Daytona USA is an interactive, museum-type attraction which draws thousands of visitors annually. It's located near the Daytona Speedway in Florida.
Indianapolis isn't the only place where auto racing is king. Daytona Beach can hold it's own any day. Interest in motor sports has reached an all-time high in our nation and Daytona Beach has capitalized on that popularity with their award-winning Daytona USA. A motorsports theme attraction, the 50,000 square foot facility offers hands-on and interactive activities perfect for families. Regardless of your age or racing knowledge, you can spend an entertaining hour or two here. It's located just outside Daytona International Speedway's fourth turn.
Racing became a regular pastime along the beaches in this area of Florida at the turn of the 20th century. The drivers were drawn to the hard-packed sand and you can still drive on the beach today. Ormond Beach, just north of Daytona Beach was given the nickname as the
"birthplace of speed," because of the various land speed records set there. The beaches provided the scene for more than 30 years of speed trials. The final land speed record runs were held in March 1935 with the triumph of Sir Malcolm Campbell and his famous Bluebird V. The speed runs then moved to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.
In 1947, the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing was founded in Daytona Beach. Motorsports gained even more momentum in 1959, with the opening of the Daytona
International Speedway.
Each year Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway culminates with the running of the Daytona 500, called the Great American Race. Winning the Daytona 500 is the ultimate goal of every NASCAR Winston Cup driver. Hundreds of thousands of fans flock to Daytona Beach each February for Speedweeks and to witness firsthand who will win the world's greatest auto race.
Summers bring the weekend of the All-American family fun with the most spectacular night race in the Winston Cup series, the Pepsi 400. Fans can celebrate the Fourth of July weekend in high style with thrilling NASCAR racing action under 2,205 light fixtures and experience a fireworks show, which is second to none.
Make your first stop at Daytona USA, the film appropriately titled: The Daytona 500. Called the "signature experience," the cinematic excursion takes you behind the scenes of the big day. This production definitely captures the adrenaline rush and activity of race day. Film makers had nearly 30 hours of film to screen and the tough task of editing all the material down to just 14 minutes. Their primary goal, to put the viewer right in the middle of the action, was
accomplished. No big race fan myself, I still came away from the film mesmerized. You can't help but get caught up in the excitement.
Although I had previously seen the high banks on the track, I was still astonished at the display which shows actual race cars perched on the 31-degree banking. Seeing it on the TV screen doesn't do justice to this incredibly steep incline. It's clear why they've been labeled, "flying cars."
As a history buff, I particularly enjoyed the historical exhibit, which depicted the early days of racing in Daytona. Authentic race cars, including Sir Malcolm Campbell's original Bluebird V, a vehicle which set the 1935 world land speed record on Daytona Beach, are on display.
NASCAR drivers at Daytona know winning the race means losing their prized vehicle, at least temporarily. The morning after the Daytona 500, the winning car goes to Daytona USA and remains there under the bright lights for one year. Avid race fans line up to pose for pictures next to the vehicle.
At the Daytona USA interactive gallery you will find different online features that will bring the excitement and speed of DAYTONA USA to your computer screen.
The first online feature of the interactive gallery is the "International Speedway Challenge" game. This is a high-tech racing game that puts you in the driver's seat at Daytona International Speedway! Race around the speedway and try to take the checkered flag at the "World Center of Racing." As with most computer games, this is a big hit with the younger set.
One of the newer additions to DAYTONA USA is the MRN broadcast studio. The attraction is the official broadcast home of Motorsports Radio Network (MRN). Guests can take a virtual audio lap with MRN through a 3-D Sensation Sound presentation which literally shakes the ground with racing activity.
Daytona USA is also home to the 4th Turn Grill, the Pit Stop souvenir and apparel store and the Daytona SpeedPlay electronic entertainment center.
In 1997, Daytona USA was honored with a Themed Entertainment Association THEA Award of Outstanding Achievement. This award is the "Oscars" of the entertainment industry.
You may want to combine your visit with a thirty-minute track tour, weather permitting. You'll visit Pit Road, the Start/Finish line, and the 31-degree banking on turn four and of course Victory Lane. Tickets for the track tour are sold separately.
True blue racing fans might want to check out the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Okay, the Speedway Tour sounds great, but you are looking for something a little more exciting. Well, DAYTONA USA has the ride for you: the Richard Petty Driving Experience! This three-lap
ride has you braving Daytona's daunting high banks with professional driver at speeds of 150 miles-per-hour. If this does not get your heart pumping with excitement, nothing will.
