Tailgating: Daytona

Getting there

From I-95 North and South, take one of the following exits:

• Exit 273 -- South US-1
• Exit 265 -- LPGA Boulevard (recommended)
• Exit 261 -- US 92/International Speedway Boulevard (avoid)
• Exit 249 -- S.R. 44 in New Smyrna Beach

From the East (Daytona Beach Area)

• From A1A, take any of the areas bridges to US-1

• From A1A and US 1 take any road heading west -- Granada Boulevard/40, LPGA Boulevard, Mason Ave/240, S.R 430, Fairview, Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard, Orange Avenue, Bellevue Avenue

From the West (Orlando)

• I-4 East to S.R. 400 (Beville Road)
• S.R. 400 East to Williamson Boulevard
• Taylor Road to Dunlawton Boulevard or Williamson Boulevard.

Get the detailed map

There are many roads zipping around the speedway that can be valuable in getting out of the traffic and onto the interstate.

Also beware because the police will close streets and exits as traffic gets thick to help ease congestion and route you a different way. So you know what I say: Get there early.

Don't forget to check with the Florida DOT for accidents and construction: Florida DOT Web site What to bring

• One soft-sided bag/cooler, no larger than 6 x 6 x 12 inches. Examples: soft-sided insulated cooler, scanner bag, fanny pack, purse, diaper bag, binocular bag, etc. The soft-sided insulated cooler may contain ice.

• One clear plastic bag, no larger than 18 x 18 x 4 inches, to accommodate samples and purchases made after parking your car. May have shoulder straps. Clear plastic bags may not contain ice.

• Binoculars, scanners, headsets and cameras -- worn separately over the neck or on the belt -- and seat cushions carried separately are also allowed.

• Seat cushion bags with compartments will be reviewed on an individual basis.

• Since I am telling you to get there early bring the tailgating equipment. Do not forget a hat and the sunscreen!

Parking and camping

At Daytona it is very important to go to the track's Web site map to see what parking lots are where in relation to your seats. You do not want to park outside of Turn 3 somewhere if your seats are in Turn 1. Daytona is 2.5 miles and that is on the inside. With fences, lots and cars you may have to walk that far from your car to your seat if you do not plan.

Do yourself a huge favor and download the fan guide ... at least the parts about parking. They will not let you turn left out of some lots nor will they let you go right out of others. This is very difficult if you only know one way back to your hotel room.

Some private parking is available across the street from the frontstretch on streets that run off International Speedway Boulevard. What is good about parking off these roads is you can leave after the race by heading toward LPGA Boulevard instead of getting caught up in International Speedway Boulevard traffic. The streets are Williamson (closer to Turn 1), Fentress (in the middle) and Bill France Boulevard (closer to Turn 4). All of these roads have businesses on them that were closed when we went there on Sunday. You may be charged a small fee for parking there, but these streets are convenient.

Another street -- Bayliss -- intersects Fentress and is also very close. The part of Bayliss that is closest to Speedway Boulevard is right behind the Hooters and there is a private camping area there.

There are businesses that charge for parking all along International Speedway Boulevard. There are a few private parking and camping areas on Fentress, Coral Sea Way and North Williamson, all within walking distance (depending on where your seats are located).

Jo Ann Hlavac is the producer of Laidbackracing.com, a fan site devoted to NASCAR tailgating. The opinions expressed are solely of the writer.