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10 Racing-Themed Attractions & History in Daytona Beach, FL

Daytona Beach has a long history of drawing racing enthusiasts to the area.

Daytona International Speedway is known as the “World Center of Racing” and nearby, Ormond Beach is known as the “Birthplace of Speed” for the first speed tournaments dating back to the early 1900s.

I’m sharing more about racing-themed attractions and historic stops in Daytona Beach, FL that racing fans, history lovers, and the racing curious will want to check out.

Daytona International Speedway Track Tour

Thanks again to Visit Daytona Beach for hosting my visit. All opinions are my own. This article contains affiliate links.

1. Speedway Tour at Daytona International Speedway

International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL

You can learn more about the history of the Daytona International Speedway during a track tour. you don’t have to be a big racing fan to find the tour interesting.

Daytona International Speedway Track Tour

The Speedway tour lasts around an hour and guests ride in an open-air tram.

Highlights of the Speedway Tour include:

  • Learning about racing history and access to areas of the Speedway behind the scenes.
  • Riding on the track
  • Stopping at the historic start/finish line!
  • A closer view of the Pit Road and a close-up view of the pit stalls
  • A photo opp at Victory Lane
  • You can get your picture taken with the Champion DAYTONA 500 Car!
Daytona International Speedway

The tours are sold on a first-come, first-served basis with limited capacity. The tours leave promptly at their scheduled time so make sure you arrive early

Check their website for modified and unavailable tour dates before you go.

*All tour dates and times are subject to change without notice and tours may be altered or closed due to facility operational requirements or event preparations. The start/finish line and pit road experiences depend on-track activity and will not occur if events are scheduled.

Daytona International Speedway Track Tour

How Big is Daytona International Speedway?

Daytona International Speedway has a 2.5-mile tri-oval track. There is 18-degree banking on the start/finish line and 31-degree banking on the turns.

You’ll have an even greater appreciation of the race drivers’ skill with a closer view of the 31-degree high bank turns.

Save on Your Daytona International Speedway Track Tour Here
Daytona International Speedway Track Tour

During our tour, we also got a closer look at Victory Lane. We couldn’t stand on the stage but could stand in front of it.

Daytona International Speedway Track Tour

You can enjoy another perspective of the race track from the stands on the Speedway tour.

Daytona International Speedway Track Tour

The chairs in the stands are bright and colorful for television so the stands look full during a race when the camera pans to the crowd.

Daytona International Speedway has approximately 101,500 permanent seats.

Daytona International Speedway Track Tour

Make sure you pack a Sharpie marker because you may have an opportunity to sign the start/finish line on the track.

Daytona International Speedway Track Tour

The time on the track during the tour goes quickly so be ready with your phone or camera if you want pictures.

*All Speedway tours conclude with access to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.

Daytona International Speedway Track Tour

Additional Tours & Experiences Offered at the Daytona International Speedway

  • VIP Tour – 2.5-hour tour includes visiting the NASCAR Archives & Research Center, Press Box, the Axalta Injector, and the infield of Daytona International Speedway on select days.
  • NASCAR Ride Along Experience – 3 laps or 6 laps on the track with a professional racing driver
  • Track Time– Drive on the race track ranging from 5 minutes on the track solo to 48 minutes on the track.

If you’ve never been to a NASCAR race before I recommend going to at least one.

Save on NASCAR Daytona 500 Tickets with Transportation Here

Attending a NASCAR race is truly an experience!

Motorsports Hall of Fame of America Daytona Beach

2. Explore the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America

Located in: Daytona International Speedway

1801 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL

Your Speedway Tour includes the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America housed inside the Daytona International Speedway.

There are additional admission options if you miss the last tour of the day or can’t take the tour.

Motorsports Hall of Fame of America Daytona Beach

The museum has bragging rights as the only place in the world where you can view all the forms of motorsports under one roof.

Motorsports Hall of Fame of America Daytona Beach

Guests will see exhibits showcasing Stock Cars, Sports Cars, Open Wheel, Motorcycles, Drag Racing, Off-Road, Land Speed Records, Powerboating, and Aviation.

