Two Daytona 500s, Two Different Seats and My Advice for First-Time Fans

Attending the Daytona 500 had been on my list for years, and I have now been fortunate enough to experience it twice: first in 2023 and again in 2025.

For each race, I parked in the same free lot and sat on the frontstretch, but my seats were at opposite ends of Daytona International Speedway. Both offered good views, but after comparing them, I came away with a clear preference.

This guide covers where I parked, when I arrived, what I enjoyed before the race, what I brought and why I would choose Section 374 again. Grace is not a racing fan, so she happily stayed at our rental house by the pool while I spent the day at the speedway.

Watch the full video below, then keep reading for my firsthand Daytona 500 advice.

I used Lot 7 for both races, and I would use it again.

Lot 7 is a free parking area with complimentary buses that transport fans to and from the speedway. You can locate it by searching for “Daytona Lot 7” in Google Maps, but always check the official race-day parking information before leaving because transportation arrangements can change.

I arrived between approximately 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. both times. The lot will eventually fill, so I recommend arriving early rather than trying to time your entrance shortly before the race.

My shuttle waits were manageable, generally around 15 to 20 minutes. There will naturally be more congestion after the race when thousands of fans leave simultaneously, but I still found the free lot-and-shuttle system convenient.

Daytona International Speedway currently states that free parking is available for most events, although fans should confirm the specific parking plan for their race before travelling.

After the shuttle drops you near the speedway, you will make your way toward the track and across an overpass.

My advice is not to treat that walk as something you need to complete as quickly as possible. Give yourself enough time to explore the areas outside the grandstands.

You will find merchandise, displays, sponsor activations and plenty of other race-day activity. Even without purchasing additional Fanzone or pre-race access, there is a lot to see before entering the seating area.

I also made sure to take a photo in front of the Daytona International Speedway sign during both trips, naturally while wearing my Kevin Harvick gear.

Arriving early makes the whole day feel more relaxed. You can explore, buy anything you want and locate your entrance without worrying about missing the pre-race ceremonies.

The Daytona 500 is much more than the green flag and 500 miles of racing.

The pre-race program typically includes a notable musical performance, the national anthem and the command to start engines. One of the most memorable moments is the flyover by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

Even when you have not purchased special infield access, being in your seat for the buildup is worthwhile. The size of the crowd, the introductions and the atmosphere help make the Daytona 500 feel different from an ordinary race.

I recommend getting settled well before the scheduled start rather than using that time to continue shopping outside.

For the 2023 Daytona 500, I sat in Section 374, around Row 15, near the pit exit and the Turn 1 end of the frontstretch.

I had nothing else at Daytona to compare the seats with at the time, but I immediately thought the view was excellent.

From that location, I could:

• Look along most of the frontstretch
• Watch the cars exit pit road
• Follow the field into Turn 1
• See the backstretch because the seats were sufficiently elevated
• Watch a video screen positioned across from our area

Being around Row 15 gave me enough height to understand what was happening across more of the speedway without feeling excessively far away from the track.

The angle looking down the frontstretch was the biggest advantage. Instead of watching the field move mostly from one side to the other, I could see the pack coming toward our end of the speedway and follow it into the corner.

My ticket cost approximately US$230.

The race itself gave me a strong first Daytona 500 experience.

The 2023 edition became the longest Daytona 500 in history and required two overtime attempts. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. ultimately won after a late wreck froze the running order during the second overtime.

After the finish, I returned to the shuttle area and travelled back to Lot 7 after an excellent first day at the World Center of Racing.

When I returned in 2025, I decided to experience the speedway from the other end of the frontstretch.

This time, I sat in Section 322, Row 16, closer to the pit entrance and the Turn 4 end of the track. The ticket cost approximately US$250.

These were still good seats. I had a clear view and was interested in being near the pit entrance because I thought watching groups of cars enter pit road under green might be exciting.

However, the race did not produce the type of manufacturer-group green-flag pit stops I had hoped to see from that location.

More importantly, I simply did not enjoy the overall viewing angle as much as Section 374.

From Section 322, I missed being able to look down the length of the frontstretch and watch the cars charge into Turn 1. The seats were not bad, but they helped me appreciate what I had enjoyed so much about the 2023 location.

