I'm attending the Rolex 24 / What do I do?

"Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2" (pompei426)
01/13/2016 at 20:40 • Filed to: None

Hey Oppo! As the title suggests I’m going to the race at the end of the month. The title also should suggest that I have no idea what the hell I’m doing . . . because I don’t. So, I turn to you with a list of questions. Thanks in advance for taking the time to help.

1. What should I do? I know this is very broad, but what would you do if you were going? Keep in mind I do not have an unlimited budget, so smuggling the new GT out of the track is not an option. Frankly, neither is most of the stuff I could spend money on. I plan on getting a garage pass along with admission.

2. Speaking of admission, there are 2 and 4 day passes. Which would you do? Don’t say 4 because 4>2. What occurs during the Thurs and Fri? Also, I might not be able to be there on the Thurs, so I would buy the 4 day for three. Also, I’m assuming I want the infield, not just the stands, right?

3. What do I bring? Folding chairs? Binoculars? Spare 2002 parts for random guys to sign? Seriously, I have no idea. I’m assuming that clothing is also important.

4. Where do I go? I’m 21 and will be by myself. Not saying I will be furiously swiping left on Tinder, just asking what would be the most fun. I’ll wear my BMW baseball cap so people know I’m a knob, so I got that going for me, which is nice. (NOTE: If you’ll be there and aren’t afraid of people from Maryland, let me know. I’ll stop by and we’ll have some beer and conversation.)

5. What’s there to do besides watch the race and ruin my pants every time the C7R roars by? I’ve heard of there are bands as well as historic cars for me to drool over.

6. Infield parking is no longer available, but I would like to spend the night at the race. Sleeping bag in the stands? Sleep in the car in the parking lot? The hood of the DeltaWing after it inevitably gets thrown off the track 2 hours in? Any ideas?

I think that’s enough for now. If you have any tips, please share. There is a ton of info on DIR’s site, but it’s a lot to take in and I feel like half of the stuff wouldn’t interest me or costs BOTH kidneys. If you have any questions to help you better answer one of my questions, feel free to ask.

Thank you very very much!

DISCUSSION (9)

ITA Hondaboy > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
01/13/2016 at 21:11

I don’t have a ton of great info for you, but I was in the same boat a few years back. I decided one day, “that’s it, I’m going to the 24.” I didn’t stay at the track all night during the race, I went back to the hotel just after dark (maybe 7PM or so). Then, I woke up at like 3AM and drove to the track to watch the cars as dawn started to break. Plan on bringing warm clothes, Florida is really cold when the sun is down. I say this from the perspective of a upstate NYer, it is a different cold but cuts through you.

I believe a ticket will get you just about anywhere, but I would strongly suggest to get something where you can walk around in the garage area. Not sure if they have a “garage pass” or something. It is uplifting to see the teams release a car that they had been thrashing on to get it back in the race.

If you are into photography, the chain link fences are just taller than a normal human. A small hard cooler or step ladder will get your lens just above to snap some good shots.

Not sure if you are a Grassroots Motorsports subscriber, but they have a really nice spread of the local restaurants and things to do. Daytona is only a few minutes away from their HQ. If you don’t have an old copy or don’t subscribe, I’ll see if I can dig out last years and scan it for you.

Jared E > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
01/13/2016 at 21:13

Ok well Ill try and help out.

First of all congrats on going you will have a blast.

A lot of people like taking photos during the race, if thats you just bring a step stool to see over the fencing. Besides that, there are bars, cool vender displays, Classic race cars, and fun people. Garage passes are a must, they give you amazing access.

The 4 day pass will let you see the Continental Tire race on friday, along with each practice session. You will want the infield passes because the stands are boring and cold.

3. What do I bring? Folding chairs? Binoculars? Spare 2002 parts for random guys to sign? Seriously, I have no idea. I’m assuming that clothing is also important.

Those are all very good ideas! If you are into photography bring a step stool. I would also prepare for cold weather. I know its Florida but I see a lot of people from up north end up miserable because of Florida’s “wet cold.” I will also add comfortable shoes.

I will be there! I will have to keep an eye out for you. If you are looking for cool places outside of the track I would recommend the North Turn bar and grille it sits exactly where the north turn of the old half beach half road course was. They have good food and a lot of cool old photos. For viewing the race I like the International Horseshoe the best.

5. What’s there to do besides watch the race and ruin my pants every time the C7R roars by? I’ve heard of there are bands as well as historic cars for me to drool over.

You won’t need much more than the racing action. The track does have carnival rides, classic race cars, sponsor displays with brand new cars to sit in.

I would always sleep in the car before I moved to the Daytona area.

DIS’s site is great. I love their photos.

whoarder is tellurium > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
01/13/2016 at 21:22

1. There are various vendors around the infield, as well as car clubs parked everywhere and other things like manufacturers showing off cars. The nextel/sprint/whatever its called now (NASCAR Fanzone) is the busiest area to be.

The best part are the historic race cars around the pits/garage area:

Kinja'd!!!