Motorsports Hall of Fame of America Daytona Beach

You can search for familiar race drivers on the Wall of Winners.

Motorsports Hall of Fame of America

Race fans will love all the memorabilia and artifacts, including 250+ bronze sculptures of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America inductees.

previous race car winner Daytona 500

Fans also have an opportunity to see the winning DAYTONA 500 car from a closer vantage point.

previous race car winner Daytona 500

The previous Daytona 500-winning race car is brought in as is. Confetti, dents and all.

exhibit at Motorsports Hall of Fame of America

One of my favorite parts of the museum was the opportunity to stand on a portion of asphalt that was previously a remnant of the original A1A Highway.

exhibit at Motorsports Hall of Fame of America

This section of highway was part of the famous Beach-Road Course in Daytona.

North Turn Daytona Beach

3. Visit the North Turn Historic Marker

The intersection of South Atlantic Avenue and North Turn Approach, oceanside. Next to 4511 S Atlantic Ave, Port Orange, FL

 North Turn Daytona Beach

Speaking of the original race course. There are a few historic markers that you’ll want to make a stop at.

 North Turn Daytona Beach

You can stand where racing on the beach history began.

North Turn Daytona Beach

The North Turn historic marker states:

“This is the site of the original North Turn of the famous Ponce Inlet Beach road course.

The National Association of Stock Car Racing (NASCAR) was formed in 1948 and sanctioned automobile racing on this course from 1948 through 1958.

Sanctioned motorcycle racing was conducted on this course from 1948 until 1960.

Vehicles racing on the 4.1-mile beach road course would travel north on the hard-packed sand beach, turning left through the banked sand north turn, and then travel south on the two-lane paved Atlantic Avenue until they reached the start/finish line at the banked south turn, thus completing one lap.”
 

Racing's North Turn Daytona Beach

4. Dine at a Historic Location at Racing’s North Turn

4511 S. Atlantic Avenue, Ponce Inlet, FL

Racing's North Turn Daytona Beach

Racing’s North Turn is a popular restaurant on the beach next to the North Turn.

Racing's North Turn Daytona Beach

You can dine at the exact location where racing history began in Daytona Beach.

Racing's North Turn Daytona Beach

Inside the restaurant, you’ll see photographs and memorabilia that help share the area’s racing history.

Racing's North Turn Daytona Beach

You’ll want to allow time to look at all of the racing treasures featured.

Racing's North Turn Daytona Beach

The photo overlay on two of the windows at the restaurant helps you visualize what the beach would have looked like during its prime.

Racing's North Turn Daytona Beach

There is also a map to help give you a point of reference for where the Beach Race Course was previously located.

Super charged shrimp tacos at Racing's North Turn

You’ll find great menu options at Racing’s North Turn during lunch and dinner. I recommend their Super Charged Shrimp Tacos if you like a little kick.

Racing's North Turn Daytona Beach

Check their website for updates on upcoming events and live music.

Racing's North Turn Daytona Beach

There is a large deck that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean if you want to dine outside or there is plenty of seating inside as well.

South Turn Daytona Beach

5. South Turn Historic Marker

The South Turn Historic Marker is located at the intersection of South Atlantic Avenue and Beach Street.

South Turn Daytona Beach

You can see the historic marker on your way to or from the Beach Street Access point.

South Turn Daytona Beach

The marker states the same inscription as the North Turn marker. I think it’s still interesting as another point of reference for the race course distance.

Brickyard Lounge and Grill

6. Themed Dining at Brickyard Lounge and Grill

747 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL

The Brickyard Lounge & Grill opened in 1993 and was previously the home of the Flame Lounge.

Brickyard Lounge and Grill Daytona Beach Florida

The menu features American classics including salads, sandwiches, wings, and burgers. (They are known for their burgers)

In the early 80s Brickyard Lounge and Grill owner Renny Miles sold NASCAR-themed apparel that he and a friend produced by themselves and had their merchandise seized by the founder of NASCAR, Bill France Sr.

