While I’m not a rabid NASCAR or motor sports fan, I am a jock and enjoy all sports. When I mentioned to David that I wanted to go to Daytona USA to see the NASCAR exhibits, he was willing to indulge my vacation whim. Besides, there wasn’t anything really planned for our day, so why not?? After it was said and done, he was very happy to have taken the trip from Orlando over to Daytona Beach.
Daytona USA is an attraction that pays tribute to the history of Daytona International Speedway and the early vision of Bill France, Sr., the founder of NASCAR. When we first learned that the admission price was $24 per person, we admittedly felt that was a bit pricey for what we expected to see. I’m happy to say, we were sadly mistaken! We both felt afterwards that the value for the experiences and the quality of the interactive exhibits were exceptional.
Once we were inside, we wanted to make sure that we were back from the track tour for the 3pm show in the IMAX Theater. There really is a lot to see and do. The tram tour out into the speedway infield was a special treat. With IRL teams on-site testing and practicing, there were a small number of motor homes and people throughout the infield. The continual buzzing of cars running test laps was deafening. I was able to catch a couple of photos of cars as they came through turns three and four. Not bad since I was shooting with my new pocket digital camera (Canon SD600), which has some limited capabilities. In the photo attached to this review is Sam Hornish, Jr. and his #6 Indy race car as it navigates the 31 degree banked turn four.
Back at the main building of Daytona USA, we first visited the Winner’s Circle where the 2006 Daytona 500 Champion Jimmy Johnson’s car was on display. In the same condition post race nearly a year ago, you can see the sticky champagne, confetti, and track dirt covering the Lowe’s #48. Above the car is a continuous loop video of race footage from last year’s race.
Many of the displays are intended to educate fans on the sport. Everything from this history of NASCAR racing and its heroes, to the technological advances throughout the years in order to improve on safety. You could really feel the significance of this after the 2001 death of superstar Dale Earnhardt, Sr. In the middle of the exhibit area is a breakaway model of Jeff Gordon’s DUPONT #24 car. As the video plays and describes the various aspects of construction of a NASCAR race car, the DUPONT #24 lifts a layer off to allow you to see what they are describing. It was a very cool way to show fans all of the intricate details that go into building a race car.
There are also several participatory experiences that guests can partake in. While we passed on the 16 Second Pit Stop, we enjoyed watching others play crew members in the pit. If you don’t think these professionals are athletes, you need to see how they train and what is physically demanded of them. The most passive experience at Daytona USA is the Dream Laps, which is essentially a ride much like many of those over at Disney or Universal. You sit in a car with around 10 other people. The car moves while the screen in front of you plays the “race” which you are riding shotgun in. It has a lot of realistic effects that creates the illusion of being in the race, right along side the driver of the fictitious Daytona #15 car. Of course, “we” win the race, beating out Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
The other simulator is more of a participative activity and requires an additional $5 ticket. In Acceleration Alley you are the actual driver racing on the famed Daytona Int’l Speedway, competing with other drivers. After your race, you receive a certificate with your finishing position and average miles per hour. There are height restrictions on this one, so the little ones under 52” cannot participate.
In the IMAX Theater, all guests are treated to two wonderful movies about NASCAR and the Daytona 500. First is a 15-minute film entitled “Daytona 500: The Movie,” which tells of NASCAR’s early starts from moonshine running in the south to what is the largest spectator sport in the USA today. After that, you put on your 3D glasses and sit back for the loud and fast movie “NASCAR 3D: The IMAX Experience.” Narrated by Keifer Sutherland, this is a fast action film that puts you right in the action along with other drivers as they prepare for and compete on the NASCAR circuit around America. It is really amazing how much goes into creating a competitive race team. The movie was both entertaining and educational.
Of course what would a Florida tourist attraction be without a souvenir and gift shop? Anything NASCAR is available here too. Only being casual fans, we were able to escape without buying something logo’ed with a driver’s name or car on it.
As far as I’m concerned, this is a “MUST DO” if you are in the area. As I first stated, we were a bit skeptical about spending the $24 per person. Afterwards however, we felt this was a wonderful experience and something that we’re very glad that we did.