Page 36 - KCRPCA MarApr2017

Entering the in eld from the tunnel entrance, we broke out into the daylight, and were stunned at just how big this track really is.
we would actually make it to Daytona.
First of all, unless you have actually seen the Daytona Motorplex, it is dif cult to describe just how big it is. It is a massively huge complex, and apparently much improved after a recent multi year, $400 Million dollar renovation. We arrived at the track and all of Fred’s usual well executed, advance planning had paid off. The original set of tickets were lost in the mail, but he was informed that this was no problem, and we were informed to just show up at will call and they will get us all handled. When we stepped up to the ticket window and informed them of our plight, the elderly volunteer lady looked at us like we had two heads. After about an hour wait, they re-printed our credentials and we were on our way. Fred was his usual calm and analytical self. I was not happy to say the least, and there was a little profanity present.
Important tip for rst timers: Pay for the good parking.
Entering the in eld from the tunnel entrance, we broke out into the daylight, and were stunned at just how big this track really is. From across the in eld, over the motorhomes, tents and various outbuildings, you could see the famous high banks in the distance.
We were at Daytona. Originating back in 1962 as The Daytona Continental, the original 3 hour race was rst won by Dan Gurney, in a 2.7 Liter Coventry Climax; ironic as Gurney was a factory Porsche factory driver at the time, but the 718 he was driving was considered too slow and too small to enter the race. How times have changed.
We headed over to the garage complex to review the cars and explore just how close we could get to the action. As we walked between the massive car haulers and the pit garages, we impressed at how accessible the cars and teams are.
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March / April 2017