Daytona International Speedway : Ask Biography

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Daytona International Speedway is a race track in Daytona Beach, Florida, United States. Since opening in 1959, it has been the home of the Daytona 500, one of the most prestigious races in NASCAR. In addition to NASCAR, the track also hosts races of ARCA, AMA Superbike, Grand-Am and Motocross. The track features multiple layouts including the primary 2.5 mi (4 km) high speed tri-oval, a 3.56 mi (5.7 km) sports car course, a 2.95 mi (4.7 km) motorcycle course, and a .25 mi (0.4 km) karting and motorcycle flat-track. The track's 180 acre (289.7 adj=on) infield includes the 29 acre (46.7 adj=on) Lake Lloyd, which has hosted powerboat racing. The speedway is owned and operated by International Speedway Corporation.

The track was built in 1958 by NASCAR founder William France Sr. to host racing that was being held at the former Daytona Beach Road Course. His banked design permitted higher speeds and gave fans a better view of the cars. Lights were installed around the track in 1998, and today it is the second largest single lit outdoor sports facility. The speedway has been renovated three times, with the infield renovated in 2004, and the track repaved in 1978 & 2010.