The iconic Daytona International Speedway has undergone extensive upgrades and repairs to address the damage that Hurricane Milton left in its wake.
Known for hosting prestigious NASCAR events like the Daytona 500 and the Coke Zero Sugar 400, the Speedway is a crucial landmark in the motorsport calendar.
Daytona International Speedway suffered erosion outside Turn 4, impacting an area approximately 100 yards wide. This erosion required urgent attention to maintain the Speedway’s integrity and safety.
Ken Willis from the Daytona Beach News-Journal described the damage, noting:
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“An area outside of Turn 4, to the left and right of the two original entrance/exit tunnels dating from 1958, is now back in shape.”
Willis added:
“Hurricane Milton’s pounding rain and wind led to erosion of an area roughly 100 yards wide outside Turn 4. Plenty of grass had to be removed in order to put down leveled soil, which has been topped with new sod.
“A smaller area outside Turn 3 was also damaged and has also been fixed with new sod.”
The impact of Hurricane Milton was felt beyond the Speedway itself. Volusia County, home to the Daytona International Speedway, bore the brunt of Milton’s wrath, prompting evacuation orders for vulnerable areas east of the Intracoastal Waterway and the suspension of coastal park access and on-beach driving.
The storm’s severity led to widespread power outages, and local officials worked tirelessly with Florida Power & Light to restore electricity to affected areas. During these challenges, the Speedway also played a community role, serving as a staging ground for emergency response teams and utility crews.
Many from within the NASCAR community have provided aid of some sort throughout the horrific hurricanes. One of these was the Atlanta Motor Speedway which opened up its grounds for those trying to evacuate areas struck by Hurricane Milton. A notice from the track stated:
“In collaboration with Henry County EMA, the speedway will provide dry camping free of charge in its Legends Premium Campground for RVs and Legends Tent Campground for pop-up campers and tents. Evacuees staying in these campgrounds will also have complimentary access to a nearby showerhouse while staying at the speedway.”
AMS Executive Vice President and General Manager Brandon Hutchison stated at the time:
“While our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those affected by Hurricane Helene, we’re committed to helping when storms affect communities in the southeast whenever we can.
“We have hundreds of acres of campgrounds and opening up our facility is an easy choice to make. If you’re in Milton’s path and looking for a place to stay, we’re here for you.”
