The Excitement of the Daytona 500 and Speedweeks

The Daytona 500, often dubbed as the "Great American Race," is a spectacle that transcends the realm of motorsports. This 500-mile NASCAR Cup Series event marks the beginning of the racing season with unmatched energy and fervor and has been held at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach every February since 1982 — just 30 miles south of the Beach Front Motel along the Atlantic Coast. When you book your stay with us for the Daytona 500, you might want to plan a few extra days to take advantage of the week-long extravaganza known as Speedweeks, full of racing and festivities leading up to the headline event.

Fans from all 50 states and more than 40 different countries flock to Daytona Beach every February to see which driver will be the next to hoist the Harley J. Earl trophy as the winner and join the ranks of racing greats like Richard Petty, Cale Yarborough, Bobby Allison, Jeff Gordon and Denny Hamlin. This year's race, set for Feb. 18, is sure to be another action-packed thriller from start to finish, with recently crowned NASCAR Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney battling it out against an entire field of hungry drivers.

The "Great American Race" is just one event taking place in a multi-day swing of vigorous racing at the World Center of Racing during Speedweeks. Speedweeks opens with the Daytona 500 qualifying races on Feb. 14. The iconic speedway transforms into a hive of activity, as teams fine-tune their strategies. Qualifying not only sets the front row for the big race, but also the field for a set of head-to-head battles in the Bluegreen Vacations Duel at Daytona on Thursday, Feb. 15, where drivers vie for coveted positions on the starting grid for the 66th running of the Daytona 500.

The intensity continues to ramp up as the Craftsman Truck Series season-opening Fresh From Florida 250 takes the green flag on Friday, Feb. 16. Then on Saturday, fans get a jam-packed day of on-track action with the ARCA Menards and United Rentals 300 Series double-header. Drivers in all three series will look to begin their year with a win.

Yet, it's the Daytona 500 that steals the spotlight. The culmination of Speedweeks, this race is a 500-mile test of endurance, skill and strategy. The roar of engines, the thunderous applause of the crowd, and the thrill of high-speed duels create an electrifying atmosphere that is unparalleled — making the Daytona 500 one of the greatest motorsports events in the world.

Beyond the on-track action, Speedweeks offers fans a chance to engage in a myriad of activities. Fan zones, autograph sessions and interactive exhibits bring enthusiasts closer to the heart of NASCAR. The Fan Zone on the track's infield offers live entertainment, driver appearances, access to the pre-race show, and more. Then there's the Midway, where you can find entertainment, merchandise vendors, show cars on display, live music, driving simulators, and food and beverage options. Be sure to check out One Daytona, the new shopping, dining and entertainment complex directly across from Daytona International Speedway. During Speedweeks, the venue will have a fantastic lineup of live entertainment with country, southern rock and blues music for racing fans to enjoy. All in all, the camaraderie among fans, the shared excitement and the sense of belonging make Speedweeks more than a racing event — it's a community gathering.

The Daytona 500 and Speedweeks are not only a showcase of speed and skill, but also a celebration of the human spirit's relentless pursuit of excellence. Historic performances, spectacular finishes and amazing memories await you in Florida this February for an adrenaline-pumping experience you will never forget.