Here is how I would compare the two locations:

For my next Daytona 500, I would look for seats around Section 374 and approximately Row 15 or higher.

The elevation mattered, but the viewing angle was what separated the two experiences for me.

This is still a matter of personal preference. Someone primarily interested in pit entry or Turn 4 might prefer the opposite end. For the way I like to watch a race, Section 374 was better.

Daytona’s current entrance guidance directs fans in Sections 363 through 378 to the Chevrolet Gate and Sections 308 through 325 to the Sunoco Gate. Fans should verify the latest facility map before attending.

My two Daytona 500 seating locations: Section 374 near the pit exit in 2023 and Section 322 near the pit entrance in 2025.

The 2025 Daytona 500 was another memorable event, although the day required patience.

Rain caused two red-flag stoppages and delayed the race for more than four hours.

William Byron eventually won in overtime after navigating a last-lap incident, becoming the first driver since Denny Hamlin in 2019 and 2020 to win consecutive Daytona 500s.

Weather delays are part of attending major outdoor events, especially a race as long and unpredictable as the Daytona 500. Build flexibility into your day and do not make plans that depend on leaving at a precise time.

During my 2025 trip, I also took a tour of Daytona International Speedway.

The tour cost me US$27 and was a worthwhile addition as a racing fan. It provided another way to experience the facility outside the intensity of race day.

Tours, routes and prices may change, so check the speedway’s current schedule before planning your trip around one.

I would treat the tour as a separate activity rather than trying to squeeze it into an already crowded Daytona 500 race day.

I brought radios and headphones so I could listen to driver and team communications during the race.

That added useful context, especially at a superspeedway where strategies, drafting partnerships and pit decisions can be difficult to understand from the grandstands alone.

Daytona currently permits scanners, headsets and hearing protection, although all items are subject to inspection.

Even without a scanner, bring some form of hearing protection. NASCAR races are extremely loud, and protecting your hearing makes the experience much more comfortable.

The speedway’s current policies allow fans to bring their own food and beverages, subject to its bag, cooler and container requirements.

Permitted items currently include:

• Bags no larger than 18 by 18 by 14 inches
• One soft-sided cooler no larger than 14 by 14 by 14 inches
• Pre-packaged food and beverages
• Hearing protection
• Scanners and headsets
• Seat cushions without metal components
• Cameras and binoculars

Glass containers, hard-sided coolers, umbrellas, tripods and several other items are prohibited. Policies are updated and can change, so check the official event guide shortly before attending rather than relying solely on an older article.

Arrive early

Getting to Lot 7 around 9:00 or 10:00 a.m. gave me enough time to park, ride the shuttle and explore before the race.

Use the free parking and shuttle

Lot 7 worked well for me twice. Expect some waiting, especially when leaving, but it remains a practical option.

Explore outside the track

Do not walk directly from the shuttle to your seat. Give yourself time for merchandise, displays, photos and the wider race-day atmosphere.

Be seated for the pre-race ceremonies

The performances, anthem, engine command and flyover are part of what makes the Daytona 500 special.

Choose enough elevation

Around Row 15 worked well for me because I could see the backstretch while remaining close enough to feel connected to the action.

Consider Section 374

For my viewing preferences, the pit-exit and Turn 1 end provided the better experience.

Bring hearing protection

A scanner with headphones is even better, but at minimum, protect your ears.

Prepare for delays

Traffic, shuttle lines, cautions, overtime and Florida weather can all extend the day. Enjoy the experience instead of planning around an exact finish time.

Ticket prices depend on the year, seat location, demand, fees and when you purchase.

Absolutely.

Both races gave me excellent memories, even though the weather, winners and seating locations were different.

The Daytona 500 is a full-day event with far more to experience than the laps themselves. Arrive early, tour the grounds, enjoy the pre-race buildup and prepare for a long day.

For parking, I would use Lot 7 again.

For seating, I would return to the Turn 1 end and look for something around Section 374, approximately Row 15 or higher.

Most importantly, enjoy the scale of the event. See the sights, listen to the cars and take in the atmosphere. NASCAR racing at Daytona is difficult to beat.