Daytona International Speedway – Road Course

The Daytona International Speedway Road Course, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a unique hybrid circuit that blends high-speed banking with a technical infield section. Built in 1959—just one year after the iconic tri-oval was completed—the road course quickly became a cornerstone of American endurance racing. Best known for hosting the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the track has welcomed world-class teams and drivers as part of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and beyond. Its mix of superspeedway and road racing elements makes it one of the most distinctive tracks in the world.

The Driving Line

Daytona’s road course challenges drivers with a mix of extreme top speed and technical cornering. It demands versatility—bravery on the high banks, and discipline through the infield. Line choice through the Bus Stop chicane is especially critical for lap time and car stability as drivers rocket back onto the banking.

• Track Length: 3.56 miles (5.73 km)
• Number of Turns: 12
• Banking: Up to 31 degrees in the oval turns, 18 degrees in the tri-oval

Key Challenges & Driving Notes

• Turn 1: Heavy braking zone coming off the oval—easy to overshoot if braking too late.
• Infield Section: A technical rhythm of corners with off-camber elements; line and patience are key.
• West Horseshoe (Turn 5): A wide, slow-speed corner that requires early throttle and a clean exit.
• Bus Stop Chicane (Backstretch): Fast left-right-left-right complex—absolutely critical for speed heading into oval Turn 3.
• Final Turn (Back onto Oval): Needs a clean launch and draft awareness as you merge onto the banking at full speed.

• IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (Rolex 24 at Daytona)
• IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge
• VP Racing SportsCar Challenge
• ARCA Menards Series
• SCCA events
• MotoAmerica (motorcycle layout)
• Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) – Classic 24 at Daytona
• Daytona 24H Support Races (Mazda MX-5 Cup, Lamborghini Super Trofeo, etc.)