All signs are looking good for the Rolex 24 At Daytona. Yes, there will be some changes, but yes, we expect to see you at the Speedway–we’ll just see you from a few feet away while we’re all masked up.
The IMSA season kickoff is still on for January 28-31, 2021, with the Roar Be…
Huh, that's a lot of stuff to do with out. Will there still be a vendor area?
Oh... so there's no garage access this year at all, or do you mean you're just not doing the regular GRM tours? The Daytona website still seems kind of generic and a quick perusal didn't net me any information on what they're doing differently next month. Is there any official info from the track or IMSA yet? I'd like to know what changes they're making so I can decide if it's worth going down there.
Not sure about access for everyone else yet. We just discussed where our people can and cannot go. Look for more soon, though.
We watched the summer IMSA race from the grandstands. To be honest, it was pretty sweet--great view of the track and clean bathrooms. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
For both Sebring events this year, no spectators were allowed in the paddock area. It would surprise me if Daytona allowed spectators in the garage area.
Any information been released on infield camping?
I think this package deal has obviously lost a lot of value. For me the only perk worth going for is the infield parking pass. I'm definitely on the fence on whether or not to attend.
stevette said:I think this package deal has obviously lost a lot of value. For me the only perk worth going for is the infield parking pass. I'm definitely on the fence on whether or not to attend.
I understand your sentiment. Part of the 24 experience is visiting the garages
IF you decide to sell a pass, let me know, am still thinking of going and dont have a ticket yet.
In reply to hybridmomentspass :
I sure will.
stevette said:I think this package deal has obviously lost a lot of value. For me the only perk worth going for is the infield parking pass. I'm definitely on the fence on whether or not to attend.
We hear you and understand that everyone has to make tough decisions this year about everything from personal safety to getting the value from their investment that they're used to. It's tough for us to properly promote and event when so many things are in a perpetual holding pattern (for very valid reasons, but, still...).
Anyway, since it's kind of becoming more and more clear what we CAN'T do and visit, what CAN we do to make your visit more exciting? Watch some racing from the grandstands with a pro driver? We can probably facilitate something like that if we can figure out a way to properly distance it. (Very) small group Q&As with the staff? I'm talking like 4-5 people, which is all we're allowed to have standing around in a "cohort". But a few minutes at a time, then shuffle the next grou within six feet. I dunno. There's a lot of brain power here. We should be able to come up with some fun activities. Someone bring their PS5 to hook up to one of the tent TVs.
I totally get it and just the opportunity to hang on the fence and watch the brake rotors glow during night practice is a pretty big draw. On the other hand, it's a full day's drive and about 125 gallons of gas for the RV each way. Plus whatever the generator eats up while we're parked down there. If we only had to make a 200 mile trip, it'd still be a no-brainer regardless, but given the time and money involved, I'm on the fence. Not like a pouting because I can't get my way on the fence, just a cost-benefit kind of on the fence. The Krispy Kremes are almost worth the drive, come to think of it!
I like that you want to get creative, though! Are the garages and such totally closed to everyone, or do you get some access as members of the media? Is there any way to do garage walks via closed-circuit tv back to the tent? Could the midnight panel discussion still happen with a little more distancing? Are FM transmitters that could broadcast it to cars drive-in style reasonable enough to come by?
In reply to JG Pasterjak :
I'm sure we'll make the best of it. It's all about perspective right? ....like a glass half full. :-)
December 21 update from Daytona International Speedway:
Infield bleachers and frontstretch venue seating will continue to be general admission but with 6 ft. social distancing enforced between parties. Markers will be placed on the infield bleachers to identify where fans may sit while other measures will be in place within the frontstretch venue seating areas to ensure compliance with all protocols. Additionally, social distance markers will be placed in standing room only areas along the road course fencelines. We will also have our DIS Fan Crew (guest services) in these areas to assist you. Please note that access may be restricted to some seating areas during peak/busy times to allow for social distancing.
In addition, for the safety of our competitors and staff, the garages, paddock and pit road will be closed to fans, and the grid walk and ballfield access will also be closed to fans during pre-race activities
Unfortunately because of these required protocols, the following experiences have been cancelled:
- Garage Access
- Fan access to grid walk and ballfield for pre-race festivities
- Infield Tent Camping
- Infield Car Camping
- GEICO Park West Tent Camping
- Café 24 Breakfast
Just came here to mention that. The good news is that they're giving the option to defer 2021 tickets to 2022 without losing your reservation rights. So we can decide to not go down next month, roll what we've already paid for over to 2022, and keep our renewal option for our camping site and GRM infield tickets along with the 40 bucks worth of account credit that they gave out. Looks like we've got until Jan 6th to decide.
I'm glad they finally published the changes for this year's race. The 20% credit is a nice gesture in addition to the opt-out option. Does anyone know how GRM will modify this year? i.e. what will the tent (and dinner) atmosphere be like?
David or JG, can you clarify? If we opt out of the GRM Experience in 2021 through the Speedway, will we retain our renewal standing for the Experience for 2022?
In reply to SHutson :
Let me see if someone on staff can answer. BRB.
stevette said:Does anyone know how GRM will modify this year? i.e. what will the tent (and dinner) atmosphere be like?
We just got some promo images ready for our pre-event flyers
But really, while we know things will look different, we're not 100% sure how at this point. We've got meetings with the track scheduled and we expect to find out more at each meeting and you'll know as soon as we do. All I can really say at this point is expect additional precautions to be in place, and expect he situation to be dynamic leading up to the event.
In reply to JG Pasterjak :
Haha! Perfect.
wae said:Just came here to mention that. The good news is that they're giving the option to defer 2021 tickets to 2022 without losing your reservation rights. So we can decide to not go down next month, roll what we've already paid for over to 2022, and keep our renewal option for our camping site and GRM infield tickets along with the 40 bucks worth of account credit that they gave out. Looks like we've got until Jan 6th to decide.
Yep, I opted out for the coming race in January and rolled the payment over for 2022. So the good news is I am ready for 2022, the bad news is I won't be going in January 2021. I really could have used the 4 day break from the reality of 2020 too. Life goes on.
In reply to David S. Wallens :
Any update on whether opting out affects renewal standing for the Experience?
SHutson said:In reply to David S. Wallens :
Any update on whether opting out affects renewal standing for the Experience?
Let me see who can help you tomorrow. I'm on it.
Thanks.
Ultimately this is the track's decision, and your best bet is to call them at 1-800-PIT-SHOP and ask directly. Last we heard, though, as long as you don’t request a refund, you can defer your tickets to 2022 and retain your renewal rights for 2023 and beyond. But I'd highly suggest getting official confirmation from the track for your specific tickets, as we don't have any role in the ticketing process.
In reply to SHutson :
I contacted the track and here is the response I received for your question:
Yes, everyone that originally purchased will retain renewal rights for 2022, whether they opt out now or if they choose to attend in 2021.
I hope this helps and if you have any further questions, please let me know.
Thank you.
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