The economy is kicking everyone’s butt right now.

Traditions, vacations and luxuries of all kinds are being axed from the family budget – and the Daytona International Speedway wants to do something about it!

On Sunday, Feb. 15th, NASCAR’s 51st Daytona 500 race will take place in Daytona Beach, Florida.  In an effort to allow more race fans to be able to afford to attend “The Great American Race”, the Daytona International Speedway has cut prices on select tickets.

Race fans can now attend the Daytona 500 for as little as $55.

This is a significant savings in price, bringing ticket costs to 1995 levels and saving over $40 on regular priced admission.  The $55 race tickets are, obviously, for select seats.

The $55 seats are located in rows 1-8 along the Superstretch in the Allison/Lund and Turn 2 Grandstands.  I have no idea what that means as I am not a race fan, but the ticket operator referred to this area as the “lower grandstand”.  Presumably if you are planning to attend this event, you understand what words like “Turn 2″ and “famed superstretch” mean.

last year daytona 500 pre race

Visit the Daytona 500 web site for ordering information on these select tickets.  You can also call 1-800-PIT-SHOP.  (I would highly recommend using the 800 numer to do your ordering and find out about all available specials.)

When you call to order tickets, you will hear the automated attendant advertise tickest as starting at $99.  All you need to do is ask the live operator about the $55 seats and they will let you know what is still available.  As of January 30th, there were still unsold tickets at the $55 level.

Of course, even if you can get the tickets for nearly half price, what about the rest of your expenses?

First, remember that on race day you can bring in your own food and beverages.  In fact, the Daytona International Speedway allows race fans to bring in entire coolers!  Head to the local grocery store and stock up on snacks, drinks and water.  Yes, water.  A full day in the sun with little to no shade requires massive amounts of water in order to prevent dehydration.

There are several options (and price points) for lodging during Speedweek as well.

Daytona International Speedway

You can camp right outside of the Daytona International Speedway for $575 for Tuesday – Sunday.  Or, you can camp at one of the campgrounds in the area for a heck of a lot less (yes, that’s the official offer).  Nova Family Campground offers special rates for Daytona 500 Race week.  Sure, you can’t stumble out to your RV after a day at the races, but Daytona offers a great cab system to get you home safely for $10-$20.

Camping in February?  Absolutely!  Florida weather in February is perfect for sleeping in a tent or RV.  It’s not too hot and not too cold (although the nights can get chilly so bring blankets and sweatshirts!)

If, however, you are much too classy and/or RV impaired for camping, you can head for one of the Daytona Beach hotels or motels.  Be aware, there are only about 4,000 hotel rooms in the immediate Daytona Beach area.  That’s why you’ll pay about $300/night for a place like the Daytona Bahama House on the beach during Speedweek.

If you can’t find or are unwilling to pay for a hotel room right in Daytona Beach, remember to check surrounding areas like South Daytona or Port Orange.

Wherever you stay and whatever you do when you’re not sitting in the grandstands, be safe!  Remember that Daytona Beach is a relatively small town that will be packed to the gills with tens of thousands of other race fans and tourists, not to mention  the poor suckers who actually live here.

Photos courtesy of TequilaMike and Scubabix.