If you've just blown into town for Bike Week on your Harley, you will surely find yourself at some point, at Daytona's International Speedway. Park your iron horse, and take as much time as you can
set aside from your biker bros and bras to visit the onsite Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.
This awe inspiring collection of exhibits and relics of every form of equipment, and every pioneer in the historic quest for speed could keep the afficionado entertained for hours.
Of course it is only natural that the history of "Big Bill," William Henry Getty France Sr., former stock car racer on the sand/asphalt course in current day Ponce Inlet, the father of NASCAR, and the visionary to take auto racing to the next level by building the Daytona International Speedway, is well honored.
But the sheer number of historic stock cars, motorcycles, drag racers, powerboats, land speed vehicles and even aircraft is a delightful eye candy overload. But when you add in all the historic documentation of media coverage in the form of magazine covers it clearly illustrates the American obsession for speed and the stars who have blown away the pack, it all adds up to a great experience. Do you wish you could take a lap on the track? Sit down in the simulator that lets you go against the other drivers on the track. There is also an indoor theater with a film about the Daytona 500 on a loop. When I was there, you had your choice of any seat.
The bottom line, unless you have absolutely no interest in cars, motorcycles, racing, I would say, even history, you will love the time you spent in the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, at the Daytona International Speedway. Add it to the Speedway tour, for an even better adventure into the world of speed and you will experience the ultimate Speedway encounter. Be sure you check in advance that the Speedway Tour includes the track run. This depends on whether maintenance or pre-race track preparation closes that part of the tour, which between you and me is the most coveted part of the tour.
Ticket prices are well worth it, so if you're in Daytona Beach, do it. It's our version of the Eifel Tower or the Louvre Museum in Paris, it's a don't miss gig.
Let me reiterate, when in Daytona Beach, you really should visit the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America
Vroooooom!!!
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