One of the most exciting parts of any motorsport season is the anticipation building up to the first race. The buildup to the 24 Hours of Daytona is no different. With qualifying draws now complete and the green flag raised, the excitement in the air is palpable.
For those that may be itching to sample the adrenaline rush that Daytona offers, knowing where to turn and how much to spend is key. Here we take a look at the all-important financial considerations surrounding the annual January festival.
The Cost Of Going To Daytona
The first and most obvious place to start is probably with the cost of going to Daytona itself. This year, the opening weekend of the 24 Hours of Daytona includes a Friday night qualifying race and the main event on Saturday. The latter stages of the race are also televised live on television. All of this comes at a cost (you will need a ride to get there, of course, and you will need a ticket to get in).
For a mere mortal, the cost of attending the 24 Hours of Daytona is probably around $500-$600. For a member of the media, it can run several thousand. That just to get in, not even counting the cost of the car and the expenses incurred during the race.
One of the best things about going to Daytona is that it is so close to home for many. The drive down there is beautiful, and the air is so fresh in the mornings. The traffic isn’t bad, either. It can be a relief to get away for a weekend, and not have to worry about getting caught in another traffic jam.
Another key consideration when it comes to attending the 24 Hours of Daytona is making sure that you are covered by insurance. As a visitor, you’re bound to get stuck in some sort of accident or mishap. This is why it’s advisable to purchase insurance before you go. You can find reasonably priced packages that include multiple vehicles and extended coverage in case you have an accident on the Daytona roadways. Make sure to get a quote from at least three insurance companies, and compare the cost and coverage before deciding which one to go with.
Where To Stay
Where to stay is, perhaps, even more important than where to eat and drink. This is because you’ll be spending more time there than you will eating and drinking. For those that arrive in Daytona via air, there are a variety of accommodation options available. This ranges from expensive boutique hotels, to older, more traditional motels. And even then, the rate per night can rise as much as 50% on weekends, so it’s essential to book ahead. Even for those that arrive in the festival via car, finding a comfortable and luxurious place to stay is one of the important factors in having a good time.
There is also the option of self-catering. This is perfect if you’re looking for something more unique than what’s available at the hotels or Airbnb. Be sure to keep your budget in mind when choosing this option, as it might end up costing you more than taking a regular hotel room. Another consideration is whether you want a pool or not. Modern motels typically come with a pool, so you might get used to the idea of spending time by the water. However, if you’re looking for a unique experience, it’s always better to opt for an Airbnb that doesn’t have a pool.
Getting Around
Getting around is, of course, key. Without a car, the options are pretty limited. This is especially true when it comes to getting to your hotel. If you’re staying near the airport, you have the option of taking a taxi or catching the bus. The former is the most affordable option, but the latter is a lot more comfortable and offers much greater flexibility. Besides, taxis are often much more expensive after midnight, so if you’re planning on leaving early, it might be better to take the bus. Depending on where you’re staying, the latter might even be your only option. If you have a very long drive ahead of you, taking the bus is definitely the way to go. It’s also important to look for good deals when planning on using public transportation, as it can be quite costly to do so.
Another option is to get a bike. This is perfect for getting around the local area, and it’s also something that you can do alone, and it’s a great way to save money. One of the best things about biking is that it’s such an easy and relaxing way to get around. You can even take a nap while you’re riding. It’s also a good idea to download a copy of Google Maps beforehand, as you might get lost without it. This also makes it easier to navigate, as you can simply touch the screen and the bike will guide you through the streets. This is also an option if you have a specific destination in mind, as the GPS will help you find the fastest route to your hotel or vacation spot. Finally, do not underestimate the power of public transportation. Many large cities have an excellent bus system, which makes getting around quite easy. It’s always a good idea to check the timetables beforehand, so you don’t have to worry about missing your stop.
Where To Eat
Eating is, without a doubt, one of the most important factors when it comes to enjoying oneself at the 24 Hours of Daytona. For those that arrive in the festival via car, there are a variety of eating options available. This ranges from fast food joints, to sit-down restaurants, to camping food. Be sure to keep your budget in mind when deciding where to eat, as it might end up costing you more than going to a restaurant. Besides, if you’re going to be in a tent, cooking your own food is simply not an option.
Another consideration is whether you want a picnic or a barbecue. If you decide to have a picnic, you might want to bring your own food and drink. This is certainly more affordable, and it’s also a lot more enjoyable if you’re spending time outdoors. If you opt for a barbecue, you’ll need to find someone else to cook for you. Otherwise, you’ll end up spending a lot of money at a fast food restaurant, or worse, going home starving.
The Importance Of Planning
Last but not least, we have the importance of planning. This is particularly relevant if you’re going to be attending the 24 Hours of Daytona, as it is likely that you’ll have a lot of fun, but you should also plan to have a good time as well. One of the simplest ways to do this is by making a list of everything you need. This includes things such as insurance, a passport, visa, flight information, etc. Be sure to make copies of this list, in case something happens and you lose the original. Things can get very frustrating when you’re scrambling to find the proper documentation, and it can all be made much easier if you made copies of the list in the first place. Another good idea is to make a checklist. There’s a lot that can go wrong when attending any type of sporting event, and it’s good to have things written down beforehand, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting something. Lists and checklists help keep things organized, and this makes it much easier to follow instructions, and ensure that everything is taken care of.
Making a list of everything that you need can also be very helpful when it comes time to leave. This is because, at some point during your stay, you will most certainly need to leave. This means you’ll have to break down the items on your list, and make a detailed note of each one. This is also where it’s beneficial to make copies of your list. Many hotels and B&Bs will require you to leave a deposit, or guarantee, in case you break something or have to cancel your stay. Having a list, with all of the details written down, will make things a lot easier for the hotel staff. It also ensures that you don’t forget anything, and that everything is taken care of in advance, so there are no unexpected charges at the end.
Ensure that you have everything written down beforehand, so you can follow a list of instructions, and do the things needed without any confusion. This will help you have a good time, and make the most of your trip. Remember, you’re on holiday; relax, and enjoy yourself.