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Quick Facts

  • The Event: The Daytona 500
  • Location: Daytona Beach, Fla.
  • Date: Feb. 18, 2007
  • Results (Top 5): 1. Kevin Harvick, 2. Mark Martin, 3. Jeff Burton, 4. Mike Wallace, 5. David Ragan
  • Attendance: 185,000 (approximately 250,000 including the infield)
  • Vantage point: The Infield, a 180-acre expanse inside the 2.5-mile tri-oval

Most sports hold their biggest event at the end of the season, a conclusion to crown a champion. Not so with NASCAR, whose biggest event opens the year—and does so with a bang. Every February, NASCAR returns to the city where Bill France Sr. brought it to fruition back in 1947, for the annual running of the Daytona 500. For the drivers, the chance to become immortalized alongside legendary winners like Dale Earnhardt, Richard Petty and Cale Yarborough serves as grand motivation. The sport’s largest purse doesn’t hurt, either. And for passionate NASCAR fans, if you haven’t attended a Daytona 500, you haven’t seen the best that stock car racing has to offer.

More than any other part of Daytona International Speedway, the 180-acre infield is the central location for some of the finest parties, tailgates and traditions of the event. Each year, upwards of 70,000 fans pack the interior of the track, ranging anywhere from two- to 14 day-stays during Daytona’s Speedweeks. Whether you’re pitching a tent outside your car or driving in a luxury motor coach, there’s something for everybody. Stick to the basics and you’ll get some classic eats, southern rock, wheelbarrow races and plenty of liquids to keep warm. (February in northern Florida can be unpredictable). If you get a chance, wander to the track’s unique 29-acre Lake Lloyd and check out your favorite drivers in a Saturday morning bass-fishing contest or take in some waterskiing and speedboat shows. When the sun goes down, venture to Turn 3 to see how NASCAR fans let loose and party. If you go, be sure to bring an appetite and your walking shoes. Next year is the race’s 50th anniversary, so leave your inhibitions back at home. (Don’t forget to plan those vacation days early.)