Travel Log: Daytona

Daytona marks the official halfway point of the season, with 14 of the final 19 events being held at destinations previously traveled earlier this year. Fret not.

From Fontana to Fort Worth, with return stops at places like Martinsville in between, the well is not dry of local attractions to uncover. Big or small, urban or rural, the traveling band continues.

First stop: Daytona Beach.

Aside from a 20-degree change in weather, perhaps the biggest difference between February's visit and this one is opportunity. February's trip uncovered a wide net of activities in the surrounding area. This time, it's all about the outdoors with hot temperatures expected, cooling water awaiting and an Independence Day to celebrate.

Also: February's edition of Travel Log: Daytona

Daytona Beach Surfing School -- Anyone can grab a board and hit the waves, but a surfing school teaches beginners how to read the ocean, be aware of safety hazards and master proper positioning and timing. For those who are just learning or want to introduce themselves to surfing, this is place to do so.
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racegrrl79 -- New Smyrna Speedway: OK, so it is not exactly directly in Daytona Beach, but it isn't too far away. It is a half-mile asphalt oval that was repaved in January of 2007 that has seen the likes of Tony Stewart, Kyle Busch and others testing there this year. Mark Martin and his son also have raced there. It is banked at 23 degrees and is a great track to see some good local racing.

The best part is this year, on Thursday, they are having the Clyde Hart Memorial, which is a Super Late Model Race of 125 laps that always has good car counts and great racing. In addition to that big race, that night local racers of Pro-Trucks, Strictly Stock and Sportsman cars will be running as well.
• For more information, click here

Join the Daytona International Speedway Crew

Thursday: Cloudy with a high of 89 degrees, low of 74
Friday: Cloudy with a high of 90 degrees, low of 73
Saturday: Cloudy with a high of 88 degrees, low of 74
Sunday: Mostly cloudy with a high of 89 degrees, low of 74
Complete Forecast

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• Let NASCAR.COM help book your last-minute travel.
• Directions and aerial map of Daytona Beach, Fla.

After feeling the breeze on the beach, it's off to the Windy City for the lone stop on the schedule. Where are the hot spots? Share your personal favorites here.