Part 5: Racing's not the only attraction

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Being in the attraction business means staying abreast of what is happening in the industry you represent, and since it opened, DAYTONA USA, the "Official Attraction of NASCAR," has tried to do that.

Behind the Scenes  Part 1: The President  Part 2: Fans First  Part 3: Celebrites on parade  Part 4: What's cooking?

The 45th annual Pepsi 400 is a showcase for the attraction's third motion simulator ride, which also offers a preview of Toyota's entry into NASCAR's national touring series in the Craftsman Truck Series, set for 2004.

Visitors to DAYTONA USA can get a first-hand experience of what it will be like when they jump into "Toyota Tundra's Thunder Road" motion simulator.

"DAYTONA USA has been here since 1996 and it's a one-of-a-kind interactive motorsports attraction," general manager Mike Manning said. "We have all kinds of interactive family fun, and Toyota's Thunder Road is just one example of it."

In addition to seeing everything from displays of illegal parts confiscated from NASCAR teams, DAYTONA USA also contains a wealth of historical data, memorabilia and photographs, along with the award winning documentary, "The Daytona 500."

Manning said it is the perfect mix of material that may be looked at and appreciated, as well as joining in at hands-on activities.

	How fast can you pit a car? Credit: Turner Sports Interactive

"At Motorcraft's 16-second pit stop, you can see if you have what it takes to change a tire on a Winston Cup car," Manning said. "You can actually change a tire, be the jackman or the tire carrier -- to see if you've got what it takes to fully service a Winston Cup car."

It's just another aspect of the interactive nature of the attraction.

A little more than a year ago the original layout of DAYTONA USA was expanded by 10,000-square feet of space that includes "Acceleration Alley" and "Daytona Dream Laps," a pair of motion simulators.

Toyota's Thunder Road is the latest addition, a two-seat full-motion simulator that depicts a fantasy drive around Daytona -- with a twist.

The simulator, designed by the MaxFlight Corporation, takes guests for a full 360-degree roll, creating a loop similar to a roller coaster ride.

	A cut-away copy of Jeff Gordon's Chevy is on display. Credit: Turner Sports Interactive

"With attractions such as Acceleration Alley, Daytona Dream Laps and the Richard Petty Driving Experience," Manning said, "Toyota Tundra's Thunder Road is another simulator that will give our visitors the experience of riding Daytona's high banks first-hand."

"The Daytona 500" movie is shown in a large-screen format presented on a screen 55 feet wide and almost three stories tall in the Pepsi Theater.

Outside the Pepsi Theater, fans can view Michael Waltrip's No. 15 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, the car which won the 2003 Daytona 500.

"In Gatorade Victory Lane we have Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip's car, covered in confetti just like it was after the race in February," Manning said. "Every year, the morning after the Daytona 500, we induct the winning car for an entire year.

"It gives fans a chance to see what the car looks like, as it's in the original state it was in when it took the checkered flag. It's come to be a badge of honor for the drivers, to say that their car is in DAYTONA USA for a whole year."

VIDEO CLIPS General Manager Mike Manning tells us what to experience when visiting Daytona USA Play video

While there are pace cars and a show car formerly used by Bud Moore Engineering out front, one of the most popular photo spots inside the attraction is the slice of pavement bearing three full-size stock cars that represents the track's four-story, high-banked curves.

"The wedge (is designed as) the actual 31-degree banking of the track," Manning said. "You hear about it, you see it on TV but until you actually stand up next to it (banking) you can't believe what that degree of banking looks like.

"As a photo opportunity, that is one of the most popular in the attraction."

Another popular attraction is Acceleration Alley, which has a group of motion simulators that race each other around the speedway.

"These eight simulators are very realistic, with the cars moving around if there is someone underneath or behind you," Manning said. "There's a spotter in the car with you to make it as close to reality as it can be.

	One of Dale Earnhardt's Chevrolets is available for viewing. Credit: Turner Sports Interactive

"You've got the tachometer to watch and it's funny to watch peoples' reactions as they get out of the cars. There's no office trailer to call anybody to but there's been a couple conversations waiting for the race results."

Hands-on interactive shows and attractions allow several hours of motorsports excitement at the facility.

Activities include Speed Channel's "You Call the Race," where guests play TV announcer and "call" a major Daytona race finish; EA Sports' NASCAR Thunder presented by Valvoline, which allows participants to use computer technology to drive a stock car on the high banks of Daytona; and Heroes of the Track, an opportunity to "question" one of your favorite NASCAR drivers using DVD technology.

Visitors exploring the attraction may examine the design features of a NASCAR Winston Cup stock car at DuPont's Technology of Speed, in which Jeff Gordon's Chevrolet actually comes apart in front of fans' eyes.

Guests also can enjoy a 30-minute, guided tour of the speedway. The Speedway Tour takes guests on an open-air tram ride through Daytona International Speedway's garage area, pit road and high banks.

The tour is narrated and describes each area of the track as you ride past. The tour also makes stops at pit road and near Victory Lane, track activities permitting.

	One display gives you a feel for Daytona's banking. Credit: Turner Sports Interactive

DAYTONA USA is also the base of operations for the Richard Petty Driving Experience, which returns to Daytona with a special twilight edition of the thrill ride that offers fans a chance to ride the historic high banks of Daytona under the lights with the Twilight Richard Petty Driving Experience ride-along program.

For the second straight year, the RPDE program offers rides to guests under the lights on July 6-7 from 5-10 p.m. The Twilight Richard Petty Driving Experience costs $134, which is the regular price for Richard Petty Driving Experience at DIS. It's recommended that fans sign up in advance for an hour time slot to participate in the Twilight Rides, but walk-ins are allowed.

Call DAYTONA USA Guest Services at (386) 947-6530 for more information or to sign up for Richard Petty Driving Experience Twilight Rides. Only individuals who purchase tickets for a Twilight RPDE ride can participate. Tickets are not transferable.

Toyota Tundra's Thunder Road, as is all the other simulators and displays in the attraction, is free with paid admission to DAYTONA USA, which is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. It holds extended hours during race events.

Call (386) 947-6800 for more information.