Bill France Jr. heard stories about the incident from his dad and wanted to meet Renny “the brash entrepreneur” when he found out about his new restaurant.

He became a regular customer and brought NASCAR team owners and drivers to the restaurant over the years.

Brickyard Lounge and Grill

The restaurant walls have images of previous race cars and guests with a racing connection.

Streamline Hotel Daytona Beach

7. A Historic Meeting at the Streamline Hotel

140 S Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL

On December 14, 1947, the founder of NASCAR, Bill France Sr. organized a historic meeting at the Streamline Hotel.

photograph at Streamline Hotel Daytona Beach

The topic was the future of stock car racing, resulting in the birth of NASCAR, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing.

Streamline Hotel Daytona Beach

The hotel has claimed bragging rights as the Birthplace of NASCAR.

Ebony Club’s rooftop hotel bar at the hotel was the location where the NASCAR contract was signed.

Streamline Hotel Daytona Beach

The Streamline opened in 1941 and has since been remodeled into a boutique hotel keeping its Art Deco style with 44 rooms.

Save on Booking Your Stay at the Streamline Hotel Here
Streamline Hotel Daytona Beach

Photos and memorabilia that tie to the area’s NASCAR history are showcased throughout the hotel.

elevator at Streamline Hotel Daytona Beach

The elevator at the hotel is like a time capsule to the past filled with 360-degree images in black and white.

rooftop at Streamline Hotel Daytona Beach

Additional amenities at The Streamline Hotel include a dinner restaurant, the Sky Rooftop Bar, and an outdoor pool that’s open year-round.

rooftop at Streamline Hotel Daytona Beach

Guests on the rooftop are treated to scenic views overlooking A1A and the Atlantic Ocean.

The hotel is located steps away from the entrance to the “World’s Most Famous Beach.”

 race car at Blue Flame Daytona Beach

8. Drink or Dine at the Blue Flame

1870 Victory Cir, Daytona Beach, FL

The Blue Flame is a great spot to grab a drink or a meal while overlooking Victory Circle.

replica race car at Blue Flame Daytona Beach

The unique decor has racing ties and plenty of photo ops.

 Blue Flame at ONE Daytona Hotel

The menu continues the racing theme with creative names for their menu items.

Blue Flame at ONE Daytona Hotel

You’ll find handcrafted cocktails, Moonshine specialties, wine, custom draft beer, and American cuisine with international influences.

Be on the lookout for their Happy Hour menu offering 50% off all appetizers and pizzas. 

rooftop at Blue Flame at ONE Daytona Hotel

The rooftop area is a great place to gather and enjoy the scenic views at ONE Daytona.

Murals at ONE Daytona

9. Race Themed Murals at ONE Daytona

North entrance to The DAYTONA hotel, located at ONE DAYTONA

1870 Victory Circle, Daytona Beach, Florida

murals at ONE Daytona Hotel

Two race-themed murals are part of the Daytona Beach Mural Trail.

mural at ONE Daytona Hotel

On one side the mural depicts the history of beach racing.

Mural at ONE Daytona

The other side shows the evolution of the sport to a race track.

There’s a lot of detail in each mural. The longer you look at the mural, the more you’ll find.

ONE Daytona Hotel

10. Stay at THE DAYTONA, Autograph Collection

1870 Victory Circle, Daytona Beach, Florida

ONE Daytona Hotel

Guests that stay at THE DAYTONA are conveniently only steps away from restaurants, entertainment, and shopping at the ONE DAYTONA entertainment district. 

ONE Daytona Hotel

THE DAYTONA has 144 rooms boasting views of Victory Lane and the Daytona International Speedway.

Save on Booking Your Stay at THE DAYTONA Here

Will You Visit All 10 Race-Themed Stops?

You can easily visit all of these race-themed stops during a visit to Daytona Beach during a 2-day visit.

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