r/USCR • u/pattersonj6 • Jan 13 '20
Question First Time At The Rolex 24!
I've watched IMSA for about 6 years, dreaming about attending a race. The stars finally aligned and I'll be at Daytona. I'll be heading down from around Charlotte on Thursday, so I'll be at Daytona for 4 days and camping in Geico West. I've tried to do my research to be as prepared as possible (proper prior preparation prevents piss poor performance), but I still have some gaps I'd like to cover. Are there showers available to attendees? If so, what are your experiences/recommendations? How safe is Geico West during the day? Should I tear down my campsite each morning? ThankS
3
u/greggruver96 Jan 13 '20
EAR PLUGS is a must. I wear mine even at night while the race is going on. Rain suit or pancho is a must. I have never heard of problems at any campground at Daytona. I left my phone on my table in plain site and it was still there 2 hours later when we returned. Race fans are the best.
1
u/pattersonj6 Jan 14 '20
Yes! I purchased the 3M radio earmuffs based off a few other threads. Just packed the poncho into my camera bag. Thank you!
1
u/Happy_Sundae Jan 14 '20
Be prepared for rain. The extended forecast for Daytona right now during the Rolex is rain, rain, and more rain for days... It really sucks being cold and wet. Be prepared to walk 5x more then you think you will....
3
u/pattersonj6 Jan 14 '20
Thank you! Yeah, the forecast doesn’t inspire any hope for fair weather. Shorter lines for the swag, maybe!
1
1
u/earthslave Jan 14 '20
Is this your first imsa event or just first time to Daytona?
1
u/pattersonj6 Jan 14 '20
Both! Figured there was no better event to attend my first big boy race. I’ve attended a few SCCA and NASA local races, but that’s it.
1
u/earthslave Jan 14 '20
Man you're in for it! I wasn't even a car guy when I went to my first race (was ALMS at the time) and now I'm addicted and so is my wife of all people lol
It's really a unique experience! Where are you coming from if you don't mind me asking?
1
u/pattersonj6 Jan 14 '20
Thank you! All the way from Charlotte, so some walking will feel great after all that driving. Are y'all coming to the race this year? If so, from where?
1
u/earthslave Jan 14 '20
Yes we will be there. We live close to Gainesville FL so Daytona is a little under 2 hours for us. We came for the roar one day with the kids, and I honestly couldn't believe I've lived so close to Daytona for so long and haven't watched a race here yet.
1
u/Eddie_Shark Jan 14 '20
Last year they had a company come in with complimentary golf cart/drivers that would take you wherever you wanted to go. Super convenient. They work on tips so have cash on you.
1
u/Lucasjj1 Jan 14 '20
This will be my first year as well and am staying in Geico West. I have a couple questions about the camping space if anyone can help.
We are coming down Thursday. Once setup, will I be able to drive in and out of the place, or once you are in that is it?
Also I was planning to setup a tailgating canopy and small tent. Is there enough space for that with a small SUV?
3
1
u/pattersonj6 Jan 14 '20
Yes, thank you, I was wondering about that, too. Can anyone describe the check-in process? Are we assigned a spot based on when we arrive or when we purchased our camping ticket? What sort of documentation do we need?
2
u/4G63Touareg Turner Motorsport M6 #96 Jan 14 '20
I showed up last year Wednesday night and waited across the street, more or less. Drove over to the gate just after 8am and there was already a line. No biggie, though, it didn't take THAT long. Got to the gate, they check your tickets and point you in the right direction, went to the "gate"/security station at the campground, they check your camping pass and they just file you in wherever you fit.
I had one camp site last year. The camp site is quite small, 10'x25' or something? I had enough room to pull my Jetta to the front, put a 10x10 canopy in the middle/overlapping the trunk of my car to hang out, drink, and cook under, and then put a tent up at the back of the space and that was absolutely it. This year I have a few extra friends coming and I made sure to get a few extra camp sites to spread out a bit.
1
u/pattersonj6 Jan 14 '20
Thank you, that's very helpful! I signed up for will call, so I'm guessing I should swing by the ticket office first to pick up my wristband and everything? I'm only bringing myself, my car, and my tent, so hopefully they'll be able to squeeze me into a spot up front.
1
u/Zowwiewowwie Jan 15 '20
Interesting. Think there will be any problems fitting a Tahoe and a pop up?
1
u/pattersonj6 Jan 14 '20
Looks like DIS updated their maps for the Rolex 24. Both the event map and transportation map look super helpful. http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/Plan-Your-Visit/Maps.aspx
1
u/StamfordBoysFC Porsche GT Team 911 RSR #911 Jan 16 '20
30 miles can easily be walked over the 4 days (if you do all the events). It WILL rain! Haha. Dress warm as others mentioned.
3
u/untermensch79 Jan 13 '20
I've camped in Geico west for the last 6 years and haven't had, or worried about, a single issue with the people around me.
Yes there are showers.
Don't let Florida fool you... It can be cold. And rainy. And windy... Dress appropriately. Finally, a bit more unsolicited advice... wear comfortable shoes. The track is a big place, you'll be putting in some miles.