daytona 500

[lam1317]

i waited too long to book a campsite at or around daytona
for speed week anyone who lives in n fla have any ideas
its my first trip for the 500 want to go badly. want to stay fri and sat
need help thanks

[campinfool]

try tomoka state park, its about 15 miles from the trackand a VERY nice park with a ton of things to do in the park. Thats where i go every year for the daytona races, however i will not attend anymore, it just seems to me like i am watching wrestling, anyone feel the same?

[Jim K in PA]

Sorry - I can't offer any suggestions, as it is a circus down there now through the end of bike week.  I went every year through the early 90s through 99.  I don't go any more (see below).

try tomoka state park, its about 15 miles from the trackand a VERY nice park with a ton of things to do in the park. Thats where i go every year for the daytona races, however i will not attend anymore, it just seems to me like i am watching wrestling, anyone feel the same?

Campinfool, I agree with you 100%.  I grew up watching NASCAR in the late 60s and early 70s.  By the time I could afford to go to the Daytona 500, it was 1992.  We had a blast every year, but as each year passed, it changed a little more.  The  "Daytona Experience" was a harbinger of things to come.  I partied in the stands with everyone else the year Dale won the 500 (amazing event).  But now, as you said, it is a freak show.  Over marketed, over-hyped, and over-attended.  I used to go to the Pocono 500 (I live 15 minutes from the track), but won't any more.  There is still some great racing hidden under all the slick camera work, flashy personalities, and throngs of people, but sadly it is hard to appreciate it because  of all the distractions.

I wonder what Bill France Sr. would think of all this.  I know he would love the $$$.

[woodthumb]

if you dont mind an hour or so north of track...try Bryn Marw on the beach in St Aug... they are about the closest that wont require 5 to 7 night min....  we thought we were gonna end up ther this year but kept calling different CG's every day and finally got in on a cancellation..... good luck...