Daytona 24 hours, anyone been?

[G321]

My dad and I booked some flights to Orlando last night for the Daytona 24 hours. Looking at staying in one of the many hotels on the beach and hoping to get taxis rather than hiring a car, but that depends on how cheap the car hire is.
I've got as far as looking at the official website for tickets and they seem to offer a weekend admission with garage access for 75 dollars, great value!

If anyone has been and can share any tips it would be appreciated

[LukeBrown66]

A great trip, especially next year w th the new cars coming, I would perhaps choose Sebring coz of the double round scenario maybe, but Daytona is immense I gather and the nigh rcing should be epic

[hunter 66]

It is a real atmosphere there and at Daytona Beach , get a car , cheap. in the US as long way from Orlando , or can take a private's jet to the airport next door .. But amazing place . Biker bars bit of gun shooting etc lots to do .

[Chocmonster]

I've been twice, first time I stayed at a motel on the beach, second with friends.

The access to the garages, etc. is great and watching the cars on the banking at night is amazing.

Best bit of advice is take a good coat as the weather can be very cold and wet even though you're in Florida!

[G321]

Great advice, thanks for the replies all. I'll look at getting a car to get around. And will take some cold/wet weather gear. Should be an interesting race with the new cars

[Matt Harper]

I live in Central FL and have attended Rolex 24 about 10 times in the last 20 years, it's a fun event, but frankly I would give it a swerve in favor of the Mobil 12 Hours of Sebring, if I couldn't do both.

March weather is much more agreeable - you get two events for the price of one (WEC 1000 miles and IMSA 12 Hours) over the same weekend - significantly larger crowd - unlimited close-up viewing (debris fencing only where it is necessary) - iconic and historic venue - extensive support race offering - punishing circuit - massive week-long party, friendly, inclusive atmosphere. There is nothing I don't like about the 12 Hours of Sebring.

[hunter 66]

Agree great party and event , but in the middle of nowhere .......

[Matt Harper]

hunter 66 said:

Agree great party and event , but in the middle of nowhere .......

Fair comment, - the reality is that Sebring is indeed surrounded by orange groves, being around 100 miles south of Orlando, however, I'm not sure why that would be an issue. 100 miles is a commute here.

Daytona beach is 50 miles (or so) from civilization, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and somewhat skanky Volusia County on the other.

Rolex 24 has always seemed a bit desolate and disconnected to me. The Speedway is a sensory overload for the 500 because of the massive crowd and the sense of occasion - it all seems a bit 'deflated' when the grandstands are pretty much empty during the 24 hour race. It can get pretty miserable during the night too.

Sebring is a wasteland until mid-March, but then it seems to rise-up out of the ground and transform into a really exciting and energetic event. The attendance in recent years (even the covid-delayed November running) has been really impressive and getting bigger year-on-year.

The racing at both venues is first class and access is excellent at both, I do think Sebring offers way better value for money, by the way.

Edited by Matt Harper on Monday 3rd October 22:42