotion of two long-time executives at the “World Center of Racing.” Pete D’Agresta has been named Senior Director of Facility Operations and John Power has been named Senior Director of Security. Both executives report to Daytona International Speedway Vice President of Operations Andrew Gurtis. The promotions became effective earlier this month. Information on all Daytona International Speedway events is available online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(12-24-2011)

Daytona teams up with Harvick and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation for special Daytona 500 offer: Daytona International Speedway has once again joined forces with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) for a special ticket package that will deliver the excitement of NASCAR's most prestigious race - the Daytona 500 - as well as benefit an important cause. And this year, Daytona has upped the ante by also partnering with 2007 Daytona 500 Champion Kevin Harvick. The NFFF ticket package, which starts at $119 for adults and $79 for children 12 and under, includes a race ticket to the 54th annual Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Feb. 26, admission to the FIRE STATION 500 hospitality tent, and an appearance by Harvick. A portion of the proceeds from each NFFF ticket package purchase will be donated to the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation, a tax-exempt, non-profit organization created by the United States Congress to lead a nationwide effort to remember America's fallen firefighters. Since 1992, NFFF has developed and expanded programs to honor fallen fire heroes and assist their families and co-workers. To purchase this special package, race fans should call 1-877-306-RACE or visit daytonainternationalspeedway.com. For more information on the Foundation, visit www.firehero.org offer expires on 2/23.(DIS)(12-21-2011)

Changes for restrictor plate racing at Preseason-Testing: Preseason Thunder Testing for the Sprint Cup Series is Jan. 12-13-14 at Daytona International Speedway for final preparations for 2012 Speedweeks, in particular, the running of the 54th annual Daytona 500 – Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012. Rules package is a result of information gathered during recent tests at Talladega (October) and Daytona (November) the new rules package includes:
Smaller radiator - Maximum of 2 gallon capacity
Smaller overflow tank - Maximum capacity of ½ gallon
Radiator inlet is moved up closer into the front center bumper area
Rate reduction in the springs – softer springs
Smaller rear spoiler
Base line restrictor plate of 29/32 inch (1/64 inch larger than plate size for the 2011 Daytona 500)(NASCAR)
AND NASCAR has issued a new technical bulletin to its Sprint Cup teams, detailing major changes to cooling systems for 2012 Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway in an effort to better regulate tandem drafting. According to Chris Paulson, president and owner of C&R Racing Inc. -- which manufactures nearly all of the radiators used in NASCAR's premier series -- the sanctioning body will be significantly reducing the size of the radiators and changing the location of the grille openings before the cars return for Daytona testing in January. "[Sprint Cup Series director] John Darby is implementing a two-gallon maximum radiator size," Paulson said. "So in other words, the big, huge five-gallon radiators everybody's running will be down to two. And that accumulator can was a one-gallon max volume. It's going down to a half-gallon-sized can." The idea is to make the cooling systems less efficient, Paulson said, forcing the cars to run in open air to keep water temperatures down. "We'll probably see some result from that, but it's not going to be huge, mainly because they've got these things figured out now," Paulson said. "But it's still going to have an effect. The bigger effect is going to be moving the grille opening up to the bumper fascia area. Because now when they're tucked up behind another car, they're really going to kill all the air. So I think they're on the right track with that. They'll get the result that way."(NASCAR.com)(12-16-2011)

Daytona Preseason Thunder Fan Fest tickets on sale Wednesday: Race fans can purchase tickets for the popular Preseason Thunder Fan Fest at Daytona International Speedway beginning on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 9 a.m. The stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will take to the legendary 2.5-mile tri-oval at Daytona International Speedway for three days of testing on Thursday, Jan. 12 through Sunday, Jan. 14. The Preseason Thunder Fan Fest sessions are scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 12 and Friday, Jan. 13 and include autograph sessions, driver question and answer sessions, show cars and displays, music and a photo opportunity with the 2012 Harley J. Earl Daytona 500 trophy. In addition, fans can ride the high banks under the lights by purchasing a Richard Petty Driving Experience ride along. Tickets for Daytona Preseason Thunder Fan Fest are $20 and available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com. Children 12 and under will receive free admission.(DIS)(11-29-2011)

Daytona International Speedway Offers “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday” Ticket Specials: Race fans can give the gift of racing excitement at Daytona International Speedway with the “World Center of Racing’s” “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday” Thanksgiving holiday ticket specials. On Friday, Nov. 25 (Black Friday) and Monday, Nov. 28 (Cyber Monday), Daytona International Speedway will have the following $49 ticket package specials available for race fans to select from as they conduct their holiday shopping: To take advantage of the “Black Friday” and Cyber Monday” ticket specials, race fans can call 1-800-PITSHOP between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. or visit daytonainternationalspeedway.com/deals.(DIS)(11-22-2011)

Nemechek runs 203mph at Daytona test....alone: #87-Joe Nemechek, a driver/car owner, reached 203 mph without a drafting partner during Tuesday's test session at Daytona International Speedway. The day was supposed to belong to NASCAR as it tested various setups in an effort to break up the two-car tandem draft. But instead, Nemechek was the talk of the garage and what it might mean for qualifying if Tuesday's changes are implemented for the Feb. 26 Daytona 500. "We were changing the restrictor plates and all kinds of stuff," Nemechek said. "I mean, (the speed is) just the product of putting more horsepower to the back tires. I think we're going to be quite a bit faster when we come back here for qualifying day. It's going to be interesting. All the teams are going to have to do some more homework." Nemechek was testing with Triad Engine Development, a North Carolina-based company. "We were using a 1 1/16-inch plate and a 3-inch radius spoiler," Triad Racing Development head engine builder Jon Dysinger said. "This was better than we expected."(Daytona Beach News Journal)(11-16-2011)

Aerodynamic testing at Daytona UPDATE comments: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams are scheduled to test at Daytona International Speedway in an effort to evaluate and prepare aerodynamic baseline packages for the January 12-14, 2012 Preseason Thunder Test at DIS. Testing is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 15th from 10 am - 5 pm/et. Teams scheduled to participate include: Hendrick Motorsports (two cars with drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Aric Almirola); Roush Fenway Racing (two cars with drivers David Ragan and Marcos Ambrose); Joe Gibbs Racing (one car with driver Joey Logano), Michael Waltrip Racing (one car with driver Martin Truex Jr.), and NEMCO Motorsports (one car with driver Joe Nemechek). A section of the Oldfield Grandstands will be open free to the public with access available through the lobby of the Daytona International Speedway ticket office.(DIS)(11-11/15-2011)
UPDATE: Seven NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams turned laps at the high banks of Daytona International Speedway Tuesday, seeking the best baseline aerodynamic package for next January's Preseason Thunder Test at "The World Center of Racing."
Teams participating in Tuesday's test included Hendrick Motorsports (Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Aric Almirola); Roush Fenway Racing (David Ragan and Marcos Ambrose); Joe Gibbs Racing (Joey Logano); Michael Waltrip Racing (Martin Truex Jr.); and NEMCO Motorsports (Joe Nemechek).
After the track was dried following an early morning rain shower, teams first got on the track at 11:45 a.m. The initial restrictor plate size was 29/32 inch and the initial spoiler size was 4 ½ inches tall, 63 inches wide, which was the same spoiler size for last July's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Daytona. By day's end, the size of the rear spoiler had been reduced to 3 inches tall by 62 inches wide. The smaller spoiler results in less down force and drag, but still allows the cars to maintain high speeds and remain under control.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. (#88 Diet Mountain Dew/National Guard Chevy), a 13-time race winner at Daytona, said Tuesday's test session was a "positive step in finding a solution to the drafting style at Daytona."
"I did not anticipate finding a magical solution here today, but we will be much better off and a lot smarter about things by having tested," said Earnhardt. "This is just part of the work that needs to get done. There are a lot of creative minds out here. We're learning what we need to know. I think we're all in agreement that we probably won't totally rid ourselves of the tandem racing, but I'm confident we can get to the point where it will not be the norm."
Martin Truex Jr. (#56 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota), a two-time NASCAR Nationwide Series champion and solid restrictor plate racer, said there was a lot of mixing and matching going on in the garage this afternoon. "We tried several different packages out there today and what we're trying to do is put an end to this two-car draft, or at least make it so we can only get together for a lap or two and have to switch or run in a pack," said Truex. "NASCAR is being smart about all of this and they are going through some steps to see if the changes that we're making will result in what they think they will be."
John Darby, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Director, said that Tuesday's test should allow NASCAR the ability to formulate a solid baseline aerodynamic package that teams can work on heading into next January's three-day test session at DIS, Jan. 12-14. "One of our goals is to give the teams more options when it comes to how they draft and we believe we're headed in the right direction on that," said Darby. "We want to be able to reduce the difference in the speeds between the tandem style of racing and more of the pack style of racing and we made a lot of good progress on that here today."
Both Earnhardt and Truex agreed that the transition to Electronic Fuel Injection in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is right on track. The sport's premier series will implement EFI beginning at Daytona next season. "The computer guys like what they've seen so far with the EFI test and I'll tell you what, when I've tested the EFI car, it drives as well or better than the carburetor cars," said Earnhardt. "To be honest with you, if you didn't know it when you got into the car, you couldn't tell a difference," said Truex. "The only thing that's different is the way it starts. You don't have to pump the gas like a normal carburetor. You just flip the switch and crank it up like a street car."(NASCAR)(11-15-2011)
AND: Toyota NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) Daytona Test -- Notes & Quotes from #20-Joey Logano:
Q) What have you learned so far from today's test session at Daytona?
Logano: "We learned that when you take a spoiler out of a race car at Daytona it makes the car go faster. We were going 206 or 207 or so. We've been doing that, taking the rear spring out of the car and just taking downforce away from these things. Trying to get away from that two-car draft. We're slowly getting away from the two-car draft, making it harder to do it. I guess we've made gains today because that's what NASCAR is looking for."
Q) Have you noticed a difference with the new electronic fuel injection in the race car?
Logano: "No, we can't really tell much at all, but that's a good thing.(Toyota Racing)(11-16-2011)

Auto Racing could be Florida's state sport: This summer, The News-Journal asked readers what Florida's official state sport should be. We have an official state reptile, pie and bird -- why not an official state sport? Sen. Evelyn Lynn, R-Ormond Beach, immediately knew the answer. She said she would file legislation to make auto racing the official state sport, and she's done just that. Senate Bill 266 designates "automobile racing" as the official state sport. If the Legislature adopts it during the session that begins Jan. 10, it would take effect next July 1 -- just in time for NASCAR's summer return to Daytona International Speedway.(Daytona Beach News-Journal)(11-6-2011)

Daytona fans tired of tandem racing: A post-race survey following July's Coke Zero 400 suggested a growing number of race fans are becoming weary of tandem racing, Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said Wednesday. After the race, the Speedway sent surveys to 1,000 race fans, asking them to rate 12 points of their experience. The survey covers everything from the quality of food to restrooms to parking and the race itself. Chitwood said the results from the Guest Experience Management survey showed two-thirds of fans would recommend a race to friends and only 8 percent were dissatisfied. While overall the marks were high, the survey showed the number of fans who were dissatisfied with the race itself grew from 3 percent last year to 10 percent this year. Chitwood attributed that to fans growing bored with tandem racing, in which two cars run nose to tail to increase speed, instead of racing in a pack. "The two-by-two racing was a novelty that has worn off," Chitwood told The News-Journal editorial board.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(10-14-2011)

Daytona testing dates set for January: NASCAR Preseason Thunder, the annual three-day NASCAR Sprint Cup Series test session at Daytona International Speedway in advance of the prestigious season-opening 54th annual Daytona 500, will be held on Jan. 12-14. All NASCAR Preseason Thunder test sessions begin at 9 am and end at 5 pm, weather permitting. Each includes a lunch break from noon until 1 pm. Race fans can also rev up their new year at the NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fest – the companion event to the January test sessions. Along with watching NASCAR Preseason Thunder track activity from the Sprint FANZONE, fans can enjoy two Fan Fest driver sessions – from 5-9 p.m., on Thursday, Jan. 12 and from 5-7 p.m., on Friday, Jan. 13.
The schedule of driver question-and-answer and autograph sessions will be finalized closer to the event. Tickets for the NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fest, which include autograph session wristbands, will be available for purchase at a later date. For fans who would like to be contacted regarding NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fest ticket information can sign up online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/thunder. Fans can also watch each day’s testing at no cost from a section of the Oldfield Grandstands. Information on tickets for both the NASCAR Preseason Thunder and the Roar Before The Rolex 24 will be available online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(9-29-2011)

Daytona International Speedway Receives FPRA Golden Image Award: The public relations and marketing department of Daytona International Speedway was honored with a prestigious 2011 Golden Image Award from the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) for its 2010 Daytona Repave public relations program. The Golden Image Awards competition, which is conducted annually by the FPRA, recognizes PR professionals from around the state of Florida for programs and projects that represent the very best examples of innovation, planning and design in public relations. Daytona International Speedway earned the Golden Image Award in the Public Relations Programs category for Special Events. Lane Construction used an estimated 50,000 tons of asphalt to repave more than 1.4 million square feet of Daytona International Speedway between June and December of 2010. It was only the second time in the track’s history that it was repaved. Tickets for Speedweeks 2012 and the 54th annual Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Feb. 26 are available online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(8-22-2011)

Will two-by-two racing continue at Daytona/Talladega?: from a NASCAR Transcript of a Q&A held at Kentucky Speedway
Q. Last week was another two-by-two race at a restrictor plate track. Some drivers were critical of that style of racing again. Are you satisfied enough with it to the point where there's still no changes planned or do anything that would break that up, or is that being looked at or considered at all?
ROBIN PEMBERTON: That's a good question and it's a tough question. I think if you look over time, whether it was two-by-two, single-file, pack racing, whatever you want to call it over the last number of years, you will always have critics no matter what you do. But we have had great statistics. We've had a lot of leaders, a lot of lead changes. The competition is great. I think it's too close to the checkered flag from the Coke Zero 400 other than us gathering our thoughts about that, you know. But I'm sure we'll put some folks together and we'll talk about it. But there will always be those that will be critical. I never saw anybody or a driver get out of a car after a wreck and compliment how things were going. I haven't seen it yet.
So, you know, there's elements of that that are different. It takes a while to digest that. There's quite a few folks that opinions have changed over the course of time. It's only been since we started the repaved racetracks. It's a backhanded compliment to how smooth the surfaces are at Daytona and Talladega that this type of racing has evolved. It's not necessarily anything new on the cars, whether it be the Nationwide or the Cup cars. The Trucks haven't had any change in the last few years, and they're starting to master that drafting technique. It's going to continue to evolve and we'll keep an eye on it and see what comes out of this. But we talk about all types of racing, not just restrictor plate stuff, when events get done.(NASCAR)(7-9-2011)

Daytona to donate extra food from Coke Zero 400: On behalf of Drive to End Hunger, AARP and AARP Foundation’s nationwide initiative to end hunger among older Americans, Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III today announced that Daytona will donate all extra food items from the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Volusia County. The donation is expected to include breads, produce and other food items and will be delivered on Tuesday, July 5 with help from Americrown, the catering and concessions subsidiary of parent company International Speedway Corporation. Drive to End Hunger is a national effort that also includes an innovative grant program that will provide more resources to address this problem at the local level; mobilization of NASCAR fans, sponsors, their customers, AARP and AARP Foundation volunteers to address the problem of senior hunger through community service and direct donations to food banks; and research on the causes and the consequences of hunger in older Americans.(DIS)(7-2-2011)

Daytona International Speedway To Recognize Space Shuttle Program: In honor of the final flight of the Space Shuttle program – STS-135 Space Shuttle Atlantis scheduled for July 8 – Daytona International Speedway will pay tribute to NASA’s Space Shuttle program during the 53rd annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Saturday, July 2. United States Navy Commander and Astronaut Dominic “Tony” Antonelli, who has served as pilot of both STS-119 Space Shuttle Discovery in 2009 and STS-132 Space Shuttle Atlantis in 2010, will serve as Honorary Starter for the mid-summer classic.
As Honorary Starter, Antonelli will be introduced at the driver’s meeting, participate in the driver introductions and wave the green flag for the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola. Antonelli will also make appearances in the Coke Zero Club and 31 Degrees hospitality venues prior to the start of the race. Antonelli has logged a total of 24 days, 3 hours, 57 minutes and 35 seconds in space. In his first mission as pilot of STS-119 Space Shuttle Discovery in March 2009, he was part of the crew that delivered the S6 Integrated Truss Segment and the final pair of power-generating solar array wings to the International Space Station.
Aboard STS-132 Space Shuttle Atlantis in 2010, Antonelli was part of the crew that delivered an Integrated Cargo Carrier and a Russian-build Mini Research Module to the Station. In addition to Antonelli’s role as Honorary Starter, Daytona International Speedway will show a video tribute to NASA’s Space Shuttle program during pre-race ceremonies. To purchase tickets for the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola, call 1-800-PITSHOP or visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS)(7-1-2011)

Daytona 500: The Inside Story to premiere Thursday night: NASCAR comes to HD Theater [check listings for channel number] this summer with the heart-pounding special, Daytona 500: The Inside Story. The one-hour documentary, produced by award-winning NASCAR Media Group, will offer viewer’s an exclusive look back at the unforgettable 53rd installment of motorsports’ most iconic race. This year’s running was one of the most emotionally-charged in NASCAR history, as it marked the tenth anniversary of the legendary Dale Earnhardt’s death on the track’s final turn at the 2001 Daytona 500. While race fans reflected upon this tragic event, the upset victory of an unlikely rookie emerged as the serendipitous backstory to this tale of the track. Daytona 500: The Inside Story on June 30 at 9:00pm/et/pt. With Daytona 500: The Inside Story , NASCAR Media Group captures an unforgettable week of tributes to the late Earnhardt that ended with Trevor Bayne’s unthinkable drive into Victory Lane. This one-hour documentary delivers never-before-seen footage, extensive pit-to-car radio communication and exclusive interviews with some of NASCAR’s biggest names.(Discovery)(6-30-2011)

Florida State Head Football Coach Named Grand Marshal For The Coke Zero 400: Jimbo Fisher, head football coach for the Florida State Seminoles, will serve as Grand Marshal for the 53rd annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Saturday night, July 2. Fisher will give the starting command, “Gentlemen start your engines,” in Saturday’s 160-lap, 400-mile race. He’ll also be introduced at the driver’s meeting, participate in the driver introductions and ride in one of the Grand Marshal cars during the pace laps prior to the green flag. Fisher just completed his first season as head coach at Florida State with a 10-4 record. Fisher led the Seminoles to their first 10-win season since 2003, a victory over in-state rival Florida, an appearance in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game and a victory in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl in Atlanta. Between 2007-09, Fisher served as offensive coordinator and quarterback coach for the Seminoles. Prior to joining Florida State, Fisher served as offensive coordinator at Louisiana State between 2000-06 and helped lead the Tigers to the National Championship in 2003. Fisher has also served as an assistant at Samford, Auburn and Cincinnati. The Coke Zero brand selected Coach Fisher for this honor, as Florida State will be one of many prominent schools featured in the brand’s fall program around college football rivalries. “I’m extremely honored and excited,” Fisher said. “I’ve been a huge NASCAR fan my entire life. Being able to go to Daytona, where it all started in racing, is a very special privilege and something I’m really looking forward to. I consider this a great honor and I want to thank Coca-Cola for allowing me to represent Florida State.” To purchase tickets for the Coke Zero 400 Weekend Powered By Coca-Cola, call 1-800-PITSHOP or visit daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS)(6-29-2011)

