Daytona is arguably the most iconic racetrack in the USA – there is no better place to get behind the wheel of a NASCAR.
(Photo: Adrenaline.com)
Whether it is a Days of Thunder or Daytona USA in the arcade, NASCAR is a slice of Americana that permeates across the world. NASCAR – short for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing – is quite simply one of the most exciting forms of motorsport on the planet and Daytona International Speedway is the most iconic circuit in NASCAR. There was a time when you cars were closely based to production models but now they are highly specialised machines with the drivers earnings tens of millions of dollars a year. Forget processions of cars racing around a snaking circuit, NASCAR is flat out racing on oval circuits, the cars hitting almost 200mph, door handle to door handle, all while you eat a hotdog and drink a cola a few metres away. But you don’t always have to be just watching the action. There are plenty of experiences that offer the chance to get inside a NASCAR and at the centre of the action at the Daytona International Speedway, a 2.5 mile oval circuit. Here are some of the best NASCAR driving experiences in Daytona, FL.
NASCAR Drive, 5 Minute Time Trial, Daytona International Speedway
Located at Daytona Beach, Florida, United States, about 50 miles north of Orlando, the Daytona International Speedway is arguably the most famous race track in NASCAR. This 2.5 mile oval track opened in 1959 and is home to the Daytona 500, the best-known race in NASCAR. For less than 600 bucks you too can drive this world-famous circuit in a NASCAR racecar. It might only be five minutes of track time but the memories will last a lifetime. The experience includes a full safety briefing and a souvenir racing licence. The minimum age to participate is 18 years old and you must hold a drivers licence. From $ 569.
Book at Adrenaline.com
NASCAR Ride, 3 Laps – Daytona International Speedway
(Photo: Adrenaline.com)
This is probably the cheapest way to experience NASCAR outside of a video game – and it’s infinitely better. You’ll be riding shotgun in a real NASCAR racecar with a pro driver behind the wheel. This car has plenty of pedigree too, having been driven by some of the great names of NASCAR. The experience starts with a safety briefing before you are securely strapped into your five-point harness and bucket seat and off for some exhilarating laps of the Daytona International Speedway. The car is likely to hit top speeds of 170mph around this iconic circuit. The minimum age is 14 years old but participants must be over 5ft.
Book at Adrenaline.com
Daytona International Speedway – 32 minutes track time
For a really immersive NASCAR drive where you can steadily build up your speed and confidence it helps to get a few good laps in. If you can afford it a 32-minute drive of a NASCAR is an incredible way to really get to grips with these finely-tuned machines. This experience consists of a safety briefing before you are introduced to the fully prepared racecar. There is four eight minute sessions, all back to back, taking on the 31 degrees of banking at the Daytona International Speedway. In between sessions there will be pit stops to prepare for hitting higher top speeds the next time around. From $2083.96 plus a $44.99 Drivers Fee.
Book at Nascarracingexperience.com