Daytona, for me, represents a day at work. I have people to see, photos to capture, stories to find. And that food in the media center isn’t going to eat itself.
But how would I approach the IMSA Rolex 24 At Daytona as a civilian? Thinking back on 30 years of Januarys at Daytona, here’…
Every year I panic because I think I lost my ear plugs, and every year I am pleasantly surprised that I have a pair in the little container on my keys.
That being said, I should dig around and see if I have any backups.
I'll second the sling bag. This is the one I got as a Christmas gift. Initial results are promising.
This will be my eighth or ninth strait Rolex 24, so I have a pattern that works well for me and my buddy. Watch the start from the main grandstands for a few hours, then head down to the infield. We normally get into the infield through the turn six tunnel because it's way closer to the turn one grandstands. Then we watch from the stands at turn six for a while, then mosey on over to the West Horseshoe stands to watch the sunset. It's normally a great spot; you can frame your pictures with the cars, the banking, and the wall with "DAYTONA" and the American flag in the shot. Then grab something to eat at the "food court" behind the International Horseshoe stands.
We end up wandering all over, it's pretty cool to watch the cars go by exiting NASCAR turn 2 onto the back straight, and going through NASCAR turns 3 and 4 (especially after a yellow when the track goes green, and everyone is bunched up - the LMP2 cars go by in a tight pack and they shift and almost the same instant). Eventually, we'll end up at the entrance to the International Horseshoe a little before the fireworks go off. We'll spend our time trying to get good panning shots of the cars as they are braking for the turn (front discs glowing), with the Ferris wheel in the background. It's the ultimate shot to get at Daytona, and for me the most difficult because the cars are changing speed so quickly, they are pretty close, and there are tons of pro photographers in between you and the track. Having a ladder or something to look over the chain link fence is the only way to go. We buy Home Depot buckets on our way to the track, you can tip them over and stand on them. Then we watch the fireworks and then wander back to the car in the lot 4 parking lot for the night.
Sunday we usually get to the track about 8 - 9 am, and watch the finish from the grandstands.
In between all of that we wander all over the place; typically Thursday we walk about ten miles, then Friday six or seven, and progressively less each day. There is lots to see in the infield! It's one of the greatest cars shows there is anyplace, and the campgrounds can be a spectacle in their own right.
There are no rocket launches scheduled this weekend, so that will be nice. In years past we've left the track to see a launch from various spots, but every time the launch was delayed, so until last year we were 0 for 8 for seeing a launch. last year there was a Space X launch the Sunday evening after the race, so I finally got to see a rocket blast off!
Water and ear plugs are essential! And have a great time, it's one of the best motorsports events in the world!
Yeah, everyone’s got their routine. One day, I’d like to do the whole race from the grandstands–just because, mainly.
Looks like it's going to be wet extra shoes and socks just in case
BTW: Don't forget to shop the concessionaires for your favorite manufactuer's, team's, driver's memorabilia. Some cool stuff there at Daytona, typically.
Latest forecast for Daytona Beach:
I've watched the start from on top of the garages the past few years, but I think I might change it up and watch the start from grandstands this year.
Last year I did start of race in grandstands. I stayed there for about an hour and then moved to the infield. It really helped me avoid the traffic of the trams since most people stay in the grandstands just to watch the start and then leave maybe 20 minutes later. I'll probably do that again this year.
I have tried watching and shooting the start from a few different places and I think this year I am going to go back to the grandstands. I will tram back in to the infield for the rest of the race though, if its not too cold at night I might make a trip back to the grandstands for fireworks.
TRoglodyte said:Looks like it's going to be wet extra shoes and socks just in case
Yeah even if it's not actively raining, we've had a LOT of rain since last weekend--and it's still raining--with a lot of standing water here in Daytona. So plan on the infield being very soggy, and bring extra shoes, socks, and ground cover for tenting.
This is fantastic and much appreciated! Looking forward to meeting some folks this weekend.
You forgot race radio headset. Never attending a race again without one!
Here's how we do our local IMSA race. 2 nights minimum.