Fireworks at Daytona: Following Saturday’s Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola, Daytona International Speedway will showcase the largest fireworks show in the Southeast. The 15-minute show will be shot from 15 different locations spread across the infield along the Superstretch. Here are some interesting numbers behind the show:
-- Shell size ranging from 1” to 8”
-- 10,000+ lbs of explosive powder
-- 11,000 individual explosions
The type of shells range from traditional type shells such as Chrysanthemum, Peonies, Dahlias, Willows and Salutes and specialty shells such as, Smiley Faces, Star Patterns, Double Rings, 4 Color Changing, Shell of Shells, Crossettes, Strobing Diadems, Twilight Glitters and vibrant new pastel colors. The finale will last for approximately one minute, 30 seconds and will have over 2,000 individual pieces. The show uses enough control wire to wrap a lap around the 2.5-mile track. To purchase tickets for the Coke Zero 400 Weekend Powered By Coca-Cola, call 1-800-PITSHOP or visit daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS)(6-29-2011)

Bubba The Love Sponge Named Honorary Pace Coke Zero 400 Car Driver: The renowned nationally syndicated radio personality Bubba The Love Sponge will serve as Honorary Pace Car driver for the 53rd annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Saturday, July 2 and will participate in a special ticket package built around the Independence Day holiday weekend. As Honorary Pace Car driver, Bubba will be behind the wheel of the Dodge Charger pace car as he leads the 43-car field to the green flag for the 160-lap, 400-mile Independence Day holiday classic under the lights at Daytona. In addition to Bubba's role as Honorary Pace Car driver, a special Bubba Army Tailgate ticket package has been created for the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola. With packages starting at $104, admission to the outdoor infield tailgate area includes:
o Grandstand ticket for the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola on Saturday, July 2
o Designated infield tailgate parking
o Three drink tickets for beer, wine, soda or water
o NASCAR celebrity appearances and special giveaways
o Appearances by Bubba The Love Sponge and Bubba The Love Sponge Show personalities
o Happy hour specials
o Live entertainment and games
Race fans that have already purchased a Coke Zero 400 ticket can upgrade their experience with the tailgating package for $60. An avid motorsports enthusiast and supporter of NASCAR, Bubba hosts the popular Bubba the Love Sponge Show, broadcast nationwide on terrestrial radio. He owns four Radio & Records DJ of the Year awards and six Billboard Rock Air Personality of the Year honors. To purchase tickets for the special Bubba Army Tailgate ticket package for the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola, call 1-800-PITSHOP or visit daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS)(6-24-2011)

Martina McBride to return to Daytona in July: Fresh off her stirring rendition of the National Anthem for the season-opening 53rd running of the Daytona 500, country music star Martina McBride will return to Daytona International Speedway when the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series makes its second visit to the "World Center of Racing" McBride will perform a 60-minute pre-race concert prior to the 53rd annual Coke Zero 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Saturday night, July 2. All race fans that purchase a Pre-Race/Sprint FANZONE access pass for the Coke Zero 400 in addition to a race ticket will be able to view McBride's Coke Zero 400 Pre-Race Show as well as the driver introductions from the grass tri-oval area. Tickets for the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(6-23-2011)

DIS To Honor Four Medal of Honor Recipients During Coke Zero 400: As the nation celebrates the Independence Day holiday weekend, Daytona International Speedway and tens of thousands of race fans in attendance for the Coke Zero 400 Weekend Powered By Coca-Cola will pay tribute to four Medal of Honor recipients. It's the third straight year that Daytona International Speedway will honor Medal of Honor recipients, a program that was first started by Bill France Sr. back in the 1970s.
The Medal of Honor recipients, all from the Vietnam War, to be honored are:
* Jon Cavaiani, retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant
* Harold Fritz, retired U.S. Army Captain
* Don Jenkins, retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant
* Leo Thorsness, retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel
All four Medal of Honor recipients will be recognized during a special luncheon on Friday at the Bill France Room, will attend driver's meetings and participate in pre-race ceremonies for both the Subway Jalapeno 250 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Friday night, July 1 and the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Saturday night, July 2. During Saturday's 53rd annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola, a special salute will take place for the four Medal of Honor recipients during pre-race ceremonies. In addition, the four Medal of Honor recipients will take part in an autograph session with race fans in the Sprint FANZONE on Saturday prior to the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola.
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It's bestowed on a member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself or herself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States. Tickets for the Coke Zero 400 Weekend Powered By Coca-Cola are available on online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(6-21-2011)

Area Hotels Offer Discounted Rates with No Minimum Night Stays for Coke Zero 400: Daytona International Speedway recently launched a new promotion with area hotels to provide race fans with the best deals possible when they attend the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola July 1 and 2. During the month of June, fans who book their stays at participating hotels will receive at least a 10% discount off regular rates. Also, these hotels will not require a minimum night stay to participate in the promotion - the discounted rates are good for one night or multiple nights.
Participating hotels include the Bahama House and Best Western Aku Tiki in Daytona Beach, the Hampton Inn and Clarion Hotel in Deland (approximately 20 miles from the speedway), and the Marriott and Westin hotels in Lake Mary (approximately 35 miles from the speedway). A complete list of participating hotels and special promotional codes can be found on www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/hotels.(DIS)(6-20-2011)

Budweiser renews with Daytona: Budweiser will continue to serve as both the exclusive official beer sponsor of Daytona International Speedway and the entitlement sponsor for the Budweiser Shootout following a multi-year partnership renewal. As part of the agreement, Budweiser will also begin a non-exclusive promotional partnership with Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2012. Under the terms of the agreement, Budweiser will maintain signage rights for all events at Daytona International Speedway including Speedweeks, the Daytona 500 and the Coke Zero 400, as well as the naming rights of the infield concession area – the Budweiser Bistro – and the Budweiser Party Porch located adjacent to the Superstretch. Budweiser has served as the entitlement sponsor of the Budweiser Shootout, the star-studded non-points race that kicks off the stock car portion of Speedweeks, since 1979 when the event was originally known as the “Busch Clash.” Budweiser began serving as the official beer sponsor of Daytona International Speedway in 2006. Budweiser’s promotional partnership with Homestead-Miami Speedway will include race tickets and hospitality assets with the purpose of activating in-market sweepstakes, facilitating ticket giveaways and capitalizing on a retail point-of-sale presence throughout the Florida region. For tickets to all Daytona International Speedway events, call 1-800-PITSHOP or visit daytonainternationalspeedway.com (DIS)(5-23-2011)

Daytona 500 Tickets Go On Sale May 14th: Tickets to NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious race – the 54th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 26 – will go on sale Saturday, May 14 at 9:00 am/et. Prior to Saturday, May 14, only renewals for the 2012 Daytona 500 were accepted by the ticket office. The Speedway is also introducing a new feature for the 54th Daytona 500 - special youth pricing. Children 12 and under will receive 50 percent off all Superstretch grandstand seats for the Daytona 500. The special offer expires Feb. 1.
In addition to the youth pricing, the Speedway is offering new camping packages and amenities during Speedweeks 2012. Two-day camping options are now available in the GEICO Grounds Horseshoe for only $599 and GEICO Caveman Tent Campground for $399. Guests can now choose from 10-day premium sites, five-day standard sites or our new two-day campsites entering on Saturday, February 25 at 6 a.m.
Cable and electric hook-ups have been added to the first row of GEICO Grounds Yellow RV sites 1-89 and race fans can enjoy the convenience of expanded drive in/out privileges for even more races including the Budweiser Shootout and Daytona 500 Qualifying Presented By Kroger.
In addition to the 54th annual Daytona 500, tickets for all Speedweeks 2012 events will be available for purchase including the NASCAR Nationwide Series 300, the NextEra Energy Resources 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race, the Gatorade Duel, the Budweiser Shootout and Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 doubleheader, Daytona 500 Qualifying Presented By Kroger and the historic 50th anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona.
To celebrate the historic 50th anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 28-29, racing legend A.J. Foyt will deliver the command “Drivers, start your engines” as Grand Marshal, and Speedway officials have launched a campaign to locate all Rolex 24 At Daytona overall winning cars for a show-stopping heritage display.
Race fans have three different ways to purchase tickets.
· Online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com
· Calling 1-800-PITSHOP
· Visiting the Daytona International Speedway ticket office
Also available for purchase through www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or 1-800-PITSHOP are:
· Hospitality packages and Pre-Race/Sprint FANZONE passes for all Speedweeks 2012 events.
· Tickets for the upcoming Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola Weekend on July 1-2, including the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola on Saturday, July 2 and the Subway Jalapeno 250 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Friday, July 1. Tickets for the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola start at $44.(DIS)(5-13-2011)

NASCAR Green Clean Air Tree Planting Project plants 100 tree's: NASCAR, Daytona International Speedway and International Speedway Corporation joined forces with the Daytona Beach International Airport as the beneficiary of NASCAR’s Green Clean Air tree planting project. NASCAR Green Clean Air is a unique program that plants 10 trees for each Green Flag that drops during races, capturing 100% of the carbon produced by the on track racing at the events. The initiative, the largest tree planting program in sports, debuted at 11 tracks in the 2009 Sprint Cup season, and in 2010, expanded to plant more than 1,000 trees to balance the carbon produced by racing. In 2011, the initiative expanded to the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, and now encompasses over 20 tracks nationwide. As a result of the 53rd annual Daytona 500 in February, 110 trees are being planted in three locations throughout the property at Daytona Beach International Airport. On Wednesday, approximately 80 NASCAR, International Speedway Corporation, Daytona International Speedway and Americrown employees planted the trees, which were purchased locally from Nature Scapes in Flagler County. International Speedway Corporation Chief Executive Officer Lesa France Kennedy, Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III, Dr. Mike Lynch, Managing Director of Green Innovation for NASCAR and Volusia County Chair Frank Bruno participated in a tree planting ceremony.(DIS)(4-25-2011)

NASCAR may let fans stay forever UPDATE voted down: NASCAR fans who consider Daytona International Speedway their home away from home could soon make it their final resting place, too -- albeit less quiet and peaceful than a traditional cemetery. Legislation making its way through the Florida House and Senate would allow construction of an on-site columbarium -- a building or structure that houses urns -- at both Daytona International Speedway and Homestead Miami Speedway. International Speedway Corp. spokesman Lenny Santiago said many NASCAR fans have inquired over the years about having their ashes laid to rest at Daytona International Speedway. "We have a lot of fans that are very, very loyal to NASCAR races and to Daytona in general," Santiago said. "This opens that door, this bill, and we're hopeful that this will get passed." If it passes, the bill would become law July 1. It has been approved by two House committees and has its first Senate committee hearing today. Daytona International Speedway doesn't have a proposed location for the structure yet or any timeline for building it until the bill passes, Santiago said, although it would be somewhere public that fans would be able to see. He also said he didn't know what kind of fees the Speedway might charge to fans looking to place their ashes there.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(3-29-2011)
UPDATE: Racing fans who might have dreamed of making the Daytona International Speedway their eternal home had their hopes dashed Tuesday as a Florida Senate committee voted down a bill that would have made those dreams possible. The Senate Committee on Regulated Industries rejected the bill by a 5-7 vote, which would have allowed columbariums to be built at both Daytona International Speedway and Homestead Miami Speedway. Columbariums are buildings that house urns. The state House companion bill had already passed two committees and was scheduled for its third and final committee hearing Thursday. "I just felt very strongly that to have people's remains, cremated remains, at the same place where there's NASCAR racing and a motorsports entertainment complex was not appropriate," said state Sen. Maria Lorts Sachs, D-Delray Beach, the committee's vice chairwoman. "A lot of that has to do with the fact that I love NASCAR, and I love Daytona, and I didn't want it to turn into a partial cemetery."(Daytona Beach News Journal)(3-30-2011)

Daytona International Speedway joins Drive to End Hunger: On behalf of Drive to End Hunger, AARP and AARP Foundation’s nationwide initiative to end hunger among older Americans, four-time Sprint Cup Series Champion Jeff Gordon and Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III recently announced that Daytona International Speedway will donate extra food items from the 53rd annual Daytona 500 to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. The donation is expected to include breads, produce and other food items and will be delivered on Monday with help from Americrown, the catering and concessions subsidiary of parent company International Speedway Corporation. The announcement comes as Drive to End Hunger celebrates its first race as primary sponsor Gordon’s #24 Chevy. Drive to End Hunger is a national effort that also includes volunteer-led food drives across the country; individual and corporate giving campaigns; local outreach to enroll seniors in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); an innovative local grants program and research into the causes and consequences of hunger. Working nationally with Feeding America, during Speedweeks, Drive to End Hunger is leading a food drive effort at 65 Winn-Dixie stores across central Florida. As part of the effort, AARP Foundation announced a $10,000 contribution directly to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. For more information or to get involved, visit www.drivetoendhunger.org.(DIS)(2-22-2011)

Record-Setting Day At The Daytona 500: The 53rd running of the Daytona 500, the first on the brand-new racing surface at Daytona International Speedway, featured a track-record 74 lead changes and 22 leaders. The lead-change record was especially noteworthy, considering the previous mark lasted more than three decades. The prior lead change mark was 60, set in the 1974 Daytona 500.
For the second consecutive year, the record for different leaders fell. In last year’s 500, 21 different drivers led. Additionally, there were 16 cautions, a track record. The 60 caution laps tied a record at Daytona. Sunday’s Daytona 500 continued a record-breaking Speedweeks trend. Last Saturday night, the Budweiser Shootout featured a record-breaking 28 lead changes.
Records also were broken in each of Thursday’s two Gatorade Duel races. The first Duel race had a record 20 lead changes. That mark was immediately broken in the second Duel event, which had 22 lead changes.
Trevor Bayne, who became the youngest Daytona 500 winner (20 years, one day), led the final six laps. He gave the Wood Brothers organization its fifth Daytona 500 win. The Woods’ last victory came in 1976 with NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductee David Pearson beating Richard Petty in a legendary last-lap battle. Bayne became the seventh driver to earn his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory in the Daytona 500.(NASCAR)(2-20-2011)

Speedweeks race finishes at Daytona: in the five NASCAR races held at Daytona International Speedway during Speedweeks, all five races have close margin of victory:
Bud Shootout: Kurt Busch .058 seconds
Gatorade Duel 1: Kurt Busch .065 seconds
Gatorade Duel 2: Jeff Burton .005 seconds
Trucks: Michael Waltrip .061 seconds
Nationwide: Tony Stewart .007 seconds
Sprint Cup: Trevor Bayne .118 seconds
(SPEED RaceDay graphic)(2-20-2011)

Race Fast Facts - Daytona International Speedway:
Trevor Bayne won the 53rd Annual Daytona 500, his first victory in only his second NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Bayne is the youngest Daytona 500 winner in history (20 years, one day).
This is team owner Wood Brothers' fifth Daytona 500 victory, the last coming in 1976 with David Pearson. It is their 98th series win overall.
Bayne is the seventh driver to earn his first points win in the Daytona 500 (Tiny Lund, 1963; Mario Andretti, 1967; Pete Hamilton, 1970; Derrike Cope, 1990; Sterling Marlin, 1994; Michael Waltrip, 2001).
There were track records in lead changes (74), leaders (22) and cautions (16).
The victory is Ford's 600th win.
Carl Edwards (second) posted his sixth top-10 finish in 13 races at Daytona International Speedway. It is his first top-10 finish in 2011.
David Gilliland (third) posted his second top-10 finish in six races at Daytona International Speedway.
Because Bayne has chosen to earn championship points in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, Carl Edwards now leads the points standings by one point over David Gilliland.(NASCAR Statistics)(2-20-2011)

Daytona 500 Official Program Is Now Available for Mobile Devices: The Official Program for the 2011 Daytona 500 is now available for download to mobile devices. The same 192-page book available to fans trackside can be viewed via the Zinio electronic newsstand service. This is the first time in the history of the event that the race day program will be available for download at zinio.com.(2-20-2011)

Daytona Notes-n-Nuggets:
* Trevor Bayne became the youngest winner of the Daytona 500.
* Trevor Bayne is the second-youngest driver (20 years, 1 day) to win a Sprint Cup race -- Joey Logano was 19 years, 1 month, 4 days when he won at New Hampshire in June 2009.
* Trevor Bayne is the second driver to win the Daytona 500 in his first start; Lee Petty won the inaugural event in 1959.
* Trevor Bayne is the seventh driver to get his first Sprint Cup vcitory in the Daytona 500 -- Tiny Lund (1963), Mario Andretti (1967), Pete Hamilton (1970), Derrike Cope (1990), Sterling Marlin (1994) and Michael Waltrip (2001).
* The past six 500s have been won by first-time 500 victors; Jeff Gordon in 2005 is the most recent repeat winner.
* This was the 98th Cup victory for the Wood Brothers; the team's last win came at Bristol in March 2001 with Elliott Sadler.
* The race set records for leaders (22), lead changes (74), cautions (16) and tied the record for caution laps (60).
* Carl Edwards (second) earned his best Daytona 500 finish in his seventh start.
* David Gilliland (third) picked up his third Cup Series top-five finish in his 151st start.
* Bobby Labonte (fourth) earned his best finish since comign home third at Martinsville in Oct. 2006.
* Regan Smith (seventh) had his career-best finish in his 96th start.
* Paul Menard (ninth) earned his ninth top-10 finish in his 148th start.
* Bill Elliott (12th) had his best finish since also finishing 12th in the 2008 race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
* Jimmie Johnson (27th) has finished 27th or worse in the six Daytona 500s since he won in 2006.
* This was the fifth 500 to end under a green-white-checkered finish and the second consecutive 500 in which the race went 208 laps.(Sporting News Wire Service /nascar.com)(2-20-2011)

Daytona 500 pushed back a week in 2012: The 2012 Daytona 500 will be held a week later than normal, eliminating the early off date and shortening the Sprint Cup season. The "Great American Race'' will be held next year on February 26. "We have a very short offseason,'' said Steve O'Donnell, a senior vice president with NASCAR. "This gives us a little more time shortening up the season.'' Beyond moving the date to shorten the season, O'Donnell said NASCAR wanted to get ahead of any potential moves to an 18-game schedule by the NFL that could push the Super Bowl later than normal. There are no plans to condense the length of Speedweeks, although the date of the Budweiser Shootout has not been officially set at the weekend before the 500 (would be Feb 18th].(ESPN.com)
AND Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III announced today that the 54th Annual Daytona 500 will be held on Sunday, February 26, 2012. “The decision to kick-off to the NASCAR racing season one week later was made in close partnership with the sanctioning body, our broadcast partners including FOX, community partners and others within the industry,” said Chitwood. “This move shortens the racing season by one week, which is something the teams and competitors will surely enjoy, and it eliminates the off-weekend typically scheduled in March, which many fans and media partners have said created a drop in momentum in the early part of the racing season. We also know some of our great fans like to plan their visit to the ‘World Center of Racing’ well in advance so we are announcing the 2012 date much earlier in the season to minimize any inconveniences in planning their visit.” The dates of Daytona International Speedway’s other racing events that comprise Speedweeks, in addition to the motorcycle events in March, will be determined in the near future.(DIS)(2-20-2011)

