Sometimes referred to as the Super Bowl of racing, there are few motor sport events that match the Daytona 500. The 2020 version of the race will be staged at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, where the event has been put on every year since 1959.
The race is widely considered to be the most prestigious race in the NASCAR calendar, attracting huge numbers of spectators. It also has by far the largest purse of any race in North America.
Interest in the 2020 Daytona 500 is only likely to grow given that the current champion, Denny Hamlin will be chasing his third title, something that would put him in a very select group of drivers indeed. Only five drivers have ever won the Daytona 500 three or more times.
International Flight Support for the 2020 Daytona 500
Many of the international flights arranged for the 2020 Daytona 500 will land at Daytona Beach International Airport (KDAB/DAB) since it is next door to the race venue. Although extremely convenient for pilots and operators transporting VIPs to the race, it does mean that third-party trip support can be highly beneficial due to the amount of aviation traffic during this busy period.
By far the majority of the traffic at Daytona Beach International Airport is made up of general aviation although it does serve airlines, too, much of which arrives from domestic airports in the US. Access to any aircraft, crew or passenger services on the airport’s busiest weekend means booking in advance, something that Flightworx can assist you with, of course.
Alternative Aviation Planning Options
Bear in mind that despite the convenience of Daytona Beach International Airport’s location, there are other options. Using Orlando Sanford International Airport (KSFB/SFB) would make sense because of its greater capacity. Parking and service availability is more likely and it is an airport of entry for those arriving internationally.
Much used by airlines providing both domestic and trans-Atlantic services, Orlando Sanford International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the US with plenty of services, even at busy times like the Daytona 500 race day. What’s more, it offers plenty of executive flight support services and it is only about a 50 minute drive to the race track via Interstate-4.
New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport (KEVB/EVB) is only 14 miles from the race, located just to the south of Daytona Beach. Although very small, there are three fixed based operators (FBOs) to choose from if you require handling and passenger services. Nevertheless, handling is not mandatory. Another good option for both aeroplane and helicopter pilots is Flagler County Airport (KFIN/FIN). As well as two runways it has a seaplane landing area and a lone helipad to make use of.
Despite its modest capacity, Flagler County Airport accounts for something in the region of 190,000 take-offs and landings per year. It is situated about 25 minutes by car from the speedway circuit via Interstate-95. Finally, Palatka Municipal Airport is another option worth considering. It carries the FAA location identifier of 28J and lies 58 miles to the north of Daytona Beach.
