There is nothing like experiencing something for the first time. Does anyone else get those giddy feelings inside when you see a place you’ve only dreamed about? How about that tummy flutter when you reach the high peak on your first roller-coaster ride? Those are life-long memories you talk about over and over.
For a race fan, there are bucket-list race trips. For Formula 1 fans, that would be Monaco. IndyCar fans dream of Indianapolis Motor Speedway. And Daytona International Speedway is definitely at the top of the list for NASCAR fans.
I thought the idea of experiencing Daytona through the eyes of a first-time attendee would be a unique perspective. Luckily for us, one of our X followers fit what I was looking for.
Meet the Keelers
Brendan and Elizabeth Keeler are race fans from Vermont who attended the Daytona 500 for the first time this year. “We chose to go because it must be a bucket list race for almost every race fan. A friend of ours offered to let us stay at their place and the race happened to fall on our anniversary. It worked out perfect.”
The Keeler’s have both been race fans for most of their lives.
Brendan is a Martin Truex, Jr. fan while Elizabeth cheers for Kyle Busch. (Watching races together must be fun for this couple!)
Brendan’s home track is New Hampshire Motor Speedway with Elizabeth’s is Darlington Raceway as she grew up in South Carolina. Also, If you go to the New Hampshire race this year, be on the look out for the Keeler’s as this is the one track they make sure to attend each year!
They have both attended races at multiple tracks and Brendan is planning to make a trip to South Carolina to experience Darlington for the first time in the next couple of years.
First Time at Daytona
So, did Daytona meet these first-time attendees expectations? “The race lived up to, and exceeded, our expectations to be completely honest. There’s nothing like being there in person and experiencing it.” (I agree, after going to Daytona in 2015, watching it on TV just isn’t the same.)
They couldn’t pick any one particular thing that was the best part of the race weekend, but they said the overall feeling made it amazing. “Just being there and feeling the general atmosphere and getting to appreciate it.”
They purchased Fan Zone Passes and agreed they were well worth the money. “They just add to an already great experience. Especially if you can be there Thursday and Friday when it’s not crowded. Walking up on top of the garage in the fan zone and getting that first, good look at the speedway’s grandstands. That was the moment where it all felt real and sunk in. I’d be lying if I said we both didn’t shed a few tears.”
Highlights
The highlights from the weekend were getting to meet up with their friends, watching the cars on track, and meeting some drivers.
“We met Truex Jr and Tyler Reddick, both were friendly, chill, and laid back.”
The worst part? “Had to be the rain which obviously is beyond NASCAR’s control. So I can’t fault them for that. We waited out the rain delays by going to some offsite driver appearances and visiting the Daytona Flea Market.”
Tips & Advice
When asked about any tips they would give to other first-time fans thinking about attending, they said to book your hotel and secure your tickets early. They also recommend taking an extra day to check out the area. “There are several cool places such as Daytona Beach, the Streamline hotel, and the Racing’s North Turn restaurant.”
Their biggest piece of advice though? “Soak in the whole experience and enjoy every moment of it. There’s nothing else like it.”
Is another Daytona 500 in their future or was 2024 a one-and-done? “We would definitely love to attend another Daytona 500 in the future for sure.”
We extend a huge thank you to Brendan and Elizabeth for sharing their experience, answering questions, and providing pictures of their race weekend!