Daytona 500 heads to San Francisco on Tuesday: Race fans are invited to an old-fashioned Ice Cream Social at legendary Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco on Tuesday, Feb. 22, with the winner of the 2011 Daytona 500. For the third consecutive year, the winner of the Great American Race will come to San Francisco to meet with race fans and members of the media, courtesy of Infineon Raceway and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The appearance marks the Official Countdown to the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend at Infineon Raceway, June 24-26. The Ghirardelli Square Ice Cream Parlor will create a very special ice cream sundae in honor of the 2011 Daytona 500 winner. It will be called the “Sundae, Sundae, Sundae.” Race fans are invited to the event, which begins at 6:00 pm at Ghirardelli Square. The race-winner, who will arrive via a CHP escort, will first walk the red carpet to the Ghirardelli Square Ice Cream Parlor, where he will create the very first “Sundae, Sundae, Sundae,” complete with all the fixins. The item will have a permanent spot on the Ghirardelli Square Ice Cream Parlor menu for fans to enjoy. The driver will then be escorted to the Ghirardelli Square Courtyard for a formal press conference. Race fans are encouraged to attend and give the winner of the Great American Race a warm Northern California welcome. Fans in attendance will receive a complimentary “Sundae, Sundae, Sundae,” courtesy of Ghirardelli Square, while supplies last. The event will also feature ticket giveaways, event posters and a visit from the popular Infineon Raceway Girls. Be sure and get there early as seats to the press conference will be limited. Race tickets to the Toyota/Save Mart 350 will be available at the Ice Cream Social, including special packages like the Save Mart Supermarkets 2-Pack (2 tickets for $99) and the Jimmie Johnson 4-Pack (4 tickets, 4 hot dog, 4 sodas, plus a race-day Q&A with Johnson for $195), among others. Stay tuned to www.infineonraceway.com for additional details on the Ice Cream Social with the 2011 Daytona 500 winner.(Infineon Raceway)(2-20-2011)

NASCAR Allows Sprint Cup Series Teams To Open Air Inlets: NASCAR is letting NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams open up their air inlet openings some for Daytona 500 - going from a 2 1/2 x 20-inch opening to a 3 x 20-inch opening. With continued warm weather forecast for Sunday, this move gives teams more air to cool their engines.(NASCAR)(2-20-2011)

Fan to miss first Daytona 500 UPDATE will make it: Jack Hege, believed to be the only person to have attended every Daytona 500, will see his streak end this year because of a broken left arm suffered in April that has not healed properly and required surgery in December. Hege, who lives in Lexington, N.C., first went down to Daytona in 1958, witnessing the final race on the beach course. He enjoyed the experience so much that he returned the following year when the race moved to Daytona International Speedway and the first Daytona 500 was held. Hege, who turns 84 on Feb. 9, just kept going back to Daytona after that, telling me three years ago that "I've never known any other home except Daytona.'' He even delayed knee surgery to attend last year's Daytona 500 to keep his streak alive. Hege still has his ticket to the 1959 Daytona 500 he attended. Two years ago, NASCAR honored Hege by seating him among the celebrities for the drivers meeting before the race and introducing him to the competitors in honor of his Daytona 500 streak. Hege was injured when he fell backward and tried to catch himself in April. He continued to suffer complications from the injury and had surgery in December. His arm is in a sling and still has screws in the bone.(full story at the Virginian Pilot)(2-1-2011)
UPDATE: Jack Hege, who is believed to be the only person to have attended every Daytona 500 as a spectator, will see his streak continue with the help of a NASCAR Sprint Cup team. Richard Childress Racing will fly Hege to Daytona on Sunday morning so the 84-year-old Lexington, N.C., man can watch the race. Hege first attended a race at Daytona in 1958 -- the final race on the beach course -- and came back the next year for the first race at Daytona International Speedway and has never missed a 500 here since. "It's unbelievable,'' Hege said. "It's unbelievable. I didn't dream I'd ever get to go (this year).'' Hege had said last month because of health concerns that he would not be able to attend this year's 500. Roush Fenway Racing and Joel Edmonds, spotter for Greg Biffle, had inquired earlier about trying to get him to the 500 to keep his streak alive. Hege declined the offers as he recovered from surgery in December for a broken arm. Hege's doctor cleared him on Wednesday to fly to Daytona. Hege told an RCR official, who also invited him, that he would be able to go. When Hege talked to David Hart of Richard Childress Racing about the trip, he admits: "I hated to hang up. I wanted to keep talking and talking and thanking people for what they've done for me. (Hart) said that Richard wanted to do something for me, saying that anybody that had went through what I went through for 53 years, deserves some help. I appreciate it.'' Now, Hege is thinking about how he wants to go to the 2012 Daytona 500. "It's something to look forward to,'' Hege said. "It helps a person keep going. It means a lot to me.''(Virginian Pilot)(2-19-2011)

No more changes planned for Daytona 500: Barring a major shift from what was seen in Thursday's two qualifying races, NASCAR doesn't plan any additional changes to the Sprint Cup cars before the Daytona 500, series director John Darby said Friday. "You never want to say no, we're not going to do any changes. If somebody is holding onto something and we get a group in practice on Saturday and it gets really nuts, we'll look at it," Darby said. "Typically, we won't drop ourselves into a box until we drop the green flag on Sunday. But no changes are planned." Since Saturday's Budweiser Shootout at Daytona, where cars reached speeds of 206 mph, NASCAR has gone to a smaller restrictor plate hole, reduced the opening in the front grill and mandated a lower radiator pressure to slow the cars.(ESPN.com)(2-18-2011)

Transformers stars named Grand Marshals of the Daytona 500: The stars of “Transformers: Dark of the Moon”– Josh Duhamel, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and director Michael Bay – will serve as the Grand Marshals for 53rd running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2011. As Grand Marshals, the Transformers cast will deliver the four most famous words in motorsports – “Gentlemen, start your engines.” In addition, the modified NASCAR stock cars featured in the movie will make their first public appearance by leading the 43-car field during the pace laps of “The Great American Race,” the kick-off event to the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.
The Daytona 500 will not be Bay or Transformers’ first introduction to the NASCAR world. In 2009, Bay piloted the official pace car at a NASCAR Sprint Cup race to promote the DVD release of “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.” NASCAR drivers Jeff Gordon and Ryan Newman also took part, racing with branded images of opposing Autobots and Decepticons on their cars and uniforms. Bay credits his vision to include NASCAR stock cars in the new Transformers film to this experience.
In the days leading up to the Daytona 500, race fans can view the Transformers NASCAR stock cars at the Chevy Display located in the Midway outside Turn 4. Tickets for Speedweeks 2011 events, including the 53rd annual Daytona 500, are available online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(2-18-2011)

Martina McBride to sing National Anthem for Daytona 500: Fresh off her rousing opening performance at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards, Country music star Martina McBride will sing the National Anthem for the 53rd running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 20, NASCAR biggest and most prestigious race of the season. McBride is a four-time Country Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year, three-time American Country Music Female Vocalist of the Year and a Grammy winning recording artist with more than 18 million in album sales and 24 top-10 singles, including six that reached No. 1. Tickets for all of 2011 Speedweeks events, including the 53rd annual Daytona 500, are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(2-16-2011)

Chevrolet Camaro SS to serve as Official Pace Car for Daytona 500: The Chevrolet Camaro SS will serve as the official pace car for the 53rd running of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway – the second time in the past three years that the iconic automobile has paced the field for the “The Great American Race.” In addition, behind the wheel of the Chevrolet Camaro as the Honorary Pace Car driver will be Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year Brad Paisley, who is also performing the Daytona 500 Pre-Race show. The Chevrolet Camaro has previously paced the field for the Daytona 500 – NASCAR’s signature event – three times beginning back in 1968 and 1969 and most recently in 2009. The 2011 Daytona 500 Camaro SS pace cars are adorned in a vibrant “Red Hot” color accented with “Platinum Ice” stripes. GM Accessory 21” wheels and tires are installed along with body colored ground effects, heritage grill, and tall rear spoiler. The cars also have fully integrated safety strobe systems with custom light bars and amber taillights.
Tickets for Speedweeks 2011 events and the 53rd annual Daytona 500 are available online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS), see an image of the car on my 2011 Pace Car Page.(2-15-2011)

Daytona unveils new Infield Tailgate Zones for Daytona 500: Daytona International Speedway announced new opportunities for fans to enjoy one of sports’ greatest traditions – tailgating – in the infield of the “World Center of Racing” for the 53rd running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 20. For $50, Daytona 500 grandstand ticket holders can purchase an infield parking space for their car/light truck in one of two Infield Tailgate Zones located inside the legendary infield of Daytona International Speedway. The Infield Tailgate Zone package provides six tailgate zone admissions and a parking spot for tailgating before and after the Daytona 500. In between tailgating, race fans can enjoy the first “Great American Race” on the newly paved racing surface from their frontstretch grandstand seat. To purchase an Infield Tailgate Zone package, call 1-800-PITSHOP or visit daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS)(2-12-2011)

Actress Amber Heard Grand Marshal for Budweiser Shootout: actress Amber Heard will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 33rd annual Budweiser Shootout on Saturday night, Feb. 12 – the star-studded non-points NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event that kicks off the stock car portion of Speedweeks 2011 at Daytona International Speedway. Heard will give the starting command “Gentlemen start your engines”. The Budweiser Shootout will feature former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champions, the 2010 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup field, a host of former outstanding rookies and a collection of previous winners at Daytona International Speedway. Heard will next be seen in the action thriller “Drive Angry 3D” starring opposite Nicolas Cage, which is set for release on Feb. 25. She will also be seen in “The Rum Diary” starring opposite Johnny Depp and Aaron Eckhart later this year. Tickets for all of 2011 Speedweeks events including Budweiser Shootout are available online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(2-10-2011)

Laura Bell Bundy to perform National Anthem / Concerts for Bud Shootout: Country music singer/songwriter Laura Bell Bundy will perform at the 33rd annual Budweiser Shootout on Saturday, Feb. 12 at Daytona International Speedway. Bundy will perform a pre- and post-race concert in addition to the National Anthem for the non-points star-studded NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event. Bundy will perform three songs prior to the Budweiser Shootout on the Pre-Race Stage as well as the National Anthem, which will be carried live on FOX. After the checkered flag waves on the 75-lap race, Bundy will perform a 60-minute post-race concert from the Sprint FANZONE Entertainment Stage. Sprint FANZONE/Pre-Race access holders will be able to view the pre-race concert from the tri-oval grass while all ticket holders will have access to the post-race concert, which will start in the Sprint FANZONE approximately 30-minutes after the end of the race. Tickets for all Speedweeks 2011 events, including the Budweiser Shootout, are available online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(2-10-2011)

Brad Paisley to perform the Daytona 500 Pre-Race Show: Reigning Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year Brad Paisley will perform the Daytona 500 Pre-Race Show, the pre-race extravaganza leading up to the start of “The Great American Race” at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, Feb. 20. Paisley, who has 18 No. 1 hits, three Grammy awards, 14 CMA Awards, 13 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, will perform three songs prior to the start of the 53rd annual Daytona 500 – the season-opening event to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the biggest stock car race in the world. All race fans that purchase a Pre-Race/Sprint FANZONE access pass for the Daytona 500 will be able to view Paisley’s Daytona 500 Pre-Race Show as well as the driver introductions from the grass tri-oval area. For more information on tickets for the 53rd annual Daytona 500 and Sprint FANZONE /Pre-Race access, race fans can go online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(2-10-2011)

Champion’s Breakfast tickets now on sale at Daytona:The Champion’s Breakfast has always been one of the great traditions surrounding Daytona 500, NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious race. On the Monday morning, Feb. 21, race fans will once again have the opportunity to celebrate with the winning driver, team and crew chief from the 53rd annual Daytona 500 at the Champion’s Breakfast, which will be held in the velocitorium near the Daytona International Speedway ticket offices.
Available for $40, the Champion’s Breakfast car induction festivities include:
· Fan forum with the winning driver, owner and crew chief from the 53rd annual Daytona 500
· Breakfast
· Entertainment including watching the NASCAR Victory Lane show on SPEED, Minute to Spin It games and signed giveaway items.
· Souvenir gift
The first 100 Champion’s Breakfast tickets purchased will also include a free All-Access Track Tour ticket. To purchase tickets for the Champion’s Breakfast or any of the Speedweeks 2011 events, call 1-800-PITSHOP or visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS)(2-6-2011)

Waltrip marks 25th Daytona 500 start with special ticket offer: For #15-Michael Waltrip, there’s no better way to spend the morning of the Daytona 500 – NASCAR’s biggest and most prestigious race of the year – than interacting with his fans and enjoying cupcakes and Coca-Cola products. As the two-time Daytona 500 champion approaches his 25th start in the 53rd running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 20, the popular NASCAR driver and owner of Michael Waltrip Racing will partner with Daytona International Speedway for the second straight year on a special ticket package – the Michael Waltrip Daytona 500 Celebration Offer.
Included in the ticket package, available for $129, is:
· A Superstretch Daytona 500 ticket
· Fan forum with Waltrip the morning of the Daytona 500
· Celebration with Waltrip featuring cupcakes and Coca-Cola products
· Gift bag that includes items from Michael Waltrip Racing partners
· Commemorative item signed by Waltrip for each ticket holder
The Michael Waltrip Daytona 500 Celebration Offer is available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/mwr or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(2-4-2011)

Daytona Unveils New Mobile Website, Fan Texting Service Returns for Speedweeks 2011: As part of its ongoing effort to enhance fan communication and safety while providing timely information, Daytona International Speedway announced the debut of its mobile website. With the new mobile web site, fans can now access vital ticket and race weekend information directly from their smart phones. In addition, speedway officials announced the return of the Fan Texting Service, allowing fans to communicate directly with officials on property to report a safety issue, ask a seating question or request general assistance. The fan texting code will be highly visible via signage throughout the entire Daytona International Speedway property, including parking areas, merchandise and vendor midway areas, the infield, and grandstand seats.(DIS)(1-31-2011)

NASCAR wants lane stripes at Daytona: NASCAR will ask Daytona International Speedway to add broken, white lane stripes between Turns 1 and 2 and Turns 3 and 4 before returning in February. Sprint Cup director John Darby said before NASCAR returns for Speed Weeks, the track will add lane markers in all the 31-degree banked areas. "We've had some conversations with a few drivers and they've told us that would be helpful to them when they are three wide in a draft," Darby said Saturday. "The hash marks will give them some sort of a guide to understand how much room they have above and below them. In talking with the Speedway (Saturday) morning, they said they will probably paint those right before the stock cars start running in February." Darby said the double-yellow lines, which separate the racing surface from the out-of-bounds area for NASCAR races at Daytona, will not be moved from the apron to the track surface.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(1-23-2011)

Desite high speeds, no change in restrictor plate anticipated: Drivers cracked 198 mph in two-car drafts Saturday in the final day of a three-day test session at Daytona International Speedway, but NASCAR doesn’t plan to change the size of the restrictor plate when Sprint Cup Series teams return in February for Speedweeks. NASCAR officials seemed content with the speeds, similar to those posted a month ago during a Goodyear tire test on the newly paved 2.5-mile trioval. Teams used a restrictor plate with holes 29/32nds of an inch in diameter – 1/32nd of an inch smaller than what was used in the December test. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Director John Darby said he expects speeds in February to be higher than during the test.(SceneDaily)(1-22-2011)

Goodyear tires at Daytona: The Goodyear tires are a combination of what NASCAR will use at Las Vegas and Talladega. They don't wear as fast, as usually is the case on new surfaces, meaning we'll see a lot more no-tire and two-tire stops in the Daytona 500 than normal. (ESPN.com)(1-21-2011)

NASCAR goes to smaller plate at Daytona: NASCAR reportedly will down-size restrictor plate holes for next week’s Sprint Cup Goodyear tire test at Daytona International Speedway. The new size will be 29/32 of an inch. The old size was 30/32 of an inch. The result will be less power and, presumably, slower speeds. The track surface at Daytona was repaved since last year’s summer race. In earlier tests [January], the new surface, which is smoother and stickier, produced higher speeds [197mph].(RaceToday)(1-13-2011)

Next up - Daytona testing Jan. 20-22 & NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fest: Daytona 500 champions Jamie McMurray, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. are among the drivers that will appear at NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fest at historic Daytona International Speedway on Thursday, Jan. 20 and Friday, Jan. 21. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will take to the new asphalt at Daytona International Speedway in a three-day test session, known as NASCAR Preseason Thunder, Thursday, Jan. 20 through Saturday, Jan. 22.
Tickets for NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fest are $20 and available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com. 2011 Daytona 500 ticketholders and children 12 and under will receive free admission. Advanced reservations are available (limited to 250 people) for special autograph sessions to be held with participating 2010 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers and Daytona 500 champions. Additional driver autograph sessions will be held on both days with wristbands available the day of the event.
To request access to the special autograph sessions, race fans can call 1-800-PITSHOP or visit the Daytona International Speedway ticket office beginning on Saturday, Jan. 8 at 9 a.m.
In addition to viewing the on-track activity from the Sprint FANZONE, fans can watch each day’s testing at no cost from a section of the Oldfield Grandstands near Turn 4.
Drivers currently scheduled to make appearances on Thursday, Jan. 20 beginning at 6 p.m. are Dale Earnhardt Jr., Brad Keselowski, David Ragan, Kurt Busch, Carl Edwards, Denny Hamlin, Kasey Kahne, Mark Martin, Martin Truex Jr. and Regan Smith.
Scheduled to appear on Friday, Jan. 21, during the 5-7 p.m. session are Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer, David Reutimann, Casey Mears, Jeff Burton, Jimmie Johnson, Joey Logano, Kevin Conway, Kyle Busch, Paul Menard and Ryan Newman. In the 7-9 p.m. session, drivers scheduled to appear are AJ Allmendinger, Brian Vickers, Greg Biffle, Jamie McMurray, Jeff Gordon, Juan Pablo Montoya, Marcos Ambrose and Matt Kenseth.
Lastly, race fans will be able to camp in the infield of Daytona International Speedway for free with their admission ticket during the three-day test inside Turns 3 and 4. Sites will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Gates to the infield will open Thursday, Jan. 20 at 8:00 a.m.
Among the activities planned for both days include:
• Interactive driver question and answer sessions on the main stage
• Show cars, displays, music
• Photo opportunity with the Harley J. Earl Daytona 500 trophy
• Blood drive outside the Turn 4 tunnel
Tickets for both the NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fests and the Roar Before The Rolex 24 are available online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(1-4-2010)

Cup Series Teams Complete Goodyear Tire Test At Daytona: As sunshine warmed Daytona International Speedway’s new racing surface on Thursday, so did the expectations and excitement levels for the 53rd Daytona 500 on Feb. 20. Thursday marked the second day of a two-day Goodyear tire test in preparation both for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series’ traditional season-opening event and the track’s new asphalt. The repaving project – only the second in track history and first since 1978 – began immediately after the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event on July 3 and ended last week. With this week’s test open to all series teams, a number took advantage, filling the frontstretch side of the NASCAR Sprint Cup garage with their haulers.
“I think it has gone really well,” said Jeff Burton (#31 Caterpillar Chevy). “Everybody is happy with the surface. The tire combination seems to be really good.”
“It's just a new attitude,” said Kurt Busch (#22 Shell/Pennzoil Dodge). “This is what 2011 will bring to start off our Sprint Cup season. Big, exciting time. I'm proud to be able to say I got a chance to race on the surface when it was redone.”
Busch and Burton, along with reigning Daytona 500 champion Jamie McMurray (#1 Bass Pro Shops Chevy) and Bobby Labonte (#47 JTG Daugherty Racing Toyota) all visited the infield media center during Thursday’s lunch break. NASCAR Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton, Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III and Goodyear Director of Racing Greg Stucker also participated in the midday press conference.
“Good communication all along between the folks here at Daytona, Joie, Goodyear, the race teams, the series directors, everybody that had input,” Pemberton said. “It's nice to know you can show up at one of these things, have so many different things that we faced and challenges over the last year to get ready for this. Looks like the plan came together nicely.” Burton was heartened that Daytona’s repave – while cutting-edge – respected the venue. He cited the 2007 repave at another historic NASCAR venue, Darlington Raceway, as a positive example.
“It's much smoother, has a tremendous amount more grip, but it's still Daytona,” Burton said. “They didn't try to change the banking from the bottom to the top, do all that stuff. They just kept Daytona and put pavement on it. I'm glad that's what they did.”
Although the focus remains on the racing surface, McMurray noted details like a wider pit road. “They did a really good job, not only on the racetrack, but widening pit road,” he said. “It's really nice to get that little bit of extra room on pit road. Pit road speeds are really fast when you come to [restrictor] plate tracks. Typically we have the smallest brakes on the car that we run all year long, so pit road is also trouble. So the fact they widened that 10 or 12 feet is really nice.”
Media and fan interest also is accelerated. A portion of Daytona’s grandstands was open for public viewing both Wednesday and Thursday and television cameras weren’t the only ones being wielded. “It's real important,” Labonte said of public and media fanfare. “They have a section open for the fans. They can come down here and see us drafting. I'm sure they've got their cameras out showing video to their buddies now on who-knows-where it's all at. It's the first time we've been to the new facility. That's exciting.”
It’s worth noting that this week’s test was confirmation, not a search process. Stucker said a tight calendar meant Goodyear officials did the bulk of their compound research testing at Daytona’s sister track, Talladega Superspeedway, also the only other restrictor-plate track on NASCAR’s three national series’ calendars. Drivers, teams and track and NASCAR officials all draw natural comparisons off Talladega, which was repaved prior to its fall 2006 event. The completion of a test asphalt strip at Daytona allowed Goodyear officials to gather additional data, which Stucker said was compared to August’s test results at Talladega. “We're well into production for the 500,” Stucker said. “In fact, we're just about done. We've come down here and really confirmed that all those decisions we made were the right ones. Very glad to hear that all the guys are comfortable with our setup and really everything we've seen so far has been very good from our perspective, very consistent, a lot of good comments from the drivers.”(NASCAR)
AND 197.5 mph Eighteen drivers from six teams, including Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Mark Martin, Matt Kenseth, Kurt Busch and Juan Pablo Montoya, took part in the test. Some teams brought cars and engines from last season. Others tested their latest and greatest technology, including ethanol-blended fuel. All the teams used a slightly smaller restrictor plate than the one bolted on engines at Daytona last season. The top speed was 197.5 mph, and NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton said officials will evaluate testing results before deciding whether to reduce the plate even further. "We may need to come down a little bit off of that, which would be like a 64th of an inch or something," Pemberton said. "We'll have to go back and talk to the teams and we'll look at the speeds from the last two days of testing."(Associated Press)(12-16-2010)

