Daytona International Speedway - HSR Classic 24 Hour
- Chris Green
- Dec 13
- 4 min read
Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29
Daytona International Speedway 1801 West International Speedway Blvd Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Year Opened: 1959
Capacity: 167,785
Daytona’s Vintage Showcase
The HSR Classic 24 Hour at Daytona International Speedway is one of the more unique races in America. It showcases racing history from the past, giving fans a window into the races that have come and gone from the track’s lore. The Classic 24 Hour indeed concludes with 24 hours of racing through the night that is broken up into different hour-long segments, showcasing various time periods and car classes. If you’re a racing history buff, this is no doubt a fantastic race to come to that offers stellar access to the cars and drivers, while providing that throwback feel true sportscar fans yearn for.
Food & Beverage 2
There isn’t much to eat at Daytona in the paddock fan zone. Only the Bud Patio is open, offering a limited menu and often running out of even the most basic items like bottled water. Additional food trucks may be present on any given day, but they are not guaranteed. Instead, most fans venture away from the track to the numerous restaurants that populate the main road outside the track.
Atmosphere 3
There’s nothing quite like being at a 24-hour endurance race. The feeling is electric as the race begins in the afternoon; as the sun sets, the lights come on, and the look and feel of the race takes on another face – the smell of race fuel, the glow of the brakes in the cold night, the sound of engines roaring lap after lap. The infield campfires grow more numerous and the party picks up only as the night darkens.
What makes this race so unique, however, is the relaxed feeling. Unlike the Rolex 24 where everyone is on edge pushing hard for a full day of racing, the HSR Classic 24 Hour is more a celebration of racing history. While podium finishers are awarded trophies and medals, the enjoyment and appreciation of the historic cars that participate is most important.
Unfortunately, car counts now are down from years past, in part due to the numerous other events throughout the year that are on offer. Thankfully, this is made up for on Saturday with the various car corrals offered from marquees like Porsche and Mazda.
Neighborhood 4
Daytona is a party town from days gone past when tourists flocked to the beaches during the summer months. However, the sun isn’t always so warm in North Florida in January. Nonetheless, the beaches are still just a few miles away from the track. In addition, right across the street from the track sit numerous stores, malls, and restaurants. From Chipotle and Panera to Olive Garden and Longhorn Steakhouse, there are plenty of places to shop and eat at during your stay.
Fans 3
The fans at the Classic 24 Hour rival the numbers seen at IMSA’s Roar in January. While not as numerous as the Rolex 24 or Daytona 500, a no-less impressive crowd turns up to watch racing history take to the track. The fans here range in age from the youngest and newest race fans, to old-timers who were around to see some of the historic cars on track in their heyday.
Access 4
Parking at the Classic 24 Hour is plentiful in the various lots around the infield of the track. For those who would rather take a ride, however, trams are available to shuttle you around the property. You can also wander the facility as you wish, with any ticket granting you access to the various infield viewing areas and paddocks. The big downside here is that the main grandstands are closed off to fans, meaning you are stuck watching from only the infield viewing areas.
Return on Investment 5
The HSR Classic 24 Hour is a race to be added to any sportscar fan’s list of must-see events, but tickets for this race weekend can get up there in price. One-day Thursday or Friday only tickets are $50.63, while Saturday-Sunday two-day tickets are $61.88. There is no Saturday or Sunday only ticket option. A Friday-Sunday three-day ticket runs $73.13, while a full weekend four-day pass is $84.38. Camping ranges from $33.75 for tent camping to $281.25 to $365.63 for RV spots.
Extras 2
The Classic 24 Hour is home to multiple days of racing action. In addition, all tickets get you into the garage and paddock area at Daytona International Speedway, which features fantastic views of the track and paddock from the rooftop patio decks. Fans can also get a look at team preparations, thanks to the viewing windows in each garage bay.
Fans in attendance can look forward to the fan walk before the race starts on Saturday, where you are able to get up close to the cars on pit road, as well as meet some of the drivers on hand.
Final Thoughts
Taking a trip to Daytona International Speedway for the HSR Classic 24 Hour is a visit worth taking – anyone who is a sportscar race fan should attend. This is a top-level historic event that features great Florida weather, a top-level venue, and incredible machines racing around one of the most historic facilities in all the racing world.
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