Headline Surfer photos by Henry Frederick / The proposed future look of Daytona International Speedway was unveiled at a packed Friday morning press conference, 48 hours before the start of the Daytona 500, with Danica Patrick on the pole and Jeff Gordon alongside her.
DAYTONA BEACH -- Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood this morning conducted the first in-depth, virtual “walk through” of what the World Center of Racing would look like as part of a proposed massive $250 million massive redevelopment project.
Chitwood stressed the project is subject to approval by senior management of the International Speedway Corporation, which owns Daytona International Speedway, pending several economic stability factors as well as construction design and costs.
The project may also be impacted by state legislation that would include incentives for surpassing significant private investment levels.
ISC would be asking Florida lawmakers to give back $60 million in sales tax proceeds -- with a breakdown of $2 million a year for 30 consecutive years.
Speaking to nearly 300 media members and motorsports industry leaders this morning at the Speedway, Chitwood guided attendees through three-dimensional video renderings of what the redeveloped frontstretch structure would look like.
Formr Daytona mayor and Jon Hall Chevrolet owner Glenn Ritchey leans forward to talk with other local dignitaries following the press confeence at Daytona International Speedway. Seated next to Ritchey with notes in hand is Jefre Hentz, CEO of the Daytona Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Among a handful of local dignitaries present at the press conference, Glenn Ritchey, former Daytona Beach mayor and owner of Jon Hall Chevrolet, later said he was impressed with Chitwood's presentation and that he wholeheartedly supports the speedway project.
"Yes, this is very important for our city and our state," Ritchey said, adding he would actively lobby for approval by ISC and the Florida Legislature.
"Yes, this is very important for our city and our state," Ritchey said, adding he would actively lobby for approval by ISC and the Florida Legislature.
The vision for the redevelopment outlined by Chitwood places an emphasis on enhancing “the complete fan experience,” beginning with five expanded and redesigned fan entrances (“injectors”) along International Speedway Boulevard.
Each injector would lead directly to a series of escalators that would transport fans to any of three different concourse levels, each featuring spacious and strategically-placed social “neighborhoods” along the mile-long frontstretch.
For Headline Surfer / Rendering of future look inside Daytona International Speedway.
The 11 neighborhoods, each measuring the size of a football field, would enable fans to meet and socialize during events without ever missing any on-track action, thanks to an open-sightline design throughout each concourse and dozens of added video screens in every neighborhood.
The central neighborhood, the “World Center of Racing,” would celebrate the history of Daytona International Speedway and its many historic moments throughout more than 50 years of racing.
In addition, the redevelopment would see every seat in the Speedway frontstretch replaced with new and more comfortable seating, as well as the addition of more restrooms and concession stands within easier access points for all fans.