Some Day 1 testing news/photos from Daytona: Statement From NASCAR Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton About Goodyear Tire Test At Daytona International Speedway: "It was a very good day. The teams came well-prepared. Goodyear came well-prepared. The racetrack has a lot of grip. The surface is very smooth. It appears in drafting practice that they immediately went three-wide."(NASCAR)
AND Mark Martin awarded high marks to all parties after Day One of a Goodyear tire test at Daytona International Speedway today. Speaking to Sirius NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody, Martin said, "I think we ran six laps without even wearing the sticker off the left front tire. In fact, we could probably run the full 500 miles on the same set of tires. There will be zero tire issues during Speedweeks. The track is smooth, its fast and it's not wearing the tires at all. The grip is obscene, and I'm sure the guys from Goodyear are probably having a party tonight." Martin also offered his prediction for the upcoming Daytona 500, saying, "The race is going to be crazy. Everybody better start getting ready right now." Sources say speeds were in the neighborhood of 195 mph, with three-wide (and some four-wide) racing common. "we ran three-wide quite a bit," said Martin, "and toward the end, we got a little braver and tried four-wide. That's not going to work for very long before someone gets into the side of the guy next to him and causes a wreck." Only one major incident slowed the day's test, when David Ragan crashed his Roush-Fenway Racing UPS Ford. (Sirius Speedway)
IMAGES: see some images from Day 1 of testing by Motorsports Images and Archives on my December 2010 Daytona Testing page(12-15-2010)

U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds to perform fly-over for Daytona 500: The world-renowned U.S. Air Force “Thunderbirds” will provide race fans with the flyover during the National Anthem for the 53rd running of the Daytona 500 – the prestigious season-opening event for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series on Sunday, Feb. 20 at Daytona International Speedway. It’s the second time the flying squadron will perform the flyover at the historic “World Center of Racing.” The Thunderbirds previously provided the flyover for the 50th running of the Daytona 500 in 2008. The Thunderbird flyover will feature six Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcons buzzing the famed Speedway before landing at nearby Daytona Beach International Airport.
The Thunderbirds, comprising twelve officers and more than 130 enlisted members, perform precision aerial maneuvers in approximately 70 shows a year at 35 different locations from the middle of March to the middle of November. Since the unit's inception in 1953, more than 350 million people in 61 countries and all 50 states have witnessed the red, white and blue jets in more than 4,123 official aerial demonstrations.
Tickets for the 53rd running of the Daytona 500 and other Speedweeks 2011 events are available online to daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP (DIS)(12-15-2010)

Daytona repaving finished: On Friday, the checkered flag waved for the paving crew of Lane Construction as they finished the final paving of Daytona International Speedway.The paving crew wrapped up the final pass on the apron in Turns 1 and 2 in the late afternoon, following some inclement weather in the morning. While all the paving is complete on the racing surface, skid pad, pit road and the apron, there’s still a punch-list of items being worked on during the 23rd week of repaving of Daytona International Speedway:
• Installation of the lights is complete but finishing touches such as connectivity and adjustments of the lights still need to be made
• The striping of the track has begun and is ongoing.
• The process of hanging the eight caution lights around the track is ongoing
• Installation of the scoring loops is ongoing
• Finishes touches are being put on the catch fence in Turns 1, 2, 3 and 4
• At least 18 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers are expected to participate in a Goodyear tire test on Wednesday, Dec. 15 and Thursday, Dec. 16.(DIS PR)(12-11-2010)

Week 21, 22 Daytona Repave update: The paving crew from Lane Construction enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday with their families and is now back at work wrapping up the final month of work repaving historic Daytona International Speedway. During the 22nd week of the Daytona Repave project, paving of the wearing course – the final layer of asphalt – is taking place on pit road, pit exit and the tie ins to the road course. Other highlights from the past two weeks include:
· Reinstallation of the Musco lights in Turns 1, 2, 3 and 4 is ongoing
· Reinstallation of the catch fence in Turns 1 and 2 is ongoing
· The SAFER barrier reinstallation in Turns 1 and 2 is complete
· Paving of the asphalt in the aprons in both Turns 1, 2, 3 and 4 is ongoing
· Daytona International Speedway will host a Goodyear tire test on Wednesday, Dec. 15 and Thursday, Dec. 16
About the Daytona Repave: Lane Construction, which repaved other ISC race tracks including Talladega Superspeedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Richmond International Raceway and Darlington Raceway, will use an estimated 50,000 tons of asphalt to repave more than 1.4 million square feet of Daytona International Speedway and has a target completion date of Jan. 1, 2011. Race fans can view the progression of the historic repaving project from a section of the Oldfield Grandstands, which will open free to the public. Track tours are also available. Daytona International Speedway also is posting updates on the project at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/repave. For fans interested in purchasing pieces of asphalt, they can visit www.jostens.com/Daytona. For tickets and more information on Daytona International Speedway events, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(12-6-2010)

Special Daytona 500 Ticket Offer to honor National Fallen Firefighters Foundation: Daytona International Speedway has joined forces with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) in putting together a special ticket package that will deliver the excitement of NASCAR’s most prestigious race – the Daytona 500 – as well as benefit an important cause. The NFFF ticket package, which starts at $119 for adults and $79 for children 12 and under, includes a race ticket to the 53rd annual Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Feb. 20, admission to the Star and Shield FIRE STATION 500 hospitality tent, and commemorative T-shirt. A portion of the proceeds from each NFFF ticket package purchase will be donated to the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation, a tax-exempt, non-profit organization created by the United States Congress to lead a nationwide effort to remember America’s fallen firefighters. Since 1992, NFFF has developed and expanded programs to honor fallen fire heroes and assist their families and co-workers. To purchase this special package, race fans should call 1-877-306-RACE or visit daytonainternationalspeedway.com/nfff.(DIS)(12-5-2010)

Daytona International Speedway honored Track of the Year Award: Daytona International Speedway received the 2010 NASCAR Foundation Track of the Year Award at the NASCAR National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon on Thursday held at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III accepted the award from Steve Gaffney, Director of Sports Marketing for Sprint. Beginning this year, the NASCAR Foundation implemented a year-long fundraising and awareness contest among NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide tracks. Tracks were awarded points for funds raised and marketing activities that they engage in with the NASCAR Foundation with the top track being awarded the NASCAR Foundation Track of the Year Award. One of the highlights of Daytona International Speedway’s work with the NASCAR Foundation in 2010 was serving as one of the NASCAR Day “Big Five” Service Projects. As part of the program, the “World Center of Racing” hosted 100 middle school students in the Nationwide Series garages where they learned around the education side of racing. For information on tickets for all Daytona International Speedway events, fans can visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(12-5-2010)

More Fan Friendly Initiatives Announced at Daytona: As part of its ongoing effort to enhance the race day experience for fans, Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III announced further enhancements to the speedway’s carry-in policy beginning in 2011. One of the great traditions in NASCAR is the fans’ ability to bring their own food and beverages to enjoy while watching the races. Also, race fans tend to stay in the facility for longer periods of time than in other sports.
To help make the race day experience more enjoyable, fans may now carry in soft-sided coolers that measure no greater than 14 x 14 x 14 inches or 2,700 cubic inches – six times the size previously permitted. Coolers of this size typically have a removable plastic liner and are branded to hold 24 to 36 cans of Coca-Cola or other beverages. To ensure these items fit underneath grandstand seats and do not block walkways, coolers with telescoping handles and wheels will not be permitted.
Safety improvements allow enhanced convenience for fans while continuing to provide a secure environment. Fan comfort and safety remains a top priority so all items carried into the speedway will be subject to a thorough and complete search by security personnel prior to entering the ticket gates.
In addition, to make it more convenient for fans to carry additional items such as cameras, radio scanners and souvenirs, fans can now utilize lightweight backpacks or daypacks similar to those used by school students. To facilitate the entry process, UPS Express lanes will be available for fans that are not carrying items which require search. In addition, there will be sufficient personnel on hand to ensure our guests can proceed through the gate quickly and get to their seats in a reasonable amount of time. As part of its standard policy, hard-sided coolers will not be allowed into the grandstand area. For tickets and more information on Daytona International Speedway events, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(12-4-2010)

MIS vs. Daytona in holiday food drive competition: In the spirit of competition off the race track, Michigan International Speedway and Daytona International Speedway are having a friendly contest to see which track can collect the most food items for people who need it the most this holiday season.
Although it is a competition, both tracks aren’t looking at it as a win-lose situation. All the food donated at MIS and DIS will go to families in need. MIS’ donations will benefit the CCIS Food Pantry in Brooklyn, while Daytona’s will benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.
The overall weight of all donations collected for each track will determine the winner. The winner of the competition will receive lunch courtesy of the other track. MIS has already collected some 2,100 items, thanks to a sizable donation from Brooklyn Elementary School. The students collected food throughout the Thanksgiving week.
All MIS fans can get involved with this competition. Non-perishable food donations will be accepted at the speedway’s Administration Building from Monday, Nov. 29 to Friday, Dec. 3.
Donations of a non-perishable food item or unwrapped toy may also be made at the speedway’s Track Drive for Charity, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4. With every donation, fans will receive a lap around the two-mile oval at a controlled speed. All fans who participate will also be entered into a drawing for two tickets to the Champions Club for the June race weekend. Longtime MIS sponsor GFS Marketplace will provide cider and donuts for all fans who attend the track drive.
All DIS fans that bring at least three (3) cans of food to the DIS ticket office counter on Friday, Dec. 3 and Saturday, Dec. 4 will receive a free admission for the new Daytona International Speedway All-Access Tour.
Daytona International Speedway will also host the WESH-TV “Share Your Christmas” food drive, which also benefits the Salvation Army, on Monday Dec. 6. Later that day, Volusia County Sheriff Ben Johnson’s “Caravan that Cares” will begin its route from the main Daytona International Speedway parking lot on International Speedway Boulevard. Fans are encouraged to drop off their non-perishable donations at the Daytona ticket office lobby through Monday, Dec. 6.

Daytona Offers “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday” Ticket Specials: “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday”, the days surrounding the Thanksgiving holiday, are traditionally the most popular time in the country to find the best bargains. For race fans, Friday, Nov. 26 and Monday, Nov. 29 will be their opportunity to take advantage of special ticket offers for Speedweeks 2011 at Daytona International Speedway. Race fans can choose from four ticket packages, all priced at $49 per ticket. Additionally, on both Friday, Nov. 26 and Monday, Nov. 29, race fans will receive free shipping (a savings of $14) for all tickets purchased (phone orders only) and fans will have the ability to customize a ticket envelope with a holiday gift message. To purchase tickets to any of the Daytona International Speedway’s events, call 1-800-PITSHOP or visit daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS)(11-25-2010)

Week 20 Daytona Repave update: Superstretch work complete: Even though paving is complete on the racing surface of Daytona International Speedway’s 2.5-mile tri-oval, the paving crew from Lane Construction continues to be busy with work around the “World Center of Racing” during the 20th week of the Daytona Repave project. Work on the Superstretch is finished with the paving of new asphalt now in place on the skid pad, apron and the existing chicane. This week, milling and paving is occurring in the apron in Turns 3 and 4 and paving is moving forward on the pit exit area.
Here are the other highlights from the 20th week of the Daytona Repave:
· The reinstallation of the catch fence in Turns 1 and 2 is ongoing
· Renovations to the Turn 4 tunnel including a new concrete driveway, stem wall and sidewalk are now complete
· Reinstallation of the Musco lights in Turns 3 and 4 near completion
· The underdrain trench and fabric installation is complete all around the track
About the Daytona Repave: Lane Construction, which repaved other ISC race tracks including Talladega Superspeedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Richmond International Raceway and Darlington Raceway, will use an estimated 50,000 tons of asphalt to repave more than 1.4 million square feet of Daytona International Speedway and has a target completion date of Jan. 1, 2011. Race fans can view the progression of the historic repaving project from a section of the Oldfield Grandstands, which will open free to the public. Track tours are also available. For tickets and more information on Daytona International Speedway events, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(11-22-2010)

December Daytona Tire Test Set: Daytona International Speedway has confirmed with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company officials a December test on Daytona's newly-paved surface. "The latest communication we got from Joie Chitwood at Daytona to our general manager, Stu Grant, was that we'd be set to go on Dec. 15 and 16," Rick Campbell, Goodyear NASCAR project manager, said Friday at Homestead-Miami Speedway. "It'll be a two-day test and we're in the process of getting the teams notified to make sure they know how it's going to work and what the ground rules are." Goodyear originally had requested to have the test the first week of December but was informed the track wouldn't be ready. Campbell acknowledged that moving the test closer to Christmas might impact teams' ability to participate, but Goodyear was still optimistic. "The later we get, the more of a struggle it'll be to get teams there, because their people have vacation plans and we understand that completely," Campbell said. "We're hoping to get 15 or 20 cars there -- if we don't, we'll do the best we can with what we get."(NASCAR.com)(11-20-2010)
UPDATE: In what will be one of the most anticipated test sessions in the history of the “World Center of Racing,” Daytona International Speedway and Goodyear officials have finalized the dates of Dec. 15-16 for a tire test on the new racing surface. The test will be the first time race cars will turn laps on the new asphalt of Daytona International Speedway, which was repaved for only the second time in its history. Drivers who will participate in the test will be announced at a later date. The Goodyear tire test will open to the public with free access to the Oldfield Grandstands through the lobby of the Daytona International Speedway ticket office. On July 5, Lane Construction began the historic repaving project and used an estimated 50,000 tons of asphalt to repave more than 1.4 million square feet of Daytona International Speedway with a target completion date of Jan. 1, 2011. Two test sessions have already been scheduled for January – the Roar Before The Rolex 24 on Jan. 7-9 and NASCAR Preseason Thunder with the Sprint Cup Series tams on Jan. 20-22. For tickets and more information on Daytona International Speedway events, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP (DIS)(11-21-2010)

David Ragan delivers 53rd annual Daytona 500 tickets to race fans: To celebrate the delivery of 53rd annual Daytona 500 tickets around the world, David Ragan, driver of the #6 UPS Ford for Roush Fenway Racing, jumped into a UPS package car and visited the homes of longtime area ticket holders. Matthew Leon, Walter Gasowski and Joe Roll (collecting them for his sister Marie Frye) were presented with their tickets to “The Great American Race” on Sunday, Feb. 20. Ragan also delivered goodie bags to all three ticket holders as well as new 14x14x14 soft-sided coolers. It’s the second straight year Ragan has rode shotgun in the UPS package car through the streets of the Daytona Beach area delivering tickets. Following his ticket deliveries, Ragan visited more than 400 sixth graders of Silver Sands Middle School in Port Orange for a Racing to Read pep-rally with Volusia County Superintendent Margaret Smith, Principal Rick Inge and Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III. Students were briefed on the 2011 Racing to Read program where if they read 20 books between Nov. 15 and Jan. 14, they will have the choice of a free ticket to either the NextEra Energy Resources 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race, the DRIVE4COPD 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race, the Daytona Supercross or an all-access tour of the Speedway. More than 50 schools across Volusia County are participating in the program. After giving kids encouragement to reach their reading goals and answering some questions, Ragan raced some students in an R/C car race. Tickets for the Daytona 500, which start at $55, and are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(11-18-2010)

Week 19 Daytona Repave Update: The finish line is in sight for the historic 2010 Daytona Repave. The paving crew from Lane Construction and the massive Titan 525 paver reached a milestone moment as the paving of all four layers of the racing surface on the 2.5-mile tri-oval is now complete. The final paving took place last Saturday on the lower pass on the Superstretch. Even though the paving of the racing surface is complete, several key items still remain on the to-do list as the Daytona Repave project wraps up its 19th week of work:
· The reinstallation of the SAFER barrier and catch fence in Turns 1 and 2 is ongoing as well as the removal of the fill dirt behind the walls
· The concentration of this week’s paving remains on the Superstretch. Finishing touches are being put down the skid pad and paving is ongoing on the apron and chicane
· Paving also remains in the frontstretch skid pads, apron and pit road
About the Daytona Repave: Lane Construction, which repaved other ISC race tracks including Talladega Superspeedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Richmond International Raceway and Darlington Raceway, will use an estimated 50,000 tons of asphalt to repave more than 1.4 million square feet of Daytona International Speedway and has a target completion date of Jan. 1, 2011. Race fans can view the progression of the historic repaving project from a section of the Oldfield Grandstands, which will open free to the public. Track tours are also available. For tickets and more information on Daytona International Speedway events, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(11-16-2010)

2011 Coke Zero 400 Tickets on Sale: On Saturday, Nov. 13, at 9:00am/et, race fans will have their first opportunity to purchase tickets for one of NASCAR’s most exciting nighttime races– the 53rd annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on July 2, 2011 at Daytona International Speedway. Tower seats are available starting at $85 and ticket prices for frontstretch grandstand seats start at $44. In addition, for the first time, special children advance pricing will be available for the Coke Zero 400. Tickets for children ages 12 and under are $10 and half-off junior prices are available for ages 13-17. Also, kids 12 and under are free in the Sprint FANZONE. More info on race tickets at Daytona International Speedway at daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS)(11-13-2010)