In reply to maschinenbau :
Nice setup! Is the El Camino something good to have?
In reply to J.A. Ackley :
It's the best
Thanks for the write-up from a spectator's perspective and all of the comments.
And the sling bag (that term trips my brain into hearing Billy Bob Thornton's character in Sling Blade, but I digress) looks like a good, manageable tool. I have a good backpack but I can look like a fool flailing around trying to get it on over both arms/shoulders if I'm wearing too many layers of clothing. Waterproof or at least resistant would be a major consideration for a future purchase.
Update: I didn’t get a chance to purchase a sling bag before the race.
Also, for those who know about Saturday’s special dinner: First Annual Official Completely Unofficial Rolex 24 Get Together.
Just got back from Friday at the Speedway.
Lots of familiar faces. Lots of catching up.
Now to turn around the cameras for tomorrow and then get some sleep. :)
I guess this is as good a place anywhere to drop this:
BREMBO BRAKE FACTS: ROLEX 24 AT DAYTONA
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., January 24, 2025—The first race of the 2025 IMSA season is nearly upon us. From Saturday, January 25 at 1:40 p.m. to Sunday, January 26 at 1:40 p.m., dozens of the best sports car racing teams will push vehicles and drivers to the limit for 24 hours straight.
TRACK OVERVIEW: The Daytona road course is considered a moderate to light braking track by Brembo engineers. Key braking zones include the Le Mans Chicane on the back stretch of the oval and the curved Turn 1 braking zone coming off the Daytona tri-oval. The IMSA WeatherTech GTP cars will be entering the braking zone into Turn 1 at almost 200 mph and brake to 80 mph, entering the infield section of the 3.56-mile, 12 turn modified road course. Fans can see the brake discs glowing into Turn 1, the International Horseshoe and into the Bus Stop Chicane. The layout of the modified road course allows plenty of time for the drivers to keep their brakes cool for maximum stopping power into the six braking zones.
DIFFICULTY RATING: 3/5
MOST DIFFICULT BRAKING POINT: Turn 1
MAX G-FORCE ENDURED: Into Turn 1, GTP cars will hit 3G and GTD cars will hit 2G
BRAKE USAGE: Drivers will use the brakes five times per lap (excluding pit stops), which is approximately 3,805 times over the 24 hour race, which averages around 2,700 miles, depending on class and the number of yellow flags.
PHYSICAL DRIVER REQUIREMENTS: Racecar brakes require significantly more brake pedal pressure than road cars—an average of 65-80 lbs of pressure per lap—due to the lack of a brake booster. It is possible for drivers to complete the equivalent of 1,000-2,000 65-80 lb leg presses over the course of their total drive time during the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
BRAKE TEMPERATURES: Brembo’s innovative GTP carbon discs provide optimum braking performance at any temperature, giving the driver braking confidence to make a late braking lunge for the lead whether it’s on lap 1 or Lap 698. Carbon brake disc temperature will “spike” as high as 1,652 degrees Fahrenheit (900C) and glow bright red in certain braking zones. The discs generally operate between 392F (200C) and 1,292F (700C ) for optimal wear.
BREMBO DEPTH: Brembo is a proud partner and supplier of teams in every series and class of IMSA. In the WeatherTech Sports Car Championship, 67% of vehicles at Daytona use a Brembo Racing braking component. Dozens of vehicles in the Michelin Pilot Challenge and VP Racing SportsCar Challenge use Brembo components. Finally, every vehicle in the Porsche Carrera Cup, Ferrari Challenge, Mazda MX-5 Cup and Ford Mustang Challenge use a full, unique Brembo braking system.
I guess how I’d do Daytona vs. the actual is an ever-evolving situation. Welcome to my world.
I was invited to a Hagerty hangar party last night: lite bites, socializing, etc. The biggie, though? A killer photo opp. Once everyone left, I had the place to myself. What’s the Boy Scout motto? Be prepared. Glad I grabbed the right gear before leaving the house.
And, like most everyone else, leaving for the Speedway in a few.
I’ll be the bundled-up one.
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