Daytona Int'l Speedway news 2010-01-25

48th Running Of The Rolex 24 At Daytona Features Endless List Of Activities

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- This week's 48th running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 30-31 is a grueling test of driver and machine featuring non-stop, intense competition from the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 for 24 hours.

For race fans, the event also delivers 24 hours of fun-filled activities. From the largest Ferris Wheel on the East Coast to the Daytona 5K run/walk, the to-do list of activities is endless. Here's a quick look:

Carnival atmosphere: Strates Shows of Orlando brings carnival fun to the Rolex 24 Weekend. Located along the twists and turns of the road course, experience the Midway and take a spin on the largest Ferris Wheel on the East Coast (150-foot high).

Chili Cook-Off: Held during the early hours of the Rolex 24, the fifth annual Chili Cook-Off will teams square off in the quest for the best Chili with a first-place prize of $1,000 at stake.

Daytona 5K run/walk: Before the best drivers in the world take to the historic pavement of Daytona International Speedway, runners and walkers will compete in the sixth annual Daytona 5K, set for the morning of the Rolex 24.

Daytona Heritage Exhibition: Celebrate the cars that the Rolex 24 At Daytona made famous during the Rolex 24 Heritage Exhibition in the Sprint FANZONE. Past Rolex 24 champion and class-winning cars will be on display throughout the weekend and will take to the track for a five-lap exhibition prior to the Rolex 24.

Autograph session: No where in the world will you find the greatest drivers all signing autographs at the same time and in the same location. The Sprint FANZONE will be the location for the giant GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series autograph session prior to the Rolex 24.

Garage access: Hear the sounds of the air guns, the smell of the tires and the roar of the engines with garage access, which starts at $10 and offers an inside view of the Rolex 24.

Uncle Robbie's Breakfast Garage: Start the second and final day of the Rolex 24 with a hearty breakfast at Uncle Robbie's Breakfast Garage, which will be located in the Fresh From Florida activity zone.

Wine and Cheese tasting: While the drivers are battling fender to fender, treat your palate to some fine wine and nibble on a variety of cheeses at the annual Wine and Cheese party.

Tickets for the 48th running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

-source: dis