Week 18 Daytona Repave: Paving of the Final Layer in Turns 1 and 2: The process of putting down the fourth and final layer of asphalt in Turns 1 and 2 is ongoing during the 18th week of the repaving of Daytona International Speedway. The paving crew from Lane Construction has put down the wearing course – the fourth and final layer of asphalt – on the top pass in Turns 1 and 2 and through the backstretch with the massive Titan 525 paver. Paving of the bottom pass began on Friday morning and continued on Saturday. Paving of the wearing course has already been completed in Turns 3 and 4, through the tri-oval, to the entrance of Turn 1. Other updates from the 18th week of work on repaving Daytona International Speedway include:
• The existing chicane on the backstretch has been milled and is ready to be graded and compacted.
• Paving on pit road is ongoing. The first layer of asphalt – the drainage layer – has been put down and half of pit road has been paved with the second layer of asphalt.
• Improvements to the Turn 4 twin tunnels continue. In the east tunnel, concrete for the side walk has been poured and the installation of the railing is expected next week. On the west tunnel, the new sidewalk is expected to be poured next week.
About the Daytona Repave: Lane Construction, which repaved other ISC race tracks including Talladega Superspeedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Richmond International Raceway and Darlington Raceway, will use an estimated 50,000 tons of asphalt to repave more than 1.4 million square feet of Daytona International Speedway and has a target completion date of Jan. 1, 2011. For tickets and more information on Daytona International Speedway events, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(11-7-2010)

Fans to Receive a Free Preview of the New 60-Minute All Access Tour at Daytona: Race fans living or visiting in the Central Florida region this weekend are in for a special treat. Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III is opening the doors and giving fans a chance to preview the new 60-minute All Access tour for free. The free tours will operate hourly from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. November 6 and 7, with the last tour departing at 4:00 pm. Beginning November 8, Daytona International Speedway Tours will provide the following three opportunities to go behind the scenes at the “World Center of Racing” seven days a week from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. A 60-minute All Access Tour; A 30-minute Speedway Tour and a three-hour special VIP tour. Guests will also be able to enjoy some of the other popular attractions during the speedway tours such as the winning car from the Daytona 500, the souvenir shop and the Fourth Turn Grill. Lastly, the Richard Petty Driving Experience will return to Daytona International Speedway once the track surface repaving project is completed. Tickets for the tours will be sold at the Daytona International Speedway ticket office. For tickets and more information on Daytona International Speedway events, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(11-5-2010)

GEICO partners with ISC tracks on camping areas: International Speedway Corporation announced an unprecedented partnership with GEICO Insurance at seven of its premier racing facilities nationwide. Beginning in 2011, the five year deal will provide GEICO with promotional and entitlement rights for camping areas at: Daytona International Speedway; Darlington Raceway; Chicagoland Speedway; Homestead-Miami Speedway; Phoenix International Raceway; Talladega Superspeedway; and Watkins Glen International. Under the terms of the agreement, GEICO will receive on-site signage and branding.(ICS)(11-2-2010)

Week 17 Daytona Repave Update - Stewart paints new start-finish line: #14-Tony Stewart visited Daytona International Speedway on Thursday afternoon to tour the repaving project and participate in a milestone moment in the history of the “World Center of Racing.” Stewart joined Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III in painting the start/finish line on the new racing surface. He also received a piece of Daytona history – a core sample of the original start/finish line asphalt – and took a laps on the finished portion of the track with Chitwood and North American Testing Company’s Senior Director of Construction Bill Braniff. Stewart was appreciative of the piece of asphalt from the start/finish line.
“As you grow up in racing and as the years go by, you learn the history where you go to and importance of the venues you go to,” Stewart said. “To think of the great champions that crossed over this piece of asphalt to win the biggest races of their career. Whether it was in the Rolex 24 Hour race, or the Daytona 500 or the Nationwide race, the Firecracker 400 even. Think of the great people that have crossed over the start/finish line. This is a piece of racing history that you can’t put a price tag on this.”
In driving around the finished portion of the track in Turns 3 and 4 and through the tri-oval in a Chevrolet Camaro, Stewart got to experience the new smooth racing surface. “I got to rip through 3 and 4 and it’s not the same race track,” Stewart said. “This place is going to have a totally new look and a totally new feel to the drivers and teams. It’s going to be a lot of fun. I can promise you that we are going to fill every square inch of this race track with cars now because we’re going to have that flexibility because this surface is going to be in such great shape when they get done with this last layer.”
And during his drive, he also got to witness all the paving work taking place in the steep 31-degree high banks in Turns 1 and 2. “This is not like paving a highway,” Stewart said. “If you go down there and you watch how the cranes are holding up the equipment, I told them there’s no way you could pay me to be on that roller right now. For a gear head like me, I like seeing what the process is and how they have to do this. To see 75 percent of this project completed already is phenomenal. They’ve had great weather down here. It’s neat to see how good a job Lane has done.”
About the Daytona Repave: Lane Construction, which repaved other ISC race tracks including Talladega Superspeedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Richmond International Raceway and Darlington Raceway, will use an estimated 50,000 tons of asphalt to repave more than 1.4 million square feet of Daytona International Speedway and has a target completion date of Jan. 1, 2011. Race fans can view the progression of the historic repaving project from a section of the Oldfield Grandstands, which will open free to the public. Track tours will also be available through attraction admission to Daytona 500 Experience. For tickets and more information on Daytona International Speedway events, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(11-2-2010)

Week 16 Daytona Repave Update - Stewart to paint new start-finish line: In the 16th week of the historic Daytona Repave, paving of the new asphalt remains ongoing as workers have begun the process of restoring the SAFER barriers and catch fence. In Turns 3 and 4, the catch fence and SAFER barriers have been reinstalled and the process of returning SAFER barriers in the tri-oval is ongoing. Paving on the steep 31-degree high banks with the Titan 525 paver in Turns 1 and 2 also continues. The paving of the first of four layers of asphalt – the drainage layer – is complete and the second layer – the base course – has been put down on the top pass.
Other updates from the 16th week of work on repaving Daytona International Speedway include:
· Paving of the apron on the tri-oval is complete.
· Paving of the four layers of asphalt on pit road should take place in the next two weeks.
· Two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart, who drives the #14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevrolet for Stewart-Haas Racing, will visit the “World Center of Racing” and view the progress of the project next Thursday. Stewart, who is tied for third on the all-time Daytona International Speedway wins list with 15 triumphs, will assist Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III in painting the start/finish line on the new racing surface.
About the Daytona Repave: Lane Construction, which repaved other ISC race tracks including Talladega Superspeedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Richmond International Raceway and Darlington Raceway, will use an estimated 50,000 tons of asphalt to repave more than 1.4 million square feet of Daytona International Speedway and has a target completion date of Jan. 1, 2011. Race fans can view the progression of the historic repaving project from a section of the Oldfield Grandstands, which will open free to the public. Track tours will also be available through attraction admission to Daytona 500 Experience. For tickets and more information on Daytona International Speedway events, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(10-25-2010)

Week 15 Daytona Repave Update: Lane Construction is prepping the steep 31-degree high banks in Turns 1 and 2 for paving as the Daytona Repave project completed a 15th week work. The grading of the lime rock base in Turns 1 and 2 has been ongoing for the past week. Grading of the top pass has been completed and the primer has been placed while grading of the bottom pass continues. Once the primer has been placed on both passes, the massive Titan 525 paver will begin putting down the first of four layers of asphalt.
Other updates from the 15th week of work on repaving Daytona International Speedway include:
· Paving of the backstretch skid pad is complete with exception of the tie-in with the apron
· Installation of the under-drain system is now complete with exception of Turns 1 and 2 where paving still remains
· Crews have begun preparing to put SAFER barrier and safety fence back up in Turns 3 and 4
· Removal of the fill dirt behind the walls in Turns 3 and 4 has begun
About the Daytona Repave: Lane Construction, which repaved other ISC race tracks including Talladega Superspeedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Richmond International Raceway and Darlington Raceway, will use an estimated 50,000 tons of asphalt to repave more than 1.4 million square feet of Daytona International Speedway and has a target completion date of Jan. 1, 2011. Race fans can view the progression of the historic repaving project from a section of the Oldfield Grandstands, which will open free to the public. Track tours will also be available through attraction admission to Daytona 500 Experience. For tickets and more information on Daytona International Speedway events, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(10-18-2010)

Week 14 Daytona Repave Update: In the 14th week of the Daytona Repave project, the paving of the fourth and final layer of asphalt – the wearing course – is now complete on more than half of the legendary 2.5-mile tri-oval. The paving of the wearing course is now complete in high banks of Turns 3 and 4, through the tri-oval and start/finish line to the entrance of Turn 1. Other updates from the 14th week of work on repaving Daytona International Speedway include:
· All the old asphalt in Turns 1 and 2 have been removed. Grading and compacting will take place once the demolition process is complete.
· Installation of the under-drain system at the base of Turns 3 and 4 has begun.
· Paving of the backstretch apron has begun
· Grading and milling of the frontstretch apron has begun
· Renovation work in the twin tunnels of Turn 4 continues. A new driving surface and sidewalls have been installed in the east tube and the demolition work has begun on the west tube.
Lane Construction, which repaved other ISC race tracks including Talladega Superspeedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Richmond International Raceway and Darlington Raceway, will use an estimated 50,000 tons of asphalt to repave more than 1.4 million square feet of Daytona International Speedway and has a target completion date of Jan. 1, 2011.
Race fans can view the progression of the historic repaving project from a section of the Oldfield Grandstands, which will open free to the public. Track tours will also be available through attraction admission to Daytona 500 Experience. For tickets and more information on Daytona International Speedway events, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(10-8-2010)

Pre-Season testing at Daytona in January: Daytona International Speedway’s new racing surface will receive its NASCAR christening next January, during a three-day NASCAR Sprint Cup Series test. The session, known as NASCAR Preseason Thunder, is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 20 through Saturday, Jan. 22. Sunday, Jan. 23 is the rain date. The 2011 edition of NASCAR Preseason Thunder will help teams acclimate to the new pavement, plus speed their preparation for the 53rd Daytona 500 on Feb. 20 – the series’ traditional season-opener. The repaving project – only the second in track history and first since 1978 – began immediately after the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event on July 3. All NASCAR Preseason Thunder sessions begin at 9:00am/et and end at 5:00 pm/et, weather permitting. Each includes a lunch break from noon until 1:00pm/et.
Fans seeking to attend can do so at the NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fest at Daytona – the companion event to the January test. Along with watching NASCAR Preseason Thunder track activity from Daytona’s Sprint FANZONE, fans can enjoy two Fan Fest sessions – from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 21 and from 5-7 p.m., on Saturday, Jan. 22. Driver question-and-answer and autograph sessions are planned. Tickets for the NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fest are $20. Fans also can watch each day’s testing at no cost from a section of the Oldfield Grandstands. Teams from the NASCAR Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series are expected to receive extra practice time during Speedweeks to get acclimated to the track’s new surface.
Tickets for both the NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fests and the Roar Before The Rolex 24 are available online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(NASCAR & DIS)(10-9-2010)

ISC cuts jobs, keeps tightening belt: International Speedway Corp.[ISC] has cut more than 40 corporate positions -- all at its headquarters in Daytona, FL -- since announcing in August a company-wide initiative to reduce operational costs. The company's goal of reducing by 20% the size of its headquarters staff, which numbered 250 at the start of the year, has been met, said Dan Houser, ISC chief financial officer, said in a phone interview Thursday. Whether there will be additional job cuts will depend on the state of the economy, Houser said, although he added there are no further plans for staff reductions at this time. The company, hit by declining revenue because of the slow economy, has also responded by lowering ticket prices at its racetracks and putting some of its big development projects on hold, including its proposed entertainment/retail/dining complex across the street from Daytona International Speedway. ISC quietly severed ties late last year with the Baltimore-based developer that was to be a 50/50 partner in the planned Daytona Live! complex.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(10-8-2010)

Week 13 Daytona Repave Update: Project Reaches The Halfway Mark: The historic Daytona Repave project has reached halfway point. The crew from Lane Construction began the Daytona Repave project immediately following the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola in early July and has spent the past three months putting down a new racing surface on Daytona International Speedway’s 2.5-mile tri-oval, skid pad, apron and pit road. Three months remain in the project that will put down 50,000 tons of asphalt on 1.4 million square feet. Here are the updates from the 13th week of work on repaving Daytona International Speedway:
· Demolition of the old asphalt in Turns 1 and 2 began on Friday
· Paving on the skid pad extension continues
· Milling of asphalt on the apron on the Superstretch
· Work on paving the wearing course in Turns 3 and 4, through the start/finish line to the entrance of Turn 1 remains ongoing.
Lane Construction, which repaved other ISC race tracks will use an estimated 50,000 tons of asphalt to repave more than 1.4 million square feet of Daytona International Speedway and has a target completion date of Jan. 1, 2011. Race fans can view the progression of the historic repaving project from a section of the Oldfield Grandstands, which will open free to the public. Track tours will also be available through attraction admission to Daytona 500 Experience. For tickets and more information on Daytona International Speedway events, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(10-5-2010)

NASCAR Green Clean Air Tree Planting Project Plants 100 Trees: NASCAR, Daytona International Speedway and International Speedway Corporation joined forces with nearby Flagler County as the beneficiary of NASCAR’s Green Clean Air tree planting project – one of the newest pro-environment community outreach programs developed by America’s most popular motorsport. The NASCAR Green Clean Air tree planting initiative will plant 10 trees for every green flag that waves during a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event. There were 10 green flags at the recent Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola on July 3 and 100 trees are being planted at four Flagler County public schools. The NASCAR Clean Air conversation program neutralizes the carbon produced by race events.
On Monday, September 20th, the program began as 80 NASCAR, International Speedway Corporation, Daytona International Speedway and Americrown employees planted 25 trees each at Matanzas High School, Indian Trails Middle School, Belle Terre Elementary School and Buddy Taylor Middle School. International Speedway Corporation President John Saunders, Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood and Mike Lynch, Managing Director of Green Innovation for NASCAR, participated in a tree planting ceremony on Monday at Indian Trails Middle School. The trees used for this program were purchased locally from Nature Scapes of Flagler County.(DIS)(9-29-2010)

Week 12 Daytona Repave Update: The paving of the wearing course, the fourth and final layer of asphalt, was put down on the legendary 2.5-mile tri-oval of Daytona International Speedway for the first time during Week 12 of the Daytona Repave. The crew from Lane Construction put down the top pass of the wearing course beginning at the entrance to Turn 3, through the steep 31-degree high banks, all the way to the exit of Turn 4. Paving of the wearing course will continue from Turns 3 and 4, through the tri-oval and start/finish line, and finish at the entrance of Turn 1. Once the paving of the wearing course is complete in the high banks of Turns 3 and 4, the SAFER barrier, fence and light poles will be reinstalled.(DIS)(9-25-2010)

Week 11 Daytona Repave Update: The crew from Lane Construction continued work on paving the steep 31-degree high banks of Daytona International Speedway during the 11th week of the 2010 Daytona Repave project. On Thursday, workers from Lane put down the top pass of the leveling course (the third of four layers of asphalt) on Turns 3 and 4 and expect to finish work on the bottom pass over the next week. The paving of the wearing course -- the final layer of asphalt -- will begin thereafter. The first paving of the wearing course will start at the beginning of the Superstretch, run through Turns 3 and 4 and the tri-oval and finish at the entrance of Turn 1.
Other highlights from the 11th week of work on repaving Daytona International Speedway include:
· Maintenance work on the large paver
· Paving on the Superstretch skid pad
· Placement and grading of the aggregate base on pit road
About the Daytona Repave: Lane Construction, which repaved other ISC race tracks including Talladega Superspeedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Richmond International Raceway and Darlington Raceway, will use an estimated 50,000 tons of asphalt to repave more than 1.4 million square feet of Daytona International Speedway and has a target completion date of Jan. 1, 2011.
Race fans can view the progression of the historic repaving project from a section of the Oldfield Grandstands, which will open free to the public. Track tours will also be available through attraction admission to Daytona 500 Experience. For tickets and more information on Daytona International Speedway events, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(9-19-2010)

Burton Checks In On The Daytona Repave Project: Jeff Burton is accustomed to driving down pit road at Daytona International Speedway in his #31 Caterpillar Chevy looking for his Richard Childress Racing pit crew for four tires and Sunoco fuel. On Wednesday, he got a different perspective of pit road from a Caterpillar grader. Burton visited the “World Center of Racing” and graded a portion of pit road, which along with the entire 2.5-mile tri-oval, apron and skid pad, is being repaved for only the second time in track history. “It’s not hard to just move dirt, but it’s hard to put it where it’s supposed to be,” Burton said of his grading experience. Burton, along with President Joie Chitwood III, also buried a time capsule and delivered a progress report to the local media on the Daytona Repave project, which began immediately after the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola on Monday, July 5.
Among the items placed in the time capsule were:
· Tickets from 2010 Daytona International Speedway events including the 52nd annual Daytona 500 and the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola, the final race on the old asphalt
· Die-cast cars including Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s #3 Wrangler Chevy that won the Subway Jalapeno 250 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Nationwide Series race and Burton’s #31 Caterpillar Chevy
· Newspapers from the Daytona Beach News-Journal including their special Daytona Repave section
· Business card of Lane Construction’s John Rauer, the project manager on the Daytona Repave
· Sprint Blackberry phone
· Press releases, brochures and photos
Burton, whose lone Daytona NASCAR Sprint Cup win came in July 2000, took a tour of the facility before burying the time capsule and grading pit road. “It’s really cool to be here,” said Burton, who added he would like to come back to Daytona someday to dig up the time capsule. “The history of this race track and the France family actually building this track with their own hands and (now) seeing it reconstructed, it’s pretty cool. This track is going to make racing incredible. What you’re going to see is three wide and two wide all the time. The technology in the asphalt and the technology in the grading makes the track so smooth and makes so much grip that you’re not going to be afraid to put it three wide. You’re going to be able to put that car where ever you want to put it.” Speedweeks 2011 will kick off with the 49th annual Rolex 24 At Daytona GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series race on Jan. 29-30 and conclude with the 53rd annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 20, the prestigious season-opening event to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Race fans can view the progression of the historic repaving project from a section of the Oldfield Grandstands, which will open free to the public. Track tours will also be available through attraction admission to Daytona 500 Experience. Daytona International Speedway also is posting updates on the project at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/repave. For fans interested in purchasing pieces of asphalt, they can visit www.jostens.com/Daytona. For tickets and more information on Daytona International Speedway events, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(9-12-2010)

January testing back at Daytona? hearing that the Sprint Cup Series will test the new pavement at Daytona International Speedway in January, likely in mid to late January 2011. Supposedly all Sprint Cup teams will be allowed to test. DIS is currently in week 9 of repaving the 2 1/2 mile track.(9-3-2010)

Week 9 Daytona Repave Update: Paving Moves To The High Banks: The crew from Lane Construction began the most challenging aspect of the 2010 Daytona Repave on Thursday morning – putting new asphalt on the steep 31-degree high banks of Daytona International Speedway. Workers paved the drainage layer in Turns 3 and 4, the first of four layers that will make up the 2.5-mile tri-oval. The crew completed the first 21-foot wide pass late Thursday and will pave the bottom 21-foot pass on Friday or Saturday. Paving of the other layers of asphalt in the Turn 3 and 4 high banks will continue through next week.
Other highlights from the ninth week of work on repaving Daytona International Speedway include:
· Installation of the underdrain pipe and trench on frontstretch
· The milling of asphalt on pit road has started
· Paving of the overlay on the existing Supersuperstrech skid pad has begun
· Jeff Burton, driver of the No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, has scheduled a visit for next week to view all the progress on the project and assist Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III in burying a time capsule near the start/finish line.
Lane Construction, which repaved other ISC race tracks including Talladega Superspeedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Richmond International Raceway and Darlington Raceway, will use an estimated 50,000 tons of asphalt to repave more than 1.4 million square feet of Daytona International Speedway and has a target completion date of Jan. 1, 2011. Race fans can view the progression of the historic repaving project from a section of the Oldfield Grandstands, which will open free to the public. Track tours will also be available through attraction admission to Daytona 500 Experience.(DIS)(9-3-2010)

