Volusia County businesses ready for the start of the Daytona 500

Chantelle Navarro,Nikki DeMarco
·1 min read
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Despite back-to-back devastation during hurricane season, Sunday is a victory for Daytona Beach Businesses as excited fans gear up for the Daytona 500 at the Daytona International Speedway.

Sunday is the 65th running of the Daytona 500 and more than 100,000 fans are expected to pack the stands.

This is the eighth consecutive year that the speedway is completely sold out.

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“The Daytona 500 is a slice of Americana,” said Daytona track president Frank Kelleher. “It goes back to gