Four NASCAR Races in Four Days

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Whew! Just reading the title of this post makes me tired again. It was four days of non stop action in Daytona. We arrived in the campground on Thursday before the Daytona 500 and hit the ground running. After we set up the fifth wheel we hopped on a shuttle for our first trip to the Daytona International Speedway.

Number one on my bucket list was to attend an appearance by Sherry Polex, an ovarian cancer survivor who works tirelessly to promote ovarian cancer awareness and works with the Martin Truex, Jr Foundation to raise money for childhood and ovarian cancer. After wandering around the midway and buying some souvenirs we headed to the Toyota Racing Experience for her appearance. After the interview was over, she took a lot of time to sign autographs, pose for pictures and talk to the fans. You can learn more about Sherry at SherryStrong.org

The Duel at Daytona that night was the first of the four races we attended.

Beth with Sherry Pollex, advocate for ovarian cancer awareness and girlfriend of Martin Truex, Jr
Henry with the Tototas
Beautiful night for a race
Friday we enjoyed lunch with a water front view at Caribbean Jack’s Restaurant before heading to the race track for the Gander Outdoors Truck Series race.

Getting ready for the Friday night truck race
Sunset before the Friday night truck race
One of the trucks foming out of his pit stop
Panoramic view of the Daytona International Speedway
Saturday morning the United States Air Force Thunderbirds flew right over our campground during their practice. When we made a run to Publix Saturday morning for a few groceries what did we find but Kyle Busch’s #18 M&M truck and car in the parking lot! Oh, the M&M’s were buy one get one free in the store so of course we came out with two bags!

Saturday afternoon we were once again in the stands for the Xfinity Series race.

Pit Stop for #1 Michael Annett Saturday Xfinity Race
Pit Stop for #0 Garrett Smithley Saturday Xfinity Race
XFinity Series Race Winner #1 Michael Annett
The Daytona 500, also called the Great American Race, kicks off the NASCAR season in February every year. Pre-race activities began early in the morning before the race. Fans who purchased a Fan Zone pass were down on the field for a close up view. This year country singer Jake Owen performed for the crowd before the driver introductions. The crowd loved the flyover by the United States Thunderbirds.

Pre race festivities at 2019 Daytona 500
Crowd gathered to watch the driver introductions before the 2019 Daytona 500
Lineup for the 2019 Daytona 500 with infield in the background
Crowd waiting for pre race concert by country singer Jake Owen
Flyover by the United States Air Force Thunderbirds
Flyover by the United States Air Force Thunderbirds
One of the Thunderbirds landing at the airport behind the Speedway
Drivers, start your engines!

2019 Daytona 500
Racing past the infield on the backstretch
Nearing the start/finish line
Turn 1 of Daytona 500
Pit stop for #19 Martin Truex, Jr, 2019 Daytona 500
Race off Pit Road, 2019 Daytona 500
The race was exciting and it was close at the finish line. The winner was #11 Denny Hamlin.

By Monday morning we were exhausted. What better way to relax than to take a leisurely drive down highway A1A.  Lunch at Racing’s North Turn Restaurant in Ponce Inlet was followed by a walk on the beach and a drive to see the Ponce Inlet lighthouse.

An after lunch walk on the beach at Ponce Inlet
Racing’s North Turn at Ponce Inlet
Ponce Inlet Lighthouse
After the excitement of Daytona we were ready for a quiet week at at our next destination. Stay tuned.

14 thoughts on “Four NASCAR Races in Four Days”

    1. Thanks Judy! We’ve only been following NASCAR a few year. I didn’t think I’d like it but after watching a few races I was hooked. I was really impressed with everything about the Daytona speedway. Everything was spotless, including the lady’s rooms! All of the staff were friendly and helpful. And the fans were all having a good time!

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  3. My only experiences with NASCAR have been to stay away from Daytona and Talladega on race days because of the traffic! But your photos are wonderful and really bring the experience to life. Looking forward to seeing where you are going next.

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    1. Brenda, thank you for your comment about the photos. It is a real challenge for me to take those live action shots! The traffic is the reason we stayed so close to the speedway and took a shuttle each day. On Friday and Saturday we drove around Daytona but didn’t go anywhere near the speedway! We’ve only been fans for a few years. It’s fun for us but I know it’s not for everyone. Working on my next post now. Let’s just say it has to do with Florida springs and trails.

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    1. We loved your restaurant! We went there for the first time last year during speedweeks. Great food and beautiful location. We enjoyed all of the racing memorabilia you have there.

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  7. What fun! When those engines start and the flags say Go… it makes you want more.

    What a fun time you all had! Loved your pictures and loved the excitement that came from you!

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