Daytona International Speedway News
June 26, 2007
2007 Pepsi 400 Purse Exceeds $6 Million: The stars of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series will vie for a purse of more than $6 million under the lights at the "World Center Of Racing” in the 49th annual Pepsi 400 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race on Saturday, July 7th at Daytona International Speedway. The posted awards for this year’s mid-summer classic will be a record $6,202,439, an increase of almost $200,000. The posted awards for the 2006 Pepsi 400, which was won by Tony Stewart, was $6,074,820. The winner of this year’s Pepsi 400 will collect a minimum of $284,550. The second, third, fourth and fifth-place finishers in the Pepsi 400 will receive a minimum of $195,575, $160,725, $131,425 and $118,725 respectively. (DIS PR)
June 20, 2007
Finalist in Daytona 500 Celebrity drawn tickets chosen: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Mario Andretti and comedian Jeff Foxworthy are among the 10 celebrity finalists in the competition to design the 50th anniversary Daytona 500 ticket. To commemorate the milestone of NASCAR's most prestigious race on Feb. 17, 2008, Daytona International Speedway has created "Celebrity Tickets for Charity," asking a long list of celebrities from sports, music, movies and TV to come up with a unique design. (AP/TheSportingNews)
June 13, 2007
Pepsi 400 Media Day; Burton plays D-A-Y-T-O-N-A with NBA Star Redick: NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series star Jeff Burton hopes his luck on the pavement of Daytona International Speedway will be a little better than it was on the basketball court Monday afternoon at the RDV Sportsplex just outside of Orlando. The 2000 Pepsi 400 champion and Duke basketball fan faced off against former Duke basketball guard and current Orlando Magic star J.J. Redick in a game of “D-A-Y-T-O-N-A” as part of the Pepsi 400 Media Day. With retired Orlando Magic star Nick Anderson giving the play-by-play and Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig serving as the referee, Redick had his way with Burton. “I’m a guest here and my mother taught me to be courteous to guests,” Burton quipped. “My basketball skills aren’t honed, to say the least, but it was fun. I watched a tremendous amount of Duke ball games that J.J. has played in and watched with great interest his pro career. I’m really looking forward to the day that he can play on a consistent basis. “I've watched a bunch of college basketball and the tenacity that he has is really hot. Every night, he had to fight to get shots, and every night he found a way to get them. It was constant, it was a big deal – they just tried to shut him down every night – he had to work his (butt) off to get shots – I have a lot of respect for his willingness to go do whatever it takes. It’s pretty cool to get a chance to meet him.” “After the first three or four shots, I realize I could make it short and sweet but I wanted to make him feel good,” Redick joked. “I always let somebody get a couple of letters on me.” After shooting basketball with Redick, Burton previewed the upcoming Pepsi 400 with the local media. “Honestly, winning at Daytona is a really cool thing,” Burton said. “Ward has won the 500 and I have won the 400 and being able to say that we have both won races at Daytona is a really cool deal. To me, Daytona, Darlington, Charlotte and Indy are the four big races. The 600, the 500, the 400 – any race at Daytona. Those are such big races and certainly something we circle.” Tickets for Daytona International Speedway events are available online at www.racetickets.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(Daytona Intl. Speedway PR)
July 2, 2006
Old Ball Coach in Attendance: Steve Spurrier was at Daytona International Speedway to watch the Pepsi 400. Spurrier has traveled to selected NASCAR events over the past couple of years since Kerry Tharp, NASCAR's Director of Public Relations, moved to the sport from his job at the University of South Carolina, where Spurrier coaches. "If you're a competitor, you love watching other guys compete," Spurrier said. "I think Americans love to see guys compete and these guys really go at it." Spurrier added that he and his family follow several drivers. "I like Dale (Earnhardt) Jr.," Spurrier said. "My son, Scotty, is a Jeff Gordon fan, and I admire the way Tony Stewart drives." (The. Ledger)
June 30, 2006
J. Gordon to race 24hrs at Daytona: In a press conference at Daytona International Speedway today, SunTrust Racing car owner/driver Wayne Taylor (and his Surrey Sport LLC company) and SunTrust Racing announced that four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon will co-drive the No. 10 SunTrust Racing car with Taylor and his fellow 2005 Daytona Prototype co-champion Max Angelelli in the 45th annual Rolex 24 At Daytona, January 27-28, 2007. "Of all the NASCAR drivers, Jeff's the guy," said Taylor, a Rolex 24 At Daytona overall winner in 1996 and 2005. "He proved again last weekend his road racing skills are outstanding when he won at Sears Point. I think he's going to be an asset to the team for the Rolex 24." "This is something that I've wanted to do for a long time and I'm really looking forward to it," said Gordon, driver of the No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. "It was important to me to do this with a quality team like Surrey Sport, and I'm looking forward to teaming up with two champions, Wayne and Max." (Grand American Road Racing)
June 28, 2006
Crossfade's Sloan to sing Anthem at DIS: Ed Sloan, lead singer for Crossfade, one of the most powerful and inventive new hard rock bands around, will sing the National Anthem at the Pepsi 400 Nextel Cup Series race at historic Daytona International Speedway on July 1. Tickets for the Pepsi 400 Weekend are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)
June 27, 2006
VP Cheney to attend Pepsi 400: Vice President Dick Cheney will attend the 48th annual Pepsi 400 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race scheduled for Saturday, July 1, at historic Daytona International Speedway, Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig announced. Vice President Cheney will speak to race fans during pre-race ceremonies for the mid-summer classic as well as meet NASCAR drivers, teams and executives during his visit to "The World Center of Racing." "We're honored that Vice President Cheney will visit Daytona International Speedway and participate in Pepsi 400 pre-race festivities," Braig said. "Vice President Cheney continues the tradition of high-profile elected officials that have visited the 'World Center of Racing'." In the 1984 Pepsi 400, the late President Ronald Reagan gave the starting command from Air Force One. Reagan, who became the first sitting President to attend a NASCAR race, witnessed Richard Petty earn his 200th NASCAR win. President George H.W. Bush attended the 1992 Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway, and current President George W. Bush served as the Grand Marshal for the Pepsi 400 during his 2000 presidential campaign. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld attended last year's 2005 Pepsi 400. (Daytona International Speedway PR)
April 15, 2006:
Daytona Mayor's flight raises question: Mayor Yvonne Scarlett-Golden took a private NASCAR airplane to Miami last week on personal business, raising questions about whether she violated state ethics laws. NASCAR spokesman Ramsay Poston acknowledged that the racing sanctioning body, whose officers donated thousands to the mayor's re-election campaign last November, provided her and a city police officer escort with air transportation from Daytona International Airport to Miami on April 7. But he said the offer was under the condition that she would pay back all expenses under Florida law. He didn't disclose an amount. A state Ethics Commission representative said no complaints had been filed regarding the daylong trip. Scarlett-Golden said Thursday it was a personal flight and would not confirm widespread speculation that it was for a doctor's appointment. She asked City Attorney Bob Brown to research whether the trip violated any laws. "It was a personal issue and I don't want to share it with the newspaper," she said. The 80-year-old mayor has been ill with a bile-duct condition since January, when she spent 15 days in the hospital with a police officer guarding her door for privacy. (Daytona News-Journal)
March 30, 2006:
DIS signs news lease: The first family of racing signed a new lease Wednesday giving this community the biggest bang for its buck of any major pro sports facility, according to a consultant's report. Bill France Jr., Jim France, Lesa France Kennedy and Brian France said the deal shows their commitment to stay and invest here. Members of the Racing and Recreational Facilities Commission, landlord of Daytona International Speedway, unanimously approved the lease Wednesday. Racing will continue here through 2054 under the lease. Annual rent payments by the Speedway for 447 acres of public land jumps from a token $10,000 established in 1957 to help get the racetrack built to $500,000, with regular increases in future years. Efforts in the 1950s to pay for construction of the racetrack by selling bonds had failed when family patriarch Bill France Sr. stepped forward with his plan to take over. "I classify this as the greatest public-private partnership in America," said Bill France Jr., International Speedway Corp. chairman. "We took land that had a value of $4,500 and developed it with the help of a lot of people in the area." (Daytona News-Journal)
Mar. 7, 2006:
DIS seeks new lease today: International Speedway Corp. goes before its landlord today, requesting for a lease extension while it also has asked the state to exempt it from a regional review of a mixed office-retail-residential complex. The board of the Daytona Beach Racing and Recreational Facilities District convenes at 3 p.m. to hear a report from a consultant about the value of the land on which ISC's Daytona International Speedway sits. The company has asked to extend its lease to 2054 and freeze the annual rent at $500,000. The meeting, which is open to the public, will be in the law office of Cobb & Cole, 150 Magnolia Ave., Conference Room A. ISC contends the longer lease is necessary to guarantee racing will continue at the Speedway for decades to come. That stability, in turn, will help attract tenants and investors for a proposed redevelopment of the Speedplex Office Park across the street from DIS. The company also has asked the state Department of Community Affairs to exempt the project from requiring a development of regional impact permit. DRI status adds an extra layer of regulatory approval to make sure the project won't clog highways or cause other problems. (News-Journal)
Daytona International Speedway statement on HOF
Feb. 20, 2006:
Daytona cracks down on scalpers: Scalpers hovering around Daytona International Speedway found themselves to be the target of a sting conducted by Daytona Beach police this past weekend, authorities said. Undercover officers arrested 14 people for peddling tickets along International Speedway Boulevard said Sgt. James Newcomb, of the Daytona Beach Police Department. The ticket hawkers were arrested and brought to the county jail after they sold tickets to undercover officers who posed as race fans looking for a good seat. The most expensive ticket bought was $150 more than the retail value, Newcomb said. Anyone who offers or sells a ticket for more than $1 above the retail price is charged with the resale of an amusement ticket, a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to $500 in fines or 60 days in jail. Buyers don't face any penalties because it isn't illegal to purchase a scalped ticket. (News-Journal)
Feb. 17, 2006:
US Olympic snowboarders to serve as Honorary starters of Daytona 500: Olympic snowboard medalists Hannah Teter and Gretchen Bleiler, who led the United States to a 1-2 finish in the women’s halfpipe, have been named Co-Honorary Starters for the prestigious 48th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 19 (NBC 2:30 p.m. ET) at historic Daytona International Speedway. Hannah Teter, a native of Belmont, Vt., captured the Gold Medal in the halfpipe competition in her Olympic debut at the 2006 Torino Games. Teter has been one of the world's best halfpipe riders the past few years winning the 2004 Winter X Games, the 2004 Grand Prix and taking bronze at the 2005 Worlds. Gretchen Bleiler, also making her Olympic debut, took the silver in the halfpipe. In 2005, the Aspen, Colo., resident returned from a torn ACL injury to win the X Games, Gravity Games, U.S. Open and a World Cup at the Olympic pipe at Bardonecchia. Leading up to the Olympics, Bleiler was the 2006 U.S. Grand Prix Champion, winning four of the five events that determined the Olympic team. “We’re proud to have two decorated Olympians wave the green flag for the Daytona 500,” Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig. “The NASCAR community is proud of all of our Olympians and we’re honored to have Hannah and Gretchen get this prestigious motorsports event underway.” Teter and Bleiler continue to the tradition of high-profile celebrities, politicians and athletes that have served as Honorary Starter for the Daytona 500. Actor Ashton Kutcher waved the green flag for the 2005 Daytona 500 and comedian Whoopi Goldberg started the 2004 edition of “The Great American Race.” Singer Mariah Carey sang the National Anthem and served as the Honorary Starter for the 2003 Daytona 500. (Daytona International Speedway PR)
Feb. 15, 2006:
NBC Actor James Caan Named Grand Marshal For Daytona 500: Actor James Caan, star of the NBC hit drama “Las Vegas,” has been named Grand Marshal for the prestigious 48th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 19 (NBC 1:30 p.m. ET pre-race coverage) at historic Daytona International Speedway. Caan, who garnered an Academy Award nomination for his role as Sonny Corleone in “The Godfather” and an Emmy nomination for his performance as football star Brian Piccolo in “Brian’s Song,” will give the starting command “Gentlemen, start your engines” in the premier motorsports event in the world. Caan, who also starred in popular films such as “Misery” and “Honeymoon in Vegas,” will also ride in one of the Daytona 500 pace cars ahead of the 43-car field. In Las Vegas, which will be moving to Friday nights on NBC at 9 p.m. beginning March 3, Caan stars as Ed Deline, the head of a surveillance team of a casino. On Monday, Feb 6, NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Driver Jimmie Johnson had a major guest starring role on the show, playing himself. “We’re proud to have James Caan serve as Grand Marshal and deliver the starting command for the Daytona 500 in front of thousands of race fans and millions more watching on television,” Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. “Attracting an accomplished actor such as James Caan continues the tradition of high-profile actors, athletes and politicians that have kicked off the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season.” Caan received a Best Actor Award from the Sebastian Film festival for his performance in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Rain People,” as well as the Actor of the Year honor from the National Associate of Theater Owners for “The Gambler.” Actor Matthew McConaughey delivered the starting command for the 2005 Daytona 500 and President George W. Bush and Academy Award-winning actor Ben Affleck served as the Co-Grand Marshals for the 2004 with Bush giving the starting command. Past Daytona 500 Grand Marshals also include actor John Travolta, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, NFL Hall of Fame quarterbacks Terry Bradshaw, Jim Kelly and Dan Marino. Tickets for Speedweeks 2006 events are available online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP. (DIS PR)
Feb. 8, 2006:
Bon Jovi to perform at Daytona's Tribute to America: As a continuation of Sprint Nextel's sponsorship of Bon Jovi's "Have A Nice Day" tour, the legendary rock band will headline the Sprint Tribute to America prior to the Daytona 500 Feb. 19, which kicks off the 2006 NEXTEL Cup Series season. The pre-race show will air live on NBC from Daytona International Speedway - the World Center of Racing. Now in its third year, Sprint Tribute to America brings top entertainers to Daytona International Speedway to honor the spirit of America and the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Thousands of people will have a unique opportunity to be up close during the high-energy show. Daytona International Speedway is accepting volunteers immediately at d500showvolunteers.com. The Daytona 500 pre-race coverage on NBC begins at 1:30pm/et Feb. 19, 2006. The race, which starts at 2:30 p.m., also will be broadcast live on MRN. For Speedweeks tickets, visit daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call (800) PITSHOP. (DIS PR)
Feb. 7, 2006:
U.S. Air Force at DIS: The United States Air Force will have a significant presence at the Daytona International Raceway Feb. 16, 18 & 19, 2006. Air Force Recruiting Service will have a display set up, including the Air Force #21 show car. Prior to the start of the first Gatorade 150 qualifying race a 4 ship of F-15C’s from the 1st Fighter Squadron, 325th Fighter Wing, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida will flyover during the national anthem. For the Hershey’s Kissables 300 Busch race on Saturday, two B-1B Lancer bombers from the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, will flyover during the national anthem. For the Daytona 500 NEXTEL Cup race on Sunday, two of the Air Force’s newest aircraft, the F-22A Raptor, from the 43rd Fighter Squadron, 325th Fighter Wing at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida will flyover during the Tribute to America pre-race show. Then the two B-1B Lancer bombers from Ellsworth will flyover during the national anthem. Representing the Air Force at the Daytona 500 will be General William Looney III. General Looney is Commander, Air Education and Training Command, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. As commander, he is responsible for the recruiting, training and education of all Air Force people. His command includes the Air Force Recruiting Service, two numbered air forces and Air University. Air Education and Training Command consists of 13 bases, more than 66,000 active-duty members and 15,000 civilians. (United States Air Force PR)
B-1 to provide Daytona Flyovers: United States Air Force B-1 Lancer bombers will fly over the Daytona International Speedway for both the Hershey’s Kissables 300 Busch race on Saturday Feb. 18, 2006 and the Daytona 500 NEXTEL Cup race on Sunday Feb. 19, 2006. The Air Force has 65 B-1B long-range bombers in its inventory. The Lancer is capable of flying intercontinental missions without refueling and has the capability to fly lower and faster with a substantially larger payload than any aircraft in the world. Because of this, the aircraft holds nearly 50 world records for speed, payload and distance. Its four engines put out a monstrous 120,000-plus pounds of thrust that permit the supersonic plane to reach speeds up to MACH 1.2. Its advanced electronic countermeasures are unmatched and designed to enhance survivability in combat. Operation of the B-1B started in 1985 and it still plays a major role in today’s Air Force. (United States Air Force PR)