Week 8 Daytona Repave Update: Concrete Pit Stalls Completed: The crew from Lane Construction completed the installation of the 18-foot wide concrete pit stalls this week as the massive 2010 Daytona Repave entered its eighth week. Construction continues in many different areas throughout historic Daytona International Speedway. The daunting 31-degree high banks in Turns 3 and 4 continue to be graded and compacted in preparation for the first layer of asphalt, which is expected to be put down early next week. Other highlights from the eighth week of work on repaving Daytona International Speedway include:
· The first of two asphalt layers has been put down on the 500-foot skid pad extension along the Superstretch. The second layer, covering the existing skid pad as well as the extension, is expected to be installed in the next several days. Crews will leave an 80-foot gap closest to the racing surface which will be paved when the final asphalt layer is placed on the apron and race track.
· Work has begun on the Superstretch to install a new under drain system which will run the entire length of the 2.5-mile Superspeedway.
Race fans can view the progression of the historic repaving project from a section of the Oldfield Grandstands, which will open free to the public. Track tours will also be available through attraction admission to Daytona 500 Experience.(DIS)(8-31-2010)

Week 6 Daytona Repave Update: Tear Down Of Pit Road Begins: Workers on the historic Daytona Repave project hit pit road for the first time, but there was no pit stop for four tires and gas. The milling of the 1,900-foot long pit road began as asphalt was removed from all the pit stalls, another notable moment as the 2010 Daytona Repave continues. The pit stalls, which will be 18 feet wide, will be filled with concrete and then reminder of pit road will then be excavated and paved. Pit road will be widened from 52 feet to 62 feet. Here are some of the other highlights from the sixth week of work on repaving Daytona International Speedway:
· The first three layers of asphalt have been paved on both the Frontstretch and the Superstretch
· The grading in Turn 4 is ongoing
· Turn 3 is being regraded after some recent rain.
· The grading of the extended skid pad on the backstretch is ongoing
About the Daytona Repave: Lane Construction, which repaved other ISC race tracks including Talladega Superspeedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Richmond International Raceway and Darlington Raceway, will use an estimated 50,000 tons of asphalt to repave more than 1.4 million square feet of Daytona International Speedway and has a target completion date of Jan. 1, 2011. Race fans will be able to view the progression of the historic repaving project from a section of the Oldfield Grandstands, which will open free to the public. Track tours will also be available through attraction admission to Daytona 500 Experience. For tickets and more information on Daytona International Speedway events, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(8-22-2010)

Chitwood replaces Brag at Daytona: International Speedway Corporation announced it has named Joie Chitwood III President of Daytona International Speedway effective immediately. Current DIS President Robin Braig will leave to pursue other opportunities. Chitwood, 41, has been Vice President of Business Development for ISC since 2009. In this position, he led strategic development and oversaw business execution across the Company’s 13 motorsports facilities and Americrown Service Corp., ISC’s catering, concessions and merchandising subsidiary. Prior to joining ISC, Chitwood served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Before joining the IMS executive staff, Chitwood was Vice President and General Manager of Raceway Associates, LLC, which oversaw construction and operation of the 1.5-mile Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill., from 1999-2002. Also of note, Chitwood, beginning at the age of five, was an integral part of his family’s motorsports entertainment business, the well-known Chitwood Thrill Show.(DIS)(8-13-2010)

Daytona repaving hits a snag: The winning streak could not last forever. The repaving of Daytona International Speedway's famous 2.5-mile tri-oval hit a minor snag Wednesday after heavy showers washed away some of the exposed lime rock base in Turns 3 and 4. "It's no big deal," project manager Bill Braniff said Thursday. "We'll go back, re-grade it and repack it again. We expect things like that to happen, and it underscores the importance of not removing the old asphalt in Turns 1 and 2." Up until Wednesday's weather situation, the paving project has been nearly flawless. In the last week, Lane Construction has laid three layers of asphalt over the entire length of the tri-oval and backstretch, started to grade the backstretch skid pad extension and pulled up asphalt along pit road. The pit road project is in focus right now.(Daytona Beach News-Journal)(8-13-2010)

Week 5 Daytona Repave Update: The Daytona Repave entered its second month as new asphalt continues to be put down on the legendary 2.5-mile tri-oval while removal of the old asphalt is also ongoing. Here are the highlights from the fifth week of work on repaving Daytona International Speedway:
· The first two layers of asphalt have been paved on both the Frontstretch and Superstretch
· The grading of Turn 3 is now complete
· The asphalt in Turn 4 has now been removed and is currently being graded
· Asphalt primer has been placed in Turn 3
· The concrete patch in Turn 2 was removed
Lane Construction, which repaved other ISC race tracks including Talladega Superspeedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Richmond International Raceway and Darlington Raceway, will use an estimated 50,000 tons of asphalt to repave more than 1.4 million square feet of Daytona International Speedway and has a target completion date of Jan. 1, 2011. Speedweeks 2011 will kick off with the 49th annual Rolex 24 At Daytona GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series race on Jan. 29-30 and conclude with the 53rd annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 20, the prestigious season-opening event to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Race fans will be able to view the progression of the historic repaving project from a section of the Oldfield Grandstands, which will open free to the public. Track tours will also be available through attraction admission to Daytona 500 Experience. For tickets and more information on Daytona International Speedway events, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(8-11-2010)

No plans to move Daytona July race: Wednesday, July 28, on SIRIUS NASCAR Radio, hosts Rick Benjamin and Chocolate Myers spoke with Robin Braig, President of Daytona International Speedway, who commented on the reports that there may be schedule changes in store for the Sprint Cup schedule in 2011.
Host/Rick Benjamin: “What dates will the races be held on, not just in February, we know that date, what about the second race next year? When will that be held?”
Robin Braig: “The July 4th race, you mean? I lost you.”
Benjamin: “Because there’s been talk that perhaps Daytona might move its second race [with] all the reshuffling of the schedule.”
Braig: “No, no, we don’t, no. There’s nothing changing…”
Benjamin: “Nothing to report from Daytona’s standpoint?”
Braig: “No, no. We love our July 4th race, have enjoyed it, it’s tradition. We don’t have any intention of moving off our date. And I know there’s talk about some other movement but it doesn’t include Daytona.”
“Tradin’ Paint,” with Rick Benjamin and Chocolate Myers, airs weekdays (11am-3pm ET) on SIRIUS NASCAR Radio, SIRIUS channel 128 and XM channel 128 for subscribers with the “Best of SIRIUS” programming package.(SIRIUS XM Radio)(7-29-2010)

Buy a Daytona 500 ticket, get a piece of asphalt: Daytona International Speedway is offering race fans the exclusive opportunity to purchase a ticket to witness history as well as receive a piece of history all at the same time. Beginning on Monday, Aug. 2 at 9 a.m. and running through midnight on Aug. 8, race fans that purchase tickets for the 53rd annual Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Feb. 20 will automatically receive a portion of Daytona’s original asphalt. Race fans that have renewed their 2011 DAYTONA 500 tickets or purchased between June 18 and Aug. 1 will also receive this offer, which is limited to one piece of asphalt per account holder. Race fans can take advantage of this special offer by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or visiting www.daytona500.com.(DIS PR)(7-27-2010)

2011 schedule changes will be "impactful": NASCAR appears ready to give its 2011 Sprint Cup schedule a facelift. CEO Brian France said before Sunday's race at Indianapolis that stock car's top series is in the "final throes" of completing next year's Cup slate and that it could feature some "impactful" changes. International Speedway Corp. is asking for a second race in Kansas, while Speedway Motorsports Inc. wants Las Vegas to get a second Cup date. SMI is also hoping to bring a Cup race to its 1.5-mile track in northern Kentucky.(Associated Press/ESPN.com)
AND: NASCAR's 2010 Sprint Cup schedule is expected to have a considerably different look next season, including the site of the season finale. Some changes are expected in response to requests from major track owners International Speedway Corp. and Speedway Motorsports Inc., but several other race dates are believed to be in play. Several sources told the Observer and ThatsRacin.com on Sunday that changes being contemplated include the season's final race, now held at Miami-Homestead. That ISC-owned track could get the second race of the 2011 season. Auto Club Speedway currently occupies that spot on the schedule. The sources said two tracks figure in the options being considered to replace Homestead as host of the season's final race weekend: Las Vegas and Daytona. A Las Vegas finale could make it more convenient for fans, teams, media and others to attend NASCAR's season-ending awards events. Those events, held in New York City for years, moved to the desert gambling-and-resort city for the first time last year. A season finale at Daytona would add a second restrictor-plate race to the Chase for the Sprint Cup.(Charlotte Observer)(7-26-2010)

Week 3 Daytona Repave Update: Paving Begins On The Superstretch: Another significant moment in the 2010 Daytona Repave took place on Thursday morning as the first layer of asphalt was put down on the 3,000-foot Superstretch. The paving of the drainage layer on the Superstretch is the first of four layers of asphalt that will be put down on Daytona International Speedway's 2.5-mile tri-oval, which is being repaved for only the second time in its history. While new asphalt was being put down on the "World Center of Racing," the old asphalt in the daunting Turn 3 high banks has been excavated and removed. Here are some other notable achievements in Week 3 of the Daytona Repave project:
* SAFER barrier and safety fence continues to be removed in the banking in Turns 1 and 2.
* The milling and grading on the Frontstretch is complete and ready to be paved.
* Jostens, which is handling the distribution of the pavement to race fans, has cut and removed pieces of asphalt from multiple locations around the track.
* The dirt from the skid pad excavation continues to be used to fill behind the walls on upper rim road in Turns 1 and 2.(DIS)(7-24-2010)

Week 2 Repaving Progress Report at Daytona International Speedway: The following is the Week 2 progress report from engineers overseeing the repaving project at Daytona International Speedway:
· A total of 57 light poles have come down, which were stationed between Turns 1 and 2 and Turns 3 and 4. No more light poles need to be removed.
· The fence, including the posts, have been removed from Turn 3 to Turn 4.
· The steel and form energy reduction (SAFER) barrier has been removed from Turns 3 and 4 and from the tri-oval area. Each piece of the SAFER barrier is 28-feet long.
All the asphalt from the entire backstretch has been milled, or ripped from the ground and shredded into bits. The short chute exiting Turn 4 has been milled. Both the backstretch and first "short chute" has been compacted and are pavement-ready.
· Engineers estimate they have milled 60 percent of the 2.5-mile, tri-oval asphalt or an estimated 17 million pounds.
· The new skid pad area on the backstretch has been excavated and is being prepared for paving.
· The dirt from the skid pad area has been used as fill behind Turns 3 and 4.
A team from Jostens is cutting out pieces of racing surface. Those blocks will be transformed into collectibles and racing mementos.
· Current onsite work force is approximately 40. Lane Construction has 25 full-time employees working the job.
· The start-finish line pavement area was carefully removed and placed in a secure location on Speedway property.
· The mobile asphalt plant, located in a parking area outside of Turn 2, is nearly operational. Technicians were in the process of wiring the sensor equipment on the plant to a control room.(Daytona Beach News-Journal)(7-17-2010)

Waltrip's part of Daytona repaving ceremonial groundbreaking: Darrell and Michael Waltrip, the only brothers to win the Daytona 500, took a backhoe to the daunting Turn 1 high banks of Daytona International Speedway on Monday. The event served as the ceremonial groundbreaking on the historic repaving project at Daytona International Speedway.
“I’ve tried to knock the walls down but I’ve never tried to tear the track up. That was a first for me,” said 1989 Daytona 500 champion Darrell Waltrip. “It’s a good feeling. That piece of equipment is like driving a good race car. You have to have the right piece of equipment and we had it today. I’m excited about this project.”
“I’m going to get me a chunk of that and take it back to North Carolina,” said Michael Waltrip, the 2001 and 2003 Daytona 500 champion. “This place is special to our family. It’s part of who we are. I don’t come through that tunnel and not think about what this place means to me. I’m a traditionalist. I love Daytona and I love this being the Mecca of NASCAR racing.”
After taking their turns in the backhoe, both Darrell and Michael Waltrip were able to grab some pieces of the track. The repaving project officially began immediately after the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola on Monday, July 5. During the first week of work, crews were removing lights poles, SAFER barrier and safety fence and milling of asphalt began on the Superstretch and the Frontstretch. Daytona International Speedway’s entire 2.5-mile tri-oval will be repaved as well as the skid pads, apron and pit road. Concrete will be used for the pit stalls. All of the existing asphalt will be removed down to the original 52-year-old lime rock base, which will be leveled and then paving will begin. An estimated 50,000 tons of asphalt will be used on the project that will pave 1,435,000 square feet, about 33 acres.
Lane Construction, which repaved other ISC race tracks including Talladega Superspeedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Richmond International Raceway and Darlington Raceway, is repaving Daytona International Speedway and has a target completion date of Jan. 1, 2011. Speedweeks 2011 will kick off with the 49th annual Rolex 24 At Daytona GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series race on Jan. 29-30 and conclude with the 53rd annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 20, the prestigious season-opening event to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. For tickets and more information on Daytona International Speedway events, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(7-13-2010)

Daytona repaving gets underway: The green flag has waved on the historic Daytona International Speedway repave. On Monday, crews began the process by removing lights poles, SAFER barrier and safety fence. The safety fence and 57 light poles in both ends of the high banks are being removed as well 8,300 linear feet of SAFER barrier throughout the facility. The asphalt removal is expected to begin later this week or early next week. Daytona International Speedway's entire 2.5-mile tri-oval will be repaved as well as the skid pads, apron and pit road. Concrete will be used for the pit stalls. All of the existing asphalt will be removed down to the original 52-year-old lime rock base, which will be leveled and then paving will begin. An estimated 50,000 tons of asphalt will be used on the project that will pave 1,435,000 square feet, about 33 acres. The repaving project has a target completion date of Jan. 1, 2011. Daytona International Speedway also posting updates on the project at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/repave.(DIS)(7-6-2010)

Formula One president at Daytona: Jean Todt was guest of NASCAR and International Speedway Corp. at Daytona International Speedway this weekend. Todt, who replaced Max Mosley as president of the FIA (Formula One's governing body) in October, received exposure to American auto racing, which included the Nationwide Series race on Friday night followed by the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series and the Sprint Cup race on Saturday. So what was Todt's interest in NASCAR? "You know, simply, why all those people are here," Todt said. "It's very interesting to see what the others are doing, and it's always something to learn about. Of course, there are reasons why NASCAR is so big in America and why Formula One has never really been able so far to do something out here while doing a lot in other countries around the world. It's a fascinating experience."(Fox Sports)(7-4-2010)

Workers repair Daytona track patch: UPDATE: On Thursday night track workers were diligently attempting to repair the patch between turns one and two, which was formed during February’s debacle that halted action twice for a total of 2 hours and 25 minutes as asphalt crumbled from the surface. According to fans camped near the patch, workers appeared prior to the first Nationwide Series practice Thursday morning. Johnny Grainger, 57, of Deltona said representatives from Daytona International Speedway explained the workers were covering the patch with concrete and then grinding the surface around a square area where the cars were bottoming out throughout the practice sessions. Grainger added that the workers returned shortly after Happy Hour ended around 8 p.m. By 10 p.m., 11 vehicles along with a trailer surrounded the area as workers continued to address it. Although track officials denied there was any problem with the surface and NASCAR representatives were unaware of any issues, from the infield fence there was clearly visible a three- to four-foot hole in the patched area. Additional calls to Daytona and International Speedway Corp. were not returned Thursday night.(Fox Sports)(7-2-2010)
UPDATE: According to Daytona officials, "During an inspection by Daytona engineers after Thursday track activity an area of approx 1' x 4.5' in Turn 2 was repaired as a precautionary measure. Our track inspections will continue throughout the weekend and we will make any other repairs deemed necessary. The event schedule was not impacted and the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series cars were on track this morning at 8 a.m. as scheduled."(DIS)(7-2-2010)

Bobby Labonte named Grand Marshal for Coke Zero 400: Bobby Labonte, who is scheduled to make his 600th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start on Saturday night, will serve as Grand Marshal for the 52nd annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Labonte, who is driving the #09 car for owner James Finch in Saturday's 160-lap, 400-mile race, will give the starting command, "Gentlemen start your engines." Labonte, who is an original member of the Coca-Cola Racing Family, has captured 21 NASCAR Sprint Cup victories and 26 poles as well as the series' championship in 2000.(DIS)(7-2-2010)

Daytona to honor six Medal of Honor Recipients: Daytona International Speedway will pay tribute to six Medal of Honor recipients during this week's Coke Zero 400 Weekend Powered By Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway. It's the second straight year that the "World Center of Racing" will honor Medal of Honor recipients, a program that was first started by Bill France Sr. back in the 1970s. The Medal of Honor recipients, all from the Vietnam War, to be honored are:
* Joe M. Jackson, retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel from Newman, Ga.
* Don Jenkins, retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant from Quality, Ky.
* Thomas Norris, retired U.S Navy Lieutenant from Jacksonville, Fla.
* Richard A. Pittman, retired U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant from French Camp, San Joaquin, Calif.
* Kenneth Stumpf, a retired U.S Army Staff Sergeant from Menasha, Wis.
* Michael Thornton, a retired U.S. Navy Petty Officer from Greenville, S.C.
All six Medal of Honor recipients will be honored during a special luncheon on Friday at the Bill France Room inside Daytona 500 Experience and will attend driver's meetings and participate in pre-race ceremonies for both the Subway Jalapeno 250 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Friday night, July 2 and the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Saturday night, July 3. There will be a special salute to the six Medal of Honor recipients between the National Anthem and the starting command, "Gentlemen start your engines," for Saturday's Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola.(DIS)(7-1-2010)

Daytona 500 Tickets On Sale: The race to purchase coveted tickets for the 53rd running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 20 is about to begin. Tickets for the 2011 edition of “The Great American Race” – NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious race – will go on sale this Friday at 9:00pm/et. Prior to Friday, June 18, only renewals for seat assignments for the 53rd running of the Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race were taken by the ticket office at Daytona International Speedway. For the third straight year, tickets for the 2011 Daytona 500 – which will be the first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event on the new asphalt at Daytona International Speedway – will start at $55. Immediately following the Coke Zero 400 Weekend Powered By Coca-Cola on Monday, July 5, Daytona International Speedway’s entire 2.5-mile tri-oval will be repaved as well as the skid pads, apron and pit road. The repaving project will be completed in time for Speedweeks 2011 and the 2011 Daytona 500. For information and to buy tickets, go to daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS)(6-17-2010)

Bigger restrictor plate for Daytona in July: NASCAR has announced that NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams will use carburetor restrictor-plate openings of 1 1/32 inches for the July 3 event at Daytona International Speedway. The previous plate at Daytona last February was 63/64-inch. Monday’s announcement pertains only to next month’s Coke Zero 400 Powered by Coca-Cola – the last NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event on the current Daytona asphalt. The 2.5-mile, high-banked superspeedway will be repaved prior to the 2011 Daytona 500. Each restrictor plate contains four openings which restrict air flow to the engine, thus slowing cars. Larger openings mean more air, and more speed. "We think this will be a needed boost due to the additional drag we've picked up since switching from a rear wing to a rear spoiler," said NASCAR Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton. Rule changes, announced Jan. 21, mandated switching from a wing mounted on the rear deck lid of NASCAR’s new car, back to a more traditional stock-car spoiler. The March event at Martinsville Speedway marked the first race for the new spoiler. Carburetor restrictor plates are used only at Daytona and 2.66-mile Talladega Superspeedway. The 1 1/32-inch size openings will be the largest since the one-inch mandate in 1988, the first year the horsepower-reducing plates were mandated for yearly use in NASCAR Sprint Cup competition at Daytona. Teams used openings of 15/16-inch for this season’s spring race (April 25) at Talladega. That size was determined following a March 16 test at Talladega that helped answer several mechanical questions, among them, spoiler height and the restrictor-plate openings.(NASCAR)(6-7-2010)

