Top Places to Explore the History of Motorsports in Daytona Beach

Home to some of the most well-known motorsports events and a world-class racing venue, Daytona Beach has a long and rich history of the sport dating back to the years when the first automobile was invented. In 1903, the first timed trials in the U.S. were held in Ormond Beach, sparking the infamous racing culture found throughout the area today. From legendary museums to commemorative landmarks, make sure to add one—or all—of these top motorsports attractions to your Daytona Beach itinerary. Get ready to uncover the thrill of racing in Daytona Beach and beyond. 

Birthplace of Speed Park

Start your Daytona Beach motorsports tour where the first automobile race was held on the hard-packed sands of Ormond Beach. The Birthplace of Speed Park features a pavilion, picnic tables, grills and a replica of the historic Ormond Garage that burned down in 1976 and served drivers and mechanics during the first timed trials. Visit the oceanfront park, pack a lunch, snap a photo, and see the place where racing records were made. 

Daytona International Speedway

Nicknamed "The World Center of Racing," a visit to Daytona International Speedway is a must on any Daytona Beach vacation. Feel the high-intensity excitement during prestigious racing events such as the Daytona 500 and Coke Sugar Zero 400. Or take a tour through the speedway and its Motorsports Hall of Fame museum to get a close up look at legendary automobiles, racing memorabilia, and more. 

Living Legends of Auto Racing Museum

Learn about the history of racing legends in Daytona Beach at the Living Legends of Auto Racing Museum. Here, you'll discover antique racing cars, photographs, and other artifacts that showcase the history of racing and its pioneers. Admission is free and the museum often hosts special events during Daytona Speedweeks.

Ponce Inlet Beach Racing North Turn and South Turn Historic Marker

Just south of Daytona Beach in Ponce Inlet, lies the famous Road Course where NASCAR-sanctioned automobile and motorcycle racing took place between 1936 and 1960. The oval-shaped track included hard-packed sand traveling north and paved road traveling south. Visit the sites of the original north and south turns at the two historic markers located on South Atlantic Avenue.

Bruce Rossmeyer's Destination Daytona

Experience the area's modern-day culture and shop for some of your own racing and motorcycle gear at Bruce Rossmeyer's Destination Daytona. The shopping and dining complex houses the 109,000-square-foot showroom at Bruce Rossmeyer's Daytona Harley-Davidson along with specialty shops for motorcycle rentals, jeep and truck accessories, and much more. Depending on the time, you might even catch a live show or event at the outdoor pavilion. 

Race through the history of motorsports in Daytona Beach with our list of family-friendly attractions and make sure to check out more of Daytona Beach's most iconic things to do while you're here!