My son and I have gone to nearly every Texas race since he was 5. I have been blessed with access at the track with free tickets, experiences, etc with my previous career in the golf industry (Toro, John Deere, etc). And now my current career in the plumbing industry (Rheem, etc). Going to the race is our weekend, our yearly tradition. His knowledge and fandom is out of the world. Turns 18 next March and I am taking him to Daytona for his birthday. Will have all the time in the world to experience it all since he will be finished with high school this November through his academy, so will just be golf and work during the Spring before heading off to ETBU for college golf.

Anyone have some tips/advice for the weekend of Daytona?

I preface that I have been to the summer race in 2023 and again this past summer (2026). Track seemed pretty packed but definitely not as full as The 500. Did not experience any traffic issues as we arrived @ 3:30 for 7pm race. I parked in lot 4 which is right outside turn 4. I was back to our hotel within 15 minutes of leaving the track so would recommend. The UNOH infield passes are worth it as well. Track and concessions are the best I've experienced thus far. Texas is a dump compared to Daytona. Sit about half way up so you can see the entire track. My son and I also went fishing with On The Hook Charters. Would recommend if weather cooperates. Go to cape canaveral for rocket launch if there is one scheduled. I probably didn't answer something so let me know if any questions.

Good advice above. Stay on the beach. Some of the hotel resorts have very reasonable prices so yall can have a nice pool scene and hang out and enjoy that aspect too.

Do you want to only see the Cup race or do the whole weekend? That will determine how else the trip goes.

If you have a free day for Cape Canaveral, go to Cocoa Beach and hang out for a while at Coconuts On The Beach.

The track is amazing. Definitely sit high enough to see everything. I love anywhere above the trioval, but just past start finish is what I prefer.

Haven't done the 500 but have been multiple times for Rolex and the summer race.

Great idea and yall will have fun no matter how you do it.

Also, there are some areas of Daytona that are absolutely disgusting so that's why I pick beachfront for lodging.

I am tossing around the idea of the 4-day pass or the 2 day pass. Being there for the Duals, Truck, Oreillys and Cup race he would thoroughly enjoy. Either make it a week trip or a long weekend trip. Definitely want to take in more than just the race while we are there, so beach front stay may be in the cards. There is a nice hotel across from the track that is a 5 min walk may be an option as well. What is cool is he has a friend a couple years older that plays golf at Bethune Cook nearby he met while at a golf camp he still stays in touch with.

How is commuting to and from around town during the week? Recommend a rental or just rely on ride share when needed?

No issues commuting. Rented a car from Orlando first time and Jacksonville the second. Jax little further out but airport was a lot less of a hassle and less Disney folks (coughing/sneezing) if you know what I mean.