24 Hours of Daytona

[glenn_993]

The race is this weekend. Don't miss the action on the Speed Channel.

Sat. 9:00 am - ?
Sat. 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Sun. 5:00 am - 9:00 am

[Tim Comeau]

Go Porsche!

[Pete Millikin]

I assume Porsche has not been providing much support to the DP cars, but I see factory hotshoe Lucas Luhr put the Alex Job Porsche DP on pole today. Only two other entries with Porsche power in the DP class - Brumos (of course) and the Rx.com car.

There are the traditional gaggle of GT3 cup cars in the GT class.

[Jad]

They changed the rules this year in DP so the Porsches will be more competitive. More power and lower cg to give them a chance. Of course if they win too much, they will lose power again as this is a fancy spec series these days.

At least it is popular road racing and the driver line-up is quite impressive for all the teams. Should be exciting.

[RickK]

I read in Autoweek recently that Fabcar has changed their chassis design this year to be more competitive with the Rileys and others that cmae along later. According to the article, the rumor mill claims "they had some help from an overseas company with experience in designing race cars".
Who ever could that be

[Tim Comeau]

Norbert Singer or Satan?

[Pete Millikin]

After seeing the incredible field and the close racing I'm putting this on my list of events to visit. Alex Toth a SD member who previously lived in Fl told me that it is one of best deals in racing in terms of cost, exposure to world class teams and pit access.

While it is still fresh, has anyone gone to Daytona and have any reccomendations on places to stay, things to do, best vantage points etc?

[glenn_993]

Check with Dave Gardner, he has been to the race the last two years. I plan on going next year.

[993Panzer]

The basic tickets are cheap ($35 ish). I've been in the suites at the top of the front straight bleacher sestion and in the Champion Club this year in the infiled right behind the pits. You can access the garages and go anywhere around the track. The bleacher section at the horseshoe is a great place to watch the action on the infield. The roof of the Champion club gives you viewing of all but a small piece of turn one, it's blocked by some buildings. If you get one of the premium packages it includes catered food and TV's all over the place running speed when it's broadcasting and local cameras during off air time. You get close to the cars and drivers, Bobby Rahal was on the roof of the Champion Club watching his son. As far as places to stay I can't offer much, I stay at my brothers house in Port Orange. All of the Grand Am events are inexpensive and offer close contact with the cars , drivers and teams. I think you can get a good package for the Phoenix race in May for $79. I think it includes seating and some food.

[Greg Phillips]

Don't foget that the Grand-Am racers will also be her in the West for several races, LBGP in April 8&9, Laguna Seca and PIR in May, Infineon in August and the new Miller Motorsports Park in Utah in September.

http://www.grandamerican.com/Events/

Can't speak for the othe tracks, but Laguna Seca is a great spectator track.

Greg

[Michael Dolphin]

If you like Laguna, you will also like Infineon -- rolling hills, great views of large sections of the track. You can even wine'n'cheese it right after the race at several first-class vineyards in the very local area. By the way, the great hotel deals are in Novato - about 20 minutes away from the track.