Daytona

The Daytona International Speedway, dubbed the 'World Centre of Racing', was opened in 1959 and plays host to one of the biggest motorsport events in the world, the Daytona 500.

By far and away the biggest and most important race on the NASCAR schedule, the 500 acts as the season opener for the series and has been won by some of the biggest names in the sport, including Richard Petty (on seven occasions) and the late Dale Earnhardt.

It was during the 2001 running of the race that Earnhardt was fatally injured in an accident on the final lap when he went into the wall after an incident with Ken Schrader. His son, Dale Jr, went on to win the race in 2004, three years after his fathers death and six years after Dale Sr won the event himself.

Located in a massive 480-acre motorsport complex, Daytona also plays host to a wide variety of other races during the season, which includes the Rolex 24 at Daytona (the opening round of the Grand-Am Series) and the AMA Superbike Daytona 200, both of which run on a layout that incorporates part of the famous tri-oval as well as a section in the infield – similar to the format used for the F1 GP at Indianapolis.

The circuit is also home to the Daytona 500 Experience, an attraction set up to entertain and educate visitors through a wide range of interactive activities.