Daytona repaving gives Goodyear tight timeline: Daytona International Speedway is repaving the 2.5-mile super-speedway for the first time since 1978. While work will begin following the Coke Zero 400 in July, track officials don't expect the asphalt to be ready for testing until Jan. 1. That's more than a month before NASCAR teams return for Speedweeks and it may not leave Goodyear ample time to perfect a tire for the Daytona 500. NASCAR officials informed Goodyear of an open Daytona test scheduled for mid-January (rumored to be Jan. 15th but denied by top brass from the sanctioning body). Goodyear traditionally begins manufacturing tires in October for Speedweeks with the usual run of 6,000 units. With a test involved, as is anticipated given a completely green and unknown track surface, Goodyear would likely up the tire inventory to 8,000 tires for all the Daytona events - the Budweiser Shootout, Gatorade Duels, Camping World Truck race, Nationwide Series race and the 500 (and practices for all those events). Originally, Stu Grant of Goodyear had hoped to start the testing process no later than Nov. 1, using the current Daytona tires as the control tires and build a data base. Should Goodyear not have time for a tire test prior to January, the Daytona open test sessions would become the tire test. Lane Contruction recently repaved Talladega using the same asphalt compound for Daytona, so Grant says Goodyear would now use the Talladega tire as the control tire. Goodyear has received pavement samples from Lane but if testing is not an option, the tires will have to be developed by engineers in the lab instead of on the track. The selection process begins with a control tire and usually requires four to six weeks to assemble the materials, then build and cure the tires. Even if Goodyear could test a tire on Jan. 1, teams would not have track-tested tires for a full Cup Series test on Jan. 15. Although it would be a push, teams could have the new tires for the opening day of Speedweeks on Feb. 9(Fox Sports)(5-9-2010)

Daytona to repave track for 2011 season: For only the second time in its history, Daytona International Speedway will be repaved following the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola in July, track President Robin Braig announced. “This is a historic moment for NASCAR’s most storied race track -- Daytona International Speedway,” Braig said. “Daytona was originally repaved in 1978 and the time has come again to put new asphalt on this legendary race track.” Since the conclusion of the 52nd annual Daytona 500 in February, International Speedway Corporation’s team of engineers and asphalt specialists have conducted a thorough evaluation of the entire track, and upon completion of that analysis, the results were delivered to the ISC Board of Directors where the decision was made to repave the race track following the 2010 Coke Zero 400. Daytona International Speedway’s entire 2.5-mile tri-oval will be repaved as well as the skid pads, apron and pit road. Concrete will be used for the pit stalls. All of the existing asphalt will be removed down to the original 52-year-old lime rock base, which will be leveled and then paving will begin. The repaving of Daytona International Speedway will remain true to Bill France Sr.’s original vision, layout and geometry of the track that was constructed in the late 1950s. The repaving project will begin immediately after the Coke Zero 400 Weekend on Sunday, July 4 with a target completion date of Jan. 1, 2011. Speedweeks 2011 will kick off with the 49th annual Rolex 24 At Daytona GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series race on Jan. 29-30 and conclude with the 53rd annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 20, the prestigious season-opening event to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Lane Construction, which repaved other ISC race tracks including Talladega Superspeedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Richmond International Raceway and Darlington Raceway, has been contracted to repave Daytona International Speedway. Due to the repaving project, the October motorcycles races, Richard Petty Driving Experience dates, testing sessions and other track rental events will be cancelled for the rest of the year. Daytona KartWeek presented by Cometic Gasket World Karting Association races on Dec. 28-30 will continue as scheduled with the sprint and dirt track events only as those two series do not utilize the 2.5-mile tri-oval. If race fans want to claim a piece of history, they can renew their 2011 Daytona 500 tickets and each account holder will receive a portion of Daytona’s track surface representing over 50 years of memories. The Daytona 500 ticket renewal process begins today. Race fans will be able to view all the progressions of the historic repaving project from a section of the Oldfield Grandstands, which will open free to the public. Track tours will also be available through attraction admission to Daytona 500 Experience. For tickets and more information on Daytona International Speedway events, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(4-24-2010)

Daytona to repave track for 2011 season: After months of investigation into Daytona’s aged asphalt surface, we finally have an answer as to the future of the speedway’s repaving project. Sources tell Mike Lovecchio [from Frontstretch.com] that an announcement will be made tomorrow by ISC the track will be fully repaved in time for the 2011 Daytona 500. According to sources, investigation into the track surface, which was last repaved in 1978, revealed “concerns” that have forced ISC to move up the timeline of the project. A source also says there are still private worries remaining about the condition of the asphalt for July’s Coke Zero 400, but the choice has been made to not rush the project and wait until after the second round of Daytona races. The move is an about face from ISC and Daytona’s stance on the matter in February. After a pothole caused two red flags totaling two hours, 25 minutes for repairs in this year’s 500, DIS President Robin Braig was adamant the track would hold off on its repaving job until 2012. No word on the exact cost of the project, but sources claim pieces of the old asphalt could be sold to fans once the repave is complete. Daytona International Speedway did not return a phone call for comment.(Frontstretch)(4-23-2010)

ISC profit up: Net income edged slightly higher in the first quarter at International Speedway Corp., but results came sharply below Wall Street expectations as admissions revenue fell. Profit was $25.4 million, or 53 cents per share, in the three months ended Feb. 28, up 1 percent from $25.1 million, or 52 cents per share, in the same quarter a year ago. However, excluding unusual items, earnings were 45 cents per share, down from 56 cents. Analysts, who typically exclude one-time items from their estimates, were looking for 53 cents, according to Thomson Reuters. Revenue also fell short. While company boasted a capacity crowd at its marquee event, NASCAR's Daytona 500, overall revenue for the quarter slipped 8 percent to $152 million from $166.1 million, as admissions revenue fell about 19 percent. Analysts expected revenue of $161.7 million.(Associated Press)(4-9-2010)

ISC says Daytona patch worked: Officials from International Speedway Corp., which owns several tracks that host Cup events, said they're confident the concrete patch used at Daytona International Speedway after a pothole developed in the 500 will work but that they're awaiting further analysis on the track to see if the track will need be repaved. The track was last repaved more than 30 years ago. John Saunders, president of ISC, said Thursday in a conference call with investors that planned repaving of the track, as of now, is targeted for around 2012. Saunders said the analysis shows that three things led to the pothole developing:
1. A "very unusual cold winter" in Florida. (The Daytona Beach News-Journal reported that the average temperature in Daytona in February was 53.1 degrees -- the coldest in Daytona since 1978.
2. Moisture where Saunders said "we experienced what the engineers call delamination, which occurs below the surface. It's not visible on the surface.'' This is where materials can weaken and split into layers.
3. The cars bottoming out. Said Saunders: "Eventually, with that weight and that force, it began to cut the asphalt and once that happens, it begins to accelereate.'' (Hampton Roads)(4-9-2010)

Daytona 'pot hole' repair looks good: The tiny pothole that brought the mighty Daytona 500 to its knees has been eliminated as a racing nuisance. The hole, which started as a gouge from the chassis of a Sprint Cup Series stock car, caused NASCAR to stop the 500 twice for more than 2 1/2 hours to repair the area. The pothole was fixed with a concrete patch four days after the checkered flag fell on the Daytona 500, capping three weeks of auto racing events. The area was allowed to "cure" for several days to complete the repair. Daytona 200 Motorcycle Week started Saturday with a dozen motorcycle road-racing events and the patch was not a worry for competitors. "There have been no issues with the bikes," Speedway president Robin Braig said. "We talked to tire and bike manufacturers and riders and there are no concerns." In a random survey of Championship Cup Series riders, who are racing in the West Banking area, the consensus was the patch -- closer to the apron than the outside retaining wall -- was not even in the preferred racing line. Braig is confident the patch will serve its purpose. "We don't anticipate any other issues with our track surface," Braig said.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(3-1-2010)

Daytona 500 Delays added Sponsorship Exposure: The one benefit of two lengthy track repair delays during last week's Daytona 500 was the unique opportunity for Fox to conduct interviews with an unprecedented 27 of the 43 drivers, and 10 crew chiefs. According to research conducted by Joyce Julius & Associates, Inc. — which has monitored every NASCAR race telecast since the mid-1980s — by the time Fox signed off Sunday night from Daytona, a total of 46 separate driver interviews had been conducted, lasting a cumulative 46 minutes, 48 seconds (46:48).
Never far from the attention of the Fox crew, Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s three interview segments ran for a total of 4:53 to lead all drivers. As a result, Earnhardt's primary sponsor AMP Energy accumulated the most verbal mentions during the telecast with 10. When comparing the verbal exposure to the cost of a 30-second commercial during the Great American Race, AMP Energy collected nearly $1.7 million of exposure value. Earnhardt's sponsor was also mentioned on four occasions during MRN's national radio broadcast of the Daytona 500, good for another $26,000 of exposure value.
Budweiser mentions in association with its sponsorship of Kasey Kahne and UPS mentions regarding David Ragan were next in line among the leaders, as each brand was mentioned five times throughout the live Fox coverage. Budweiser picked up three more references during MRN's broadcast, bringing about a total of $853,000, while UPS obtained a half-dozen radio mentions for a total of $873,000 of media exposure.
Also prospering from the extended interviews and chatty drivers were the participating car makers. Ford failed to win the race, but certainly ruled the television and radio airwaves, as the brand was mentioned a combined 105 times, earning $8.5 million of comparable exposure value. Race-winning Chevrolet racked up 81 mentions ($4.2 million), followed by Toyota (49/$3.5 million) and Dodge (14/$1.2 million).
Most Mentioned on Fox
Sponsor, Mentions
Daytona 500, 178
NASCAR, 50
Daytona Int. Spdwy.,38
Sprint Cup, 25
NASCAR on Fox, 24
Driver, Mentions
Kevin Harvick 138
Clint Bowyer 82
Greg Biffle 66
D. Earnhardt, Jr. 66
Kesey Kahne 61
(Joyce Julius & Associates)(2-20-2010)

Daytona starts fixing race track: Daytona International Speedway has begun installing reinforced concrete in Turn 2, track president Robin Braig said Thursday, a temporary solution to repair the pothole that caused two stoppages totaling more than two hours in Sunday's Daytona 500. After a team of engineers and asphalt specialists from North American Testing Corporation conducted a thorough examination of the damage, track officials decided to repair the damaged portion of Turn 2 as an immediate first step. Tests are also being conducted on the entire track. "This is the correct course of action to repair the track," Braig said in a statement. "Our team of engineers and asphalt specialists with North American Testing Corporation has previous experience with concrete being used on an asphalt track and it is a proven solution." The damaged area is along the 31 degrees of banking in Turn 2, making the utilization of concrete the best solution. Repairs will take about two days to complete, followed by several days of cure time, according to Braig. The engineering team concluded that a combination of unusually cold and wet weather exacerbated by race cars bottoming out in that section of the track contributed to the breakdown of the pavement during Sunday's race. International Speedway Corporation tentatively has scheduled a $20 million project to repave the entire track in 2012. Spokesman Lenny Santiago said whether that time frame will be moved up depends on the recommendation from NATC. Daytona hasn't been repaved since 1977. It has been battered by numerous elements, including a flood last year after 17 inches of water were dumped on the area.(ESPN/AP)(2-18-2010)

Daytona Repaving?: NASCAR Spokesperson Ramsey Poston on Monday about the pothole issue at Daytona:
Q: Are you ready to tell the track now is the time to repave it since it hasn't been repaved since 1978?
POSTON: "We don't know whether it's time to repave. Obviously, this is something they're going to spend a lot of time with the track on and make an assesment to figure out if now is the time to repave the track or as Robin (Braig, president of Daytona International Speedway) said last night do you need to focus in on that spot or a couple of spots. This comes down to what is best for the safety of the drivers, what is best for racing and that, with the help of the track's enginers, is the decision we need to come to.''
Q: Why, with all the engineering experts, did it come down to using Bondo to patch the hole?
POSTON: "Bondo is very effective. It was effective last night for the laps we needed to get in. We've used some of these compounds I think in Montreal when we had a track problem in Montreal two years ago. Same thing, went out and I think that's what was used and it was very successful.''
Q: Was this preventable?
POSTON: "I don't know how many miles we've had at this track in the last 10 days, but we've had a lot. And the night before we had two major races and the morning of the Daytona 500 the track was walked as it was by track officials to inspect the track. There were no signs there and there was no indiciation any of the race prior to the Daytona 500 that there were any issues with the track. Obviously, it was very unfortunate. There were no warning signs.''(Virginian Pilot), there have been reports that Daytona International Speedway was planning on repaving the track sometime in 2012 and the coast would be around $20 million.(2-16-2010)

Wood Brothers Named Honorary Starters for Daytona 500: Marking the Wood Brothers’ 60th year in NASCAR competition, Glen Wood, one of the founders of Wood Brothers Racing, will wave the green flag for the 52nd running of ‘The Great American Race” – the Daytona 500. Joining Glen Wood in the flagstand for the start of the Daytona 500 will be his brother Leonard as well as Glen’s sons Len and Eddie Wood, who currently lead Wood Brothers Racing efforts in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series today. Under the leadership of Glen and Leonard Wood, Wood Brothers Racing has captured the Daytona 500– NASCAR’s most prestigious race –four times and earned a total of 96 wins with legendary drivers such as David Pearson, A.J. Foyt, Tiny Lund, Neil Bonnett, Dale Jarrett, Kyle Petty and Cale Yarborough. In the 52nd running of the Daytona 500, the #21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford will be wheeled by two-time Daytona 500 champion Bill Elliott, who will start 40th.(DIS)(2-14-2010)

Daytona 500 To Be Staged In Front Of Capacity Crowd: After listening to race fans and delivering a new rules package and the earliest start time for the Daytona 500 since 2003 – all in an effort to make NASCAR racing even more exciting – the 52nd annual Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday will again be played out in front of a capacity crowd and millions more around the world on FOX Sports and MRN Radio. While grandstand seats are no longer available, fans can still purchase infield tickets for “The Great American Race,” which will go green at 1 p.m., 2 ½ hours earlier than last year’s start time. In addition, ticket holders can still purchase Sprint FANZONE/Pre-Race access or tickets to the Daytona 500 After Party or Daytona 500 Champion’s Breakfast at the Daytona 500 Experience. For information on tickets to any future Daytona International Speedway events, call 1-800-PITSHOP or visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS)(2-14-2010)

The King to drive pace car for Daytona 500 Richard Petty will find himself in a very familiar place on Sunday afternoon, leading the field in the Daytona 500. Petty, who holds the NASCAR record with seven Daytona 500 victories, has accepted the role as “Pace Car Driver” for the 52nd running of “The Great American Race,” and will pace all 43 cars to the green flag behind the wheel of a special edition 2011 Mustang GT, powered by Ford’s all-new 5.0-liter V-8 engine. Petty is back as a member of the Ford Racing family after Richard Petty Motorsports merged with Yates Racing during the recently concluded off-season. “The King” previously drove for the blue oval in 1969 and won nine races that season in a Ford Torino. Ironically, the last and only other time Ford served as pace car for the Daytona 500 was one year later when a Ford Torino GT convertible started the 1970 event. In addition to the special paint, this year’s Mustang pace car features a Brembo brake package, Ford Racing suspension, strut tower brace and mufflers, unique 19-inch painted wheels, and summer-only tires. The actual car that Petty will drive recently was sold for $300,000 at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Ariz., with all proceeds above the MSRP being donated to The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.(DIS)(2-13-2010)

Grand Marshals named for Gatorade Duel At Daytona: Tim Tebow, the quarterback for the past four seasons with the University of Florida, and Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew will serve as Grand Marshals for the Gatorade Duel At Daytona on Thursday, Feb. 11.
Tebow, who won the Heisman Trophy as college football’s top player in 2007, will deliver the starting command “Gentlemen, start your engines” for the first Gatorade Duel while Jones-Drew will give the command to fire engines in the second Gatorade Duel. Tebow led the University of Florida Gators to National Championships in 2006 and 2008 and set numerous national, SEC conference and school records on the field including becoming the only player in the NCAA to rush and pass for at least 20 touchdowns in a season.
Jones-Drew is an explosive triple threat as a rusher, receiver and returner for the Jaguars and has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting running backs to watch in the NFL. Drafted in second round out of UCLA, Jones-Drew averaged 83.8 yards from scrimmage and 127.7 all-purpose yards per game in his first three seasons. This year, Jones-Drew had a stellar year and was named to the Pro Bowl. He rushed for 1,391 yards and 15 touchdowns on 312 carries and added 53 catches, 374 yards and a touchdown receiving. It was the first time in his career that he eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in rushing.
“We’re excited to welcome two of the state’s most popular football figures to the Gatorade Duel At Daytona,” Track President Robin Braig said. “Tim Tebow is a football hero to so many Floridians and Maurice Jones-Drew is one of the NFL’s most versatile players. We’re looking forward to hearing their starting commands and kicking off an exciting doubleheader day of racing.”
The two 150-mile, 60-lap Gatorade Duel races will finalize the starting lineup for NASCAR’s most prestigious race – the 52nd annual Daytona 500. The front row for ‘The Great American Race’ was set during Daytona 500 Qualifying Presented By Kroger with #5-Mark Martin taking the pole and #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. capturing the outside pole.
Tickets for all of Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks events, including the Daytona 500, are available at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(2-9-2010)

Junior Johnson Named Grand Marshal For Daytona 500: To mark the 50th anniversary of his 1960 Daytona 500 triumph, NASCAR legend Junior Johnson will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 52nd running of NASCAR’s most prestigious race – the Daytona 500 – on Sunday Feb. 14. As Grand Marshal, Johnson will deliver the four most famous words in motorsports – “Gentlemen, start your engines.” Johnson, who was the first driver to use drafting on the superspeedways, was recently selected in 2009 as one of the five inductees for the inaugural class for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1990 and named one of NASCAR’s 50 greatest drivers in 1998, Johnson claimed his only Daytona 500 win in 1960 driving for crew chief Ray Fox and owner John Masoni in a last-minute deal. Retiring from driving in 1966, Johnson moved into ownership earning 139 victories and six championships. Tickets for all of Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks events, including the Daytona 500, are available at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(2-9-2010)

Harry Connick Jr. To Sing National Anthem For Daytona 500: Singer and pianist Harry Connick Jr. will sing the National Anthem for the 52nd running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 14, NASCAR biggest and most prestigious race of the season. Three-time Grammy Award winner Connick recently released his 24th album titled ‘YOUR SONGS,’ which consists of Connick singing classic songs with a full orchestra, and, as with nearly all of Connick’s previous albums, he arranged and orchestrated all of the songs himself. Connick has performed in front of the NASCAR family before singing at the season-ending awards ceremony back in 2003. Tickets for all of Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks events, including the Daytona 500, are available at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(2-9-2010)

Two Daytona 500-Winning Cars To Be Honored: The past and present will converge in the pace laps prior to the green flag for the 52nd annual Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Feb. 14 at Daytona International Speedway. To mark the 50th anniversary of Junior Johnson’s victory in the “The Great American Race”, a replica Daytona 500-winning #27 Chevrolet as well as the 2009 Daytona 500-winning car of #17-Matt Kenseth will take to the high banks and participate in the pace laps prior to the green flag of the Daytona 500. Johnson claimed his only Daytona 500 win in 1960 driving for crew chief Ray Fox and owner John Masoni. The ride came together in a last-minute deal and Fox only had seven days to build the Daytona 500-winning race car. On lap 191, Johnson was drafting Bobby Johns when, coming off of Turn 2, Johns’ car was hit with a gust of win. The air pressure popped out the rear window and put Johns in a spin. Johnson would claim the Daytona 500 by a margin of 23 seconds. Alongside the #27 Chevy during the Daytona 500 pace laps will be the winning car from the 2009 Daytona 500 – Matt Kenseth’s #17 DeWalt Ford from Roush Fenway Racing. Kenseth, who earned Roush his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship in 2003, was able to deliver Roush his first Daytona 500 victory – a feat that has eluded the multi-team owner for over 20 years. The #17 was inducted into “The Official Attraction of NASCAR” – Daytona 500 Experience – after its victory in 2009 and will be returned to Roush Fenway Racing on Sunday morning, Feb. 14 prior to the start of the Daytona 500. Tickets for all of Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks events, including the Daytona 500, are available at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(2-9-2010)