Feb. 6, 2006:
Daytona 500 Purse: The 48th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 19, America’s biggest and most prestigious motorsports event of the year, will once again carry the biggest purse in the history of stock car racing at more than $18 million. The posted awards for the “The Great American Race” on Sunday, Feb. 19 will be $18,029,052, an increase of nearly half a million. The posted awards for the 2005 Daytona 500, which was won for a third time by Jeff Gordon, was $17,623,980. The winner of this year’s Daytona 500 will collect a minimum of $1,438,155. The second, third, fourth and fifth-place finishers in the Daytona 500 will receive a minimum of $1,034,175, $741,325, $589,500 and $461,925 respectively. Even the last-place finisher in the Daytona 500 will be rewarded with a minimum of $224,665. “The Daytona 500 is without a doubt the biggest motorsports event of the year,” Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. “This year’s event will boost a substantial reward for all the competitors.” Tickets to any of the Speedweeks 2006 events are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP. (DIS PR)
Feb. 4 2005:
Daytona 500 sold-out!: All grandstand seats for the biggest, richest and most prestigious motorsports race in America – the 48th annual Daytona 500 – at historic Daytona International Speedway are sold out, Speedway President Robin Braig announced today. While all the grandstand seats are sold out, fans can still purchase infield tickets for the "Great American Race" - the kick off to the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 19. Fans can also purchase tickets for other exciting DIS Speedweeks events including the Budweiser Shootout (Feb. 11), Bud Pole Qualifying (Feb. 12), the Gatorade Duel at Daytona (Feb. 16), GM Flex Fuel 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (Feb. 17), Crown Royal International Race of Champions (Feb. 17) and the Hershey’s Kissables 300 NASCAR Busch Series event (Feb. 18). "We're happy to announce that the Daytona 500 is once again sold out," Speedway President Robin Braig said. "The fans continue to show that the Daytona 500 is the premier stock car race in America." The Daytona 500 is the most watched motorsports event in America with more than: 200,000 in attendance each year; 34 million viewers tuning into last year’s event on FOX Sports; 2.9 million listeners on more than 500 domestic affiliates on MRN Radio. Nearly one million men and women in uniform listening on Armed Forces Radio in 176 countries; MRN broadcasts to more than 180 U.S. Navy ships at sea. Tickets are available for other Speedweeks events at Daytona International Speedway are available online at http://www.racetickets.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP. (DIS PR)
Jan. 7, 2006:
Jackson Hewitt to sponsor Daytona Preseason testing days: Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, the nation’s second largest tax preparation service and the tax service of NASCAR, will serve as the sponsor for all of the NASCAR testing at historic Daytona International Speedway as well as the popular FanFests. The event will be known as NASCAR Jackson Hewitt Preseason Thunder. "We are honored to have this opportunity to sponsor the highly anticipated, fan-favorite series of events that is NASCAR Preseason Thunder," said Michael Lister, Chairman and CEO of Jackson Hewitt Tax Service. "As the tax service of NASCAR, we're committed to providing 'Fast, Accurate and Professional Service.' Sponsoring these events, which focus on fast-action and providing a great 'service' to fans, is just where we want to be." “We’re delighted to welcome Jackson Hewitt aboard as a sponsor,” Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. “The NASCAR testing sessions at “The World Center of Racing” are vital to every team participating in Speedweeks 2006 and the FanFests are a great way for race fans to get a sneak peek at their favorite teams for the 2006 season.”Throughout the month of January, Daytona International Speedway will be the nerve center of the motorsports world with numerous testing sessions in preparation for Speedweeks 2006. (DIS PR)
Jan. 6, 2006:
Leno to pace the Daytona 500 with Corvette Z06: A specially outfitted 2006 Corvette Z06 will serve as the official pace car of the 48th running of the Daytona 500, on Feb. 19. "Tonight Show" host and auto enthusiast Jay Leno will drive the pace car. Selection of the Z06 model marks the second consecutive year that a Corvette has been selected as the Daytona 500 pace car. The Corvette Z06 that will serve as the Daytona 500 pace car is mechanically identical to those available at Chevrolet dealerships. It is the fastest vehicle ever offered by Chevrolet and General Motors. With 505 horsepower (377 kw) and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm) from its 7.0L all-aluminum, racing-inspired engine, the Corvette Z06 leaps from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds and has a top speed of 198 mph. It also differs from other production Corvette models with extensive use of lightweight materials, including carbon-fiber front fenders and a chassis comprised of aluminum and magnesium. A racing-ready suspension and large, 18-inch front wheels and 19-inch rear wheels help keep it glued to the tarmac, so it requires no drivetrain modifications to satisfy its role in front of the racing pack. In its official capacity, however, the pace car is outfitted with a variety of safety equipment and highly visible strobe lights. The Corvette Z06's 505-horsepower (377 kw) output is actually more than the power produced by the race cars that will compete in the Daytona 500 - a first for a pace car. This is because of the unique "restrictor plate" rule established for the Daytona and Talladega. racetracks. On these 2.5-mile-long super speedways, the restrictor plate reduces airflow into the engine to limit horsepower and keep race car speeds below 200 mph. With a restrictor plate, racing engine power is reduced from about 750 horsepower to about 450 horsepower. Race cars can still average more than 190 mph on Daytona's long straights. The Corvette Z06 Daytona 500 wears a unique paint scheme, inspired by the hot-to-cool color transition of a space capsule entering Earth's atmosphere at a high rate of speed. The paint scheme is carried out with an elaborate, interlocking scallops design - a twist on hot rod-style flames - that blends "hot" Lemon Drop yellow at the nose of the Corvette with Lemon Glow, Amber Ecstasy, Blazing Copper and Hot Poppy. The colors culminate with a cool Sapphire Trance blue color at the rear of the vehicle. DuPont, the sponsor of Jeff Gordon's #24 Monte Carlo, supplied the colors, which are from the company's "Hot Hues" line of automotive paint. (GM Racing PR)
IROC Series Celebrates 30th Anniversary with Road Course Event in '06: Crown Royal International Race of Champions (IROC) Series officials announced today that it will hold one of its 2006 races on a road course for the first time in 14 years. As part of its 30th anniversary season, the Crown Royal IROC Series will race on the famed road course at Daytona International Speedway (DIS) on Thursday, June 29, in conjunction with the NASCAR Cup race weekend. The Daytona road course event is Race Three of the four-race invitational all-star series, which also includes events held at one superspeedway and two intermediate tracks. The series will make return engagements to three of the tracks it competed at in 2005. The season-opener will be contested at Daytona on the 2.5-mile, high-bank tri-oval on Friday, February 17, followed by a pair of intermediate tracks: Texas Motor Speedway on Friday, April 7 and the season finale at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Saturday, October 28. Daytona and the Crown Royal IROC Series share plenty of history, with its road course being the site of the inaugural 1973-74 IROC Series season finale. Legendary open-wheel driver Mark Donohue won that race and solidified his IROC championship in its first season. A road course event was a regular stop in the series from 1973 to 1991, with NASCAR driver Rusty Wallace winning the last road course event at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) in 1991. “We’ve missed the road racing element of the series over the years and I can’t tell you how thrilled we are to add a road course back into the mix,” said Jay Signore, IROC President and General Manager. “This will be the first time the Crown Royal IROC Series will race on the Daytona road course since our inaugural season. I want to thank Robin Braig (President, DIS) and his staff, as well as everyone at NASCAR and the Grand-Am Series for working with us on the schedule to make road racing once again a part of the challenge for the Crown Royal IROC Championship.” The Crown Royal IROC team will begin testing on Daytona’s 3.56-mile course on January 5, in conjunction with Rolex 24 of Daytona testing, and will return to the track in early February for the superspeedway season opener. (IROC PR)
Daytona Intl' Speedway News 1 - 2 (2005)
