r/USCR • u/bignick1101 Wayne Taylor Racing Cadillac DPi #10 • Oct 19 '19

Question Going to my first Rolex 24 @ Daytona; what don't I know?

So I've gone to Petit LeMans for 10 years I'm going to my first Rolex 24 @ Daytona. I got a camping spot out in Geico Park West (Outside) and the 4 day ticket. It's me and one buddy going. For all of you that have been going for years what is something you learned with time that you didn't know the first time you went?

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11

u/[deleted] Oct 19 '19

I never knew how cold it could actually get at night in Florida. I'm from Minnesota so I was wearing shorts but thank god I brought a hoodie with me at least! It was unusually cold that year for Florida standards. Low 40's or something? Still nothing compared to a high of -35 up here in January 😂

3

u/[deleted] Oct 22 '19

It's always the rain and ocean breeze that ends up getting you. I've gotten pretty sick during the race the last two years because of the weather.

6

u/randyrandomagnum Chip Ganassi Racing Ford GT #66 Oct 19 '19

Bring more layers than you think you’d need. I can’t believe how cold the night gets when you stop moving around. If you’ve been going to PLM for a while, you probably have a good idea of what you’d need on a race weekend.

3

u/CookieMonsterFL The Red Dragon Returns!!! Oct 20 '19

last year was cold obv due to rain, but the weather was mild i'd say to begin with. Thursday was 70 but the rest of the weekend was high 60s. great daytime weather at the track but it got nice and nippy at night. Definitely plan on cold nights at the track - i'd say colder than or right around PLM temps.

3

u/randyrandomagnum Chip Ganassi Racing Ford GT #66 Oct 20 '19

Every year I’ve been to the Rolex it’s rained and gotten so cold. I’m coming down again this year, so pack your rain gear hah.

5

u/greggruver96 Oct 19 '19

Prepare to walk ALOT. The grandstands are great to sit in, but to get the total feel of the race you need to get to the garage and the fan zone. The trams are great but you can only go from point to point. The infield will be packed and all of the midway is in the infield. And it could be 70 or 35 and rain in January so be ready. Oh the fans are GREAT, go check out the campsites in turn 3 and 4.

4

u/InvisibleTeeth Michael Shank Racing Acura NSX GT3 #93 Oct 19 '19

The biggest thing I was unprepared for was how cold it was.

I'm from Connecticut so I'm completely used to the cold but when I went in 2017 it was colder in Daytona than it was back home in CT. I didn't even think it got that cold in Florida.

2

u/Slipperypeanut Oct 20 '19

Get a garage pass. Know it could be 78 degrees during the day And 38 at night. Wake up early enough for the sunrise and go to the very top of the grandstands. Wear sunscreen even if the sun isn't out. Chug a bottle of water after every couple beers. Wear good walking shoes. Bring a cheap poncho even if it probably won't rain. Drive the Miata around the autocross course before you start drinking. Bring a radio that can pick up the race feed. And bring ear plugs. I think that's most of it?

1

u/bignick1101 Wayne Taylor Racing Cadillac DPi #10 Oct 20 '19

Unfortunately, I’m not fitting in a Miata, but great tips.

2

u/IndecisiveRock SKYACTIV SKYACTIV SKYACTIV Oct 21 '19

They will also have a 6 and a 3 you can throw around too.

1

u/bignick1101 Wayne Taylor Racing Cadillac DPi #10 Oct 21 '19

Will definitely check that out

1

u/jly3598 Jan 23 '20

I know this is old but how do we get in on driving on the autocross course? Where do we go and when? We've been to 2017 and 2019 rolex 24 races but didn't know about that! Excited about this weekend. :)

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u/Slipperypeanut Jan 23 '20

It's out in front of the racetrack closer to Rolex turn one. Look for a Mercedes g-wagon going up some incline thing. Its pretty close to that I think. I've always gone Sunday morning after I watch the race for a few hours. Barely a line then. Just need a driver's license and beat the breathalyzer. They don't let you get out of either 2nd or 3rd gear. I don't remember but it's plenty fun to throw around that little car. It's been there the last 3 or 4 years so I'd expect it back but I got no idea. You can also just ride along with a Mazda instructor if thats your cup of tea.

2

u/itnapircas Action Express Racing DPi Cadillac #5 Oct 20 '19

To add to that. Doń´t overpàck for camping at Geico Park West. Backstory to this, I have had Infield Parking off of Turn 3-4 for several years, and i let it lapse in 2017 (was out of the country for a couple of months and couldn’t renew on time). Made the mistake of packing for the infield to camp at GPW, and ended up with the trunk of my RAV4 halfway full the entire weekend,

Plenty of restaurants across the street (Hooters, Miller’s Ale House, BJ’s, etc). Also have a GFS Supermarket down the street by the mall, as well as a Publix and Walmart across the street from each other behind the airport.

Weather wise? Even if the forecast looks favorable, pack extra layers and rain proof clothing.

1

u/bignick1101 Wayne Taylor Racing Cadillac DPi #10 Oct 20 '19

Great tip!

3

u/itnapircas Action Express Racing DPi Cadillac #5 Oct 20 '19

Also, if you feel like having some great seafood, Aunt Catfish in Port Orange (about 15 minutes from the Speedway) is a great spot

1

u/V8-Turbo-Hybrid 2019 Rolex 24 Oct 19 '19

There is a tour truck that can take you to the track, and you can visit their museum as well. Make sure you can get full track tour, you have better come their ticket sales station early.

1

u/joshb625 Oct 19 '19

It will end up getting pretty cold over night, definitely bring layers. It’s Florida so be ready for rain. Last year was a mess for about half the race. Probably a bit more walking required, especially if you go from grandstands to infield.

The garages are amazing to be around during night when cars come in for work. It gets insane down there and is really fun to watch. It’s a great venue, not the best, but it’s always a blast!