Five years ago, when Frank Kelleher was named President of Daytona International Speedway, he knew from his deep roots in the area that many of his fellow soccer dads hadn’t experienced the magic inside the larger-than-life grandstand.
“We have visitors from 70+ countries and every state in America coming to Daytona to enjoy world-class sports. We’re recognized as the leader and flag-bearer of motorsports. We have so many exciting things happening here and we want residents to join us in experiencing a true slice of Americana,” said Kelleher in an exclusive talk with Daytona City Lifestyle.
“We’re your neighbors,” he says. “We’re on the beach with our kids, but when we step through these gates, we’re representing Daytona to the world. We take that very seriously. It’s beyond belief to go to work every day at the birthplace of speed. It never gets old, especially watching fans experience this track like I did the first time I set foot on it twenty years ago.”
It’s an experience that transcends racing.
What the World Loves About Daytona
You don’t have to be a gearhead to fall in love with the Speedway.
Kelleher relates the night he was assessing the day’s success while listening as fans exited the gates. One young fan, crossing the track after a concert, burst into tears when she realized she was standing on legendary asphalt. “She said her grandfather would never believe she was actually standing on the Speedway,” he reported.
Even artists who have performed in nearly every venue across the world are awestruck. When the Foo Fighters arrived ahead of their concert, they all wanted the “official” Speedway tour, hats, t-shirts, and selfies like any other lifelong fan. The magic touches everyone.
The VIP Treatment
Whether you’re new to Daytona or racing or a car aficionado, the Speedway’s events can be tailor-made with VIP service in mind. Whether it’s a VIP race lounge, trackside hospitality, behind-the-scenes access, or simply standing where legends stood, a day or weekend at the Speedway is a bucket list item.
Experiences created with a discerning crowd in mind are carefully curated and can include VIP packages for the upcoming Daytona 500 on February 15, the Daytona 200 motorcycle race on March 7, Welcome to Rockville May 7-10 featuring Guns N’ Roses, Foo Fighters, and The Offspring, or even a solo racing experience behind the wheel of a NASCAR race car. The track and associated facilities can also be rented out for private events.
Where Global Decision-Makers Start Their Engines
One of the premier experiences at the Speedway just wrapped up as the Rolex 24 came to a close January 24th. Race weekend once again brought together the world’s most influential motorsport leaders. On race morning, executives from Lamborghini, Ferrari, Porsche, Toyota, Chevrolet, Lexus, and more gathered for Jim France’s Chairman’s Breakfast — a uniquely Daytona moment.
“It’s the largest annual gathering of global motorsports decision-makers in one room,” he explains. “These are people with big dreams. Their companies are shaped by people who push boundaries. They have a passion to drive their vehicles to be what they are today. These are the moments when you reflect on how far the sport has come – from racing on the beaches here to today’s economic powerhouse. An entire industry has grown up alongside Daytona.”
Moments later, the execs all walked together to Pit Road — chasing a win – at Daytona.
Beyond the thrills and chills, Daytona International Speedway – along with One Daytona and International Motorsports Center – delivers an annual economic impact of $800 million to the state.
…And Sometimes Presidents Arrive Trackside
When asked if he’d heard whether President Trump would be returning for the Daytona 500 over President’s Day Weekend, he related that they’ll be ready should he be back again this year. “You don’t get much notice that the President is coming. While we already have a very high level of security, when the Secret Service is involved, they completely take over for obvious reasons.”
A Hollywood Moment on Victory Lane
One of the Speedway’s most surreal chapters arrived when Brad Pitt came to the track to film the opening scenes of F1: The Movie. Filming of the movie’s critical opening shots would happen while both the ROAR before the 24 and the Rolex 24 races were live. With 61 cars and associated teams, the Speedway’s infield would already be at capacity. The film’s production team arrived to build a movie set with space requirements equal to an entire football field within the infield. The film crew planned to have a fictional team embedded into the actual 24-hour race.
Minutes before the Rolex 24 starts, the movie’s director approaches Kelleher and politely asks to shut down the Speedway’s Victory Lane. Calling on years of experience handling high-powered negotiations, Kelleher and his staff were able to create a workable solution without skipping a beat during the actual race.
Pitt later found Kelleher to thank him personally.
“He said to me, ‘I’ve been around the world and nothing compares to this place.’ The next thing I know we’re doing selfies with my wife and kids. It really hit me – that moment. I started here as an intern, grew up blue-collar, and I’m having this authentic, amazing moment with people who are at the top of their field. My job as steward of Daytona International Speedway is to protect it so all of our guests feel that same awe - that the promise of Daytona was delivered.”
“There’s something honest and timeless about Daytona Beach. This place isn’t chasing trends — it stands proudly on who it is,” says Kelleher as he muses about the cultural significance of the area. “People come from all around the world and all 50 states to feel the history, the energy, and that uniquely American spirit. We want our area residents — especially those who haven’t yet visited — to experience it too.”