2. Check the schedule. http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/Events/2016/Ro… Thats totally up to you. Yes, get infield access. You can still travel up to the stands which are open during the 24. (Busses and trucks towing trolleys go around for transport.)

Kinja'd!!!

3. Act like you’re camping. folding chairs are a must. Bring comfort essentials: Blankets, foods, drinks, warm clothing, hearing protection.

4. See number 1. Its totally up to you. 90 percent of infield people just go to party and drink themselves half-to-death in the infield. The rest of us are there to witness 24hr of pure sensory assault. Most are race fans. We’re all zombies by the end of it.

5. Before the start, you can walk around the pit areas. If you’re in the stands you can walk onto the track for a little bit as well. Otherwise, eat, drink and try to sleep (if you dare). Watch cars go around the same corners over and over for 24hr. The nascar areas do host events and music IIRC (others may chime in here)

6. I’ve tried to sleep in the infield in a car and in the parking lot. Good luck! During the night and in the early hours, I like to get a spot on some of the infield stands around turn 3 and just contemplate all the things I see. You could certainly stake yourself out a spot in the stands.

Hotels in the area fill up quick too.

At some point usually fog will roll in. Sometimes you’ll get to witness some excellent restarts around the early hours.

thedevilinside > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
01/13/2016 at 21:23

I’ll answer any other specific questions you have as well, I only went once but I’ll be back this year working it.

I went alone a few years ago just to watch and hang out for race day, not yet 21 when I went. Got a cheap hotel ($45/night) a few miles away, left the track around 12pm returned around 7 am. I would suggest being there for sundown+some night time then sunrise. I suggest a ticket that is infield and stadium plus garage, but when I looked Sunday it appeared that wasn’t available, if not I’d call the ticket office. If you don’t get garage, they have windows in the infield you can look in to most of them without a pass too.

Thursday I think is just practice, Friday is the Conti Tire Challenge race which I’ve never been to at Daytona but have been to many other locations for them. Usually a good race, car count and variety appears to be a bit down this year though. Also Ferrari Challenge that day, cars are cool racing is hit or miss.

The historic laps was cool to see for a bit when I went before. Bring a jacket and long pants. I wouldn’t want to carry around a bag chair but that’s me, they have bleachers in the infield. I don’t do anything but walk through the garage and watch the race when I go to endurance races so no help there.

They used to have a platform at the top of the backstretch bleachers, looks like that is gone. I’ll stop rambling, but I’ll try to answer other questions. I go to tons of sports car races, just the 24 once.

f86sabre > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
01/13/2016 at 22:14

Bring rain gear.

No really, bring rain gear.

Get a race scanner. The Racing Radios trailer will have frequency lists for $10 +\-. Totally worth it. It will also likely allow you to tune in Radio Le Mans / IMSA Radio. You will need Hindy and the team in your ear to know what is going on.

Get one of those large battery packs for charging your phone. When I went to Le Mans I got a 10000 mAh pack and that worked pretty well provided I put the phone in airplane mode when not in use.

If you get the 4 day pass hit the paddock and checkout the teams and the cars. This is one of the highlights of sports car racing.

Get into the grand stand and watch the cars at night. It is mesmerizing.

Find the hard braking points and look for brake and turbo glow at night.

Don’t be afraid to talk to people. There are lots of friendly folks at these races. If you get into the infield you can tell the people who are there all the time. If you have a question ask them.

Bring a roll of TP. Sounds lame, but I always have a roll in my backpack at these kinds of events. Saved me at Le Mans.

stuttgartobsessed > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
01/13/2016 at 22:41

Root for TRG! They have an F1 driver consulting and his little brother driving...

Santiago of Escuderia Boricua > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
01/13/2016 at 23:19

Warm clothes. Seriously.

Rainbow > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
01/14/2016 at 10:21

Bring sunscreen. Even if it’s cold outside, you’re gonna get burned without it. Seriously. I forgot to bring some to one of the Petit Le Mans practice days and had horrible burns on my face for nearly a month.

Then Something New > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
01/14/2016 at 17:29

I have gone a lot of times parking in the outfield and this is what I have learned and I typically stick to this schedule.

Get there a few hours before the start! It takes a while to walk to the entrance. If you want to drink bring a small soft sided cooler and canned beers; they will let you bring it into the grandstand. Start in the grandstand, before the race they will open up the entrance on the start finish line so you can walk the track and the grid. Then you can get selfies with cars and drivers!

20 minutes before the race starts work your way back to the grandstand and watch the start of the race. Go back to you car, regroup what you want to bring with you, and take the nearest tram into the infield. Try to leave your car 45 minutes before sunset and you’ll see some glorious golden hour from inside the track. The tram drops you off next to the garages, take a tour and then walk over to the hairpin grandstands. These are the best spots in the whole place. SOAK IT UP.

Walk over to the Grassroots Motorsports tent. On the way you’ll pass the Porsche owner’s corral. If you see a friendly warm campfire with some people chatting it up introduce yourself. I’ve had a great times strolling by myself and making new friends by a campfire under the roar of the race.

By now you’ll have your bearings, the rest of the adventure is up to you.