Daytona gets new flagstand: The checkered flag, the sight every driver dreams of seeing first when they cross the start/finish line at Daytona International Speedway, has a new state-of-the-art home. Race fans attending Hershey's Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks 2010 events will see the debut of the newly installed flagstand complete with a full-color LED display that will overlook the legendary tri-oval of the "World Center of Racing." The flagstand, made of structural steel and standing 22 feet tall from the race track, will see its first racing action beginning with this weekend's Rolex 24 At Daytona GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series race and the Fresh From Florida 200 Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge. Other interesting statistics behind the one-of-a-kind flagstand include:
oApproximately 60 square feet space at the top of flagstand for the starter
oEighteen steps to climb to the top of flagstand
oThe high resolution LED display is capable of showing race information, live video and replays as well as graphics and animations in 4.4 trillion colors.
oImpressive 49,920 pixel LED display that measures nearly four-feet tall and 22.5-feet wide.
oTwo new light tubes featuring super-bright green, red and amber LEDs above the display will flash the flag colors and provide fans and drivers greater visibility of the racing conditions.(Daytona PR)(1-30-2010)

Zac Brown Band To Perform Concerts, Anthem at Budweiser Shootout: Zac Brown Band, the GRAMMY nominees for Best New Artist whose platinum debut album 'The Foundation' (Atlantic Records) produced the No. 1 hit "Chicken Fried," will perform at the 32nd annual Budweiser Shootout on Saturday, Feb. 6 at Daytona International Speedway. The Atlanta-based group will perform a pre- and post-race concert, in addition to the National Anthem. Zac Brown Band - which consists of bandleader Zac Brown, bassist John Hopkins, violinist Jimmy De Martini, guitarist/organist Coy Bowles, drummer Chris Fryar and multi-instrumentalist and song writer Clay Cook - will perform three songs prior to the Budweiser Shootout on the Pre-Race Stage as well as the National Anthem, all of which will be carried live on FOX Sports. After the checkered flag waves, Zac Brown Band will perform a 60-minute post-race concert from the Sprint FANZONE Entertainment Stage.(Daytona PR)(1-28-2010)

‘Women In The Winner’s Circle’ Traveling Exhibit Now Open At Daytona 500 Experience: ‘Women In The Winner’s Circle,’ a traveling exhibit on the history of women in racing, is now open at the Daytona 500 Experience. Daytona 500 Experience is the first venue to host this unique exhibit that recognizes the past history, the growing achievements and the future growth of women in racing and will be on display through March. Racing legend Lyn St. James, founder of the Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation, joined forces with The Henry Ford of Dearborn, MI, to create the exhibit. Featured in the exhibit are informational panels, photographs, three race cars and personal artifacts that illustrate the history of women in motorsports, which dates as far back as 1903. Accomplishments of women drivers from five different eras are recognized in the exhibit, which has three cars on display – a replica of Louise Smith’s #94 Coupe, the 1989 Ford Thunderbird that St. James drove to set closed course speed records at Talladega Superspeedway with a speed of 212.577 mph, and Kara Hendrick’s TQ Midget which was restored by her brother, NASCAR driver Kenny Hendrick. Artifacts include Jutta Kleinschmidt’s helmet, shoes and gloves from her win in the 2001 Paris Dakar Rally, sports car and open wheel legend Desire Wilson’s helmet, shoes, and trophy, and a race suit worn by Sarah Fisher in the IZOD IndyCar Series. An interactive kiosk is setup so that visitors to the exhibit can read in depth biographies and see additional photos of the drivers, along with a glossary of racing terms, a list of driving schools and sanctioning bodies. More info at daytona500experience.com.(DIS)(1-26-2010)

Mayor of Speedweeks announced: The votes have been tallied and Ormond Beach resident Gordon Goodman has been declared Mayor of Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks 2010. Goodman’s 100-word essay on “Why I Should Be Mayor” was selected by Facebook users as the winner of the annual contest held by Daytona International Speedway. "I’ve wanted to be Mayor for a long time,” said Goodman. “I’m so happy and proud. If you want an ambassador for Daytona, you got the right person.” Goodman, an avid NASCAR fan who calls local radio stations to give race reports often, has NASCAR memorabilia in every room of his house. Unique aspects of Goodman’s home include a rendering of the tri-oval at Daytona International Speedway on one wall. “In 1967, as a little kid, we had (ABC’s) ‘Wild World of Sports’ (on the television) and I happened to be walking through the living room of the house and they had a little bit of the Daytona 500 going on,” said Goodman. “I just stopped and started watching. I’ve been infatuated every since.” Goodman will wave the flag at the Rolex 24 At Daytona practice session to officially get Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks 2010 underway as his first duty as Mayor. Other Mayor of Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks perks for Goodman include Pre-Race/Sprint FANZONE access for the Daytona 500, two tickets to the Daytona 500 Experience, an invitation to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Driver’s Meeting and a chance to be part of the Gatorade Victory Lane celebration at NASCAR’s most prestigious race – the 52nd running of the Daytona 500. Tickets for all of Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks events, including the Daytona 500, are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(1-19-2010)

Ford Mustang to pace the Daytona 500: Pacing the field for the 2010 Daytona 500 on February 14th will be a specially prepared one-of-a-kind 2011 Mustang GT powered by the all-new 5.0-liter V-8 engine producing 412 horsepower. This will mark the first time in 40 years a Ford Motor Company product has paced the field at the Daytona 500. The last Ford product to be a pace car at the Daytona 500 was the 1970 Torino GT convertible. The 2011 Mustang GT pace car will receive a special Daytona 500 Race Red paint scheme with Blue/White Lemans stripes, Ford Racing suspension, strut tower brace, mufflers, unique painted wheels and special interior treatment including lighted sill plates. This Mustang will be an actual production car with an early VIN and will be among the first 2011 models available to the public. Also this Mustang (Lot # 1295.1) will be offered for auction at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction on Saturday January 23rd. All Proceeds over MSRP will go to help cure childhood diabetes through a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. One lucky bidder will have the opportunity to own the actual pace car prior to the race and will get to see their car pacing the field on February 14th.(Mustang Heaven)(1-17-2010)

Palin to make VIP appearance at Daytona 500: Former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin will be a VIP guest at next month's Daytona 500. Daytona International Speedway president Robin Braig says Palin will make her first appearance at NASCAR's most storied track the day before she serves as guest speaker at the city's annual chamber of commerce dinner. Palin won't have any official role in the Daytona 500, but the former Alaska governor will be introduced at the pre-race drivers meeting along with other celebrities. Braig says track officials checked with NASCAR's political advisers before signing off on Palin's visit. Braig says the reaction was to "showcase her just as much as we would our mayor, our governor or our senators."(Associated Press)(1-17-2010)

McGraw to lead Daytona 500 Pre-Race: Grammy-winning country star Tim McGraw will be revving his vocal engine on the Daytona 500 Pre-Race Show. McGraw will perform three songs at the pre-race extravaganza leading up to the start of the 52nd annual Daytona 500. "Tim McGraw is one of the most popular entertainers in the world and we're thrilled to have him perform the Daytona 500 Pre-Race Show," Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said.(ET Online)(1-15-2010)

Special tix deal for Daytona 500 in honor of Waltrip: On Sunday, Feb. 14, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver and two-time Daytona 500 champion Michael Waltrip will begin his 25th year in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at the sport’s biggest race – the Daytona 500. And to mark that special occasion, Daytona International Speedway and Waltrip, who captured the Daytona 500 in 2001 and 2003, are joining forces with a special Michael Waltrip Daytona 500 Celebration Offer.
The package, available for $129, includes:
· A ticket to the 52nd annual Daytona 500
· Question and answer session with Waltrip on the morning of the Daytona 500
· Celebration party with Waltrip, featuring cakes, beverages and other giveaway items
· Autographed commemorative event ticket
· And each race fan that purchases a Michael Waltrip Daytona 500 Celebration Offer ticket will be entered to win a chance to become an honorary pit crew member during the 2010 Daytona 500.
Waltrip said he hopes it’s a special day for all of the fans as well as his NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota. “The Daytona 500 is the greatest race in the world, my favorite race, and the race that defines my career,” Waltrip said. “I’m humbled that the speedway is honoring my 25th season with a commemorative ticket package. I very much look forward to meeting the fans race morning and then going after my third 500 win that afternoon.” Track officials said the offer will give fans a chance at a rare opportunity to talk with a two-time race winner the morning of the race. “Michael Waltrip is part of an exclusive club of Daytona 500 champions,” Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. “Beginning his 25th year with NASCAR’s biggest race is certainly going to be a special moment and this ticket package is going to deliver a unique and memorable experience to race fans.” The Michael Waltrip Daytona 500 Celebration Offer is available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/mwr or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(1-4-2010)

2010 Daytona 500 Artwork and Program Unveiled: Commissioned by Daytona International Speedway, internationally known artist Jay Koka has completed designing the artwork and event program cover for Speedweeks 2010 and the 52nd annual Daytona 500. Koka’s artwork depicts the 2009 Daytona 500-winning car – Matt Kenseth’s #17 Roush Fenway Racing Ford – and runner-up finisher Kevin Harvick’s #29 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet racing side-by-side through around historic Daytona International Speedway. Koka has been a featured artist and poster artist for many international automotive events including the famed Pebble Beach and Meadow Brook Concours, Bloomington Gold, Reading Ferrari Concours, Eyes on Design, Ferrari Club of America Annual Meets and the Cavallino Ferrari Classic of Palm Beach. Koka is a 22-year member and serves on the Board of the Automotive Fine Arts Society. He enjoyed a successful corporate career in marketing prior to the formation of his studio in 1985, which is located near Toronto. Tickets for all Speedweeks 2010 events are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(12-31-2009)

Daytona's dirt track opens: The new dirt track at Daytona International Speedway opened for business Monday and competitors said it had the same feel of the old oval at Municipal Stadium. "It is a quarter-mile lime-rock course," Speedway spokesman Andrew Booth said. "It's the same dirt they had over there. They pulled it out of the stadium and brought it over here." The flat track was built in less than three months outside Turns 1 and 2 of the Speedway tri-oval course. The World Karting Association held a day of practice Monday at the new racetrack before two days of racing. Booth said the area would be used for motor home parking for Speed Weeks. The DIS operations department will have about two weeks to put the track back together for flat-track motorcycle races in March.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(12-30-2009)

NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fests return to Daytona: The top NASCAR stars will gather at historic Daytona International Speedway on Jan. 15-16 for the annual NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fests, which give race fans a sneak preview on the new NASCAR racing season as well as Speedweeks 2010 and the 52nd annual Daytona 500.
On those dates, race fans will be able to get their “racing fix” prior to Speedweeks 2010 and the 52nd annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 14 with numerous activities with their favorite drivers from the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series in the Sprint FANZONE located in the heart of the “World Center of Racing.”
Among the activities planned for both days include:
* Interactive fan forums
* Autograph sessions
* Show cars, displays, music
* Online auction
* Blood drive
* Richard Petty Driving Experience
* SPEED Channel personalities on site broadcasting all of the festivities
Ticket information, driver appearance schedules and more details about the NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fests will be released in the coming months. For ticket information for all Speedweeks 2010 events, call 1-800-PITSHOP or go online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS)(12-5-2009)

Daytona Enhancing The Superstretch Experience: As part of its ongoing effort to continue improving the race-day experience at the “World Center of Racing,” Daytona International Speedway will add a new interactive fan area adjacent to the Superstretch grandstands outside Turn 3. Construction on the enhancements has already started and will be completed in time for the 52nd annual Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Feb. 14. Included in the 136,000-square foot interactive fan area will be amenities such as a go-kart track, kids play area, Ferris Wheel, show cars and a fan hospitality area called the SPEED Trackside Tavern, among other attractions. The enhancements will necessitate the removal of grandstand seats on the Superstretch, which will be utilized at other International Speedway Corporation facilities in the future. Also for the 2010 DAYTONA 500, ticket options on the Superstretch have been made even more affordable for race fans, with the popular $55 seating area expanded to include additional rows. Single-day DAYTONA 500 admission and new lower prices have been implemented on all other Superstretch seats. The Superstretch enhancement comes on the heels of two other fan-friendly initiatives recently announced. Already under construction is phase one of the frontstretch renovation on the old dog track property behind the Keech and Lockhart Grandstands that will deliver amenities such as:
* Two additional gate entrances
* Relocation of the Turn 1 tram stop closer to the center of the frontstretch grandstands
* New exterior pedestrian boulevard that will eventually stretch from Turn 1 to Turn 4
* New and improved directional signage, landscaping and lighting
Additionally, a new start time has been announced for the 2010 Daytona 500. In response to the race fans’ desire for an earlier start time for NASCAR’s signature event, “The Great American Race” is scheduled for a 1:00 pm/et start –2 ½ hours earlier than 2009 and the earliest start for the Daytona 500 since 2003. Tickets for the 52nd annual Daytona 500, which start at $55, as well as other Speedweeks 2010 events, are available at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(11-27-2009)

Daytona offering exclusive ticket deals during after-Thanksgiving sale: The days following the Thanksgiving holiday are known around the country as the best time of the year for shoppers to find bargains. For race fans, there will be two exclusive deals to choose from in Daytona International Speedway’s After-Thanksgiving Sale on Friday, Nov. 27 and Monday, Nov. 30. On those days only, Daytona International Speedway is offering a pair of exclusive $45 ticket packages for the Gatorade Duel on Thursday, Feb. 11 and the Budweiser Shootout, which is part of a racing tripleheader on Saturday, Feb. 6.
The Budweiser Shootout package includes a ticket to the tripleheader day of racing that includes the electric All-Star race, the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 ARCA event and Daytona 500 Qualifying Presented By Kroger as well as admission to the Pre-Race Party featuring an appearance by Kasey Kahne, Hooters wings and beverages (savings of over 35%). The Gatorade Duel package includes a ticket to the 150-mile qualifying races that set the field for the Daytona 500 and a Pre-Race/Sprint FANZONE access pass (a savings of over 45%).
For race fans that strike early and purchase either package on Friday, Nov. 27 between 9 a.m. and noon, they will also receive free shipping (a savings of $14).
Other great deals currently being offered by DIS that can make for great stocking stuffers include:
* Tickets for the wild and unpredictable NextEra Energy Resources 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Friday night, Feb. 12 start at $39, a reduction from $50 from the 2009 event
* SPEED Trackside Tavern, available for $99 per ticket, is located in the new interactive fan area in the Superstretch and includes a ticket to the 52nd annual Daytona 500, all-you-can-eat hamburgers and hot dogs, unlimited Coca-Cola products and Dasani water and appearances by SPEED Channel personalities.
* Children 12 and under are free in Sprint FANZONE during Speedweeks 2010 and free in the general admission areas at the Budweiser Shootout, Gatorade Duel At Daytona and NextEra Energy Resources 250. To purchase tickets to any of the Daytona International Speedway’s events, call 1-800-PITSHOP or visit daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS)(11-26-2009)

Coke Zero Tickets on sale: On Saturday, Nov. 7, race fans will have their first opportunity to purchase tickets for Daytona International Speedway’s racing doubleheader on July 3, 2010 – the 52nd annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and the Rolex Series 250 Grand-Am sports car race. Single-day Sprint Tower seats are available starting at $150 and ticket prices for frontstretch grandstand seats start at $40. Also available beginning on Saturday, Nov. 7 will be tickets to the Subway Jalapeno 250 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Friday night, July 2, where the new NASCAR Nationwide Series car will make its race debut. To buy tickets or more info, go to www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(11-7-2009)

Construction begins on Daytona Frontstretch Renovation: Construction on phase one of Daytona International Speedway’s frontstretch renovation will begin this week. Phase one of the frontstretch renovation will be focused on the old dog track property located behind the Keech and Lockhart Grandstands and will include new fan amenities such as:
* Two additional gate entrances
* Relocation of the Turn 1 tram stop closer to the center of the frontstretch grandstands
* New exterior pedestrian boulevard that will eventually stretch from Turn 1 to Turn 4
* New and improved directional signage, landscaping and lighting
Construction is expected to be completed for Speedweeks 2010 and the 52nd annual Daytona 500. Tickets for the 52nd annual Daytona 500, which start at $55, as well as other Speedweeks 2010 events, are available at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(11-2-2009)

Daytona catchfences get taller: Talladega Superspeedway and Daytona International Speedway are raising the height of their catch fences from 14 feet to 22 feet after analyzing their safety barriers following the accident that sent Carl Edwards flying into the Talladega fence in April. Talladega will get the frontstretch portion of its fence completed before its Oct. 30-Nov. 1 race weekend and will do the backstretch during the offseason. Daytona, which has no more NASCAR races this year, will complete its new fence on both the frontstretch and backstretch by mid-January. Other enhancements have been made to the fences at other tracks owned by International Speedway Corp., the parent company of both Talladega and Daytona, but neither [Talladega Superspeedway President Rick] Humphrey nor DIS President Robin Braig would go into more details.(SceneDaily)(10-6-2009)

Terrorist threat did not exist at DIS: A state trooper was named Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for July 2008, cited for "excellent training, experience, investigative techniques, and self-motivation," that led to the arrests of four "potential terrorists who may have been targeting the Daytona International Speedway." But the FBI said Friday that while Trooper William Cain did the right thing when he reported the men to the FBI and a Florida Department of Law Enforcement Joint Terrorism Task Force, the men were not arrested and did not pose a threat. "Several individuals were interviewed and, after it was determined that no immediate terrorist threat existed, those individuals were released," said Special Agent Jeff Westcott of the FBI's Jacksonville office. It all started with Cain's observations of the men photographing the speedway three days before the Coke Zero 400 and escalated when Cain rain the tag on their minivan and the registration matched a name on a terrorism watch list. FHP spokeswoman Sgt. Kim Montes said the incident is an open investigation and any information about the traffic stop is not public record.(Orlando Sentinel)(9-12-2009)

Daytona 500 Qualifying moved to Saturday: Daytona 500 Qualifying Presented By Kroger, which secures the prestigious front row for the 52nd annual Daytona 500, will be part of a tripleheader day of racing on Saturday, Feb. 6, joining the 32nd annual Budweiser Shootout and Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 during Speedweeks 2010. Daytona 500 Qualifying Presented By Kroger, which is traditionally scheduled on the Sunday prior to the Daytona 500, will kick off activities on Saturday, Feb. 6 at 1:05 p.m. on FOX, followed by the season-opening Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 for the ARCA Series at 4:30 p.m. on SPEED, and the Budweiser Shootout at 8:10 p.m. on FOX.(Daytona PR)(8-28-2009)

Daytona to construct dirt track: Daytona International Speedway will construct a quarter-mile dirt track located outside Turns 1 and 2 in the West Lot. The project was necessitated by the City of Daytona Beach’s redevelopment plans for Municipal Stadium, which includes replacing the dirt used for the Flat Track racing events with sports turf. Construction on the quarter-mile dirt track, which will be made up of lime rock, will start in the early fall and be completed in time for next year’s March 3-4 AMA Pro Racing Flat Track motorcycle events, which are a part of 2010 Daytona 200 Week By Honda. The new dirt track at Daytona International Speedway, which can also be utilized for other events such as the high performance karts from the World Karting Association, will have more than 5,000 temporary seats and lighting will be provided by Musco Lighting. For more information and tickets on all Daytona International Speedway events, go online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(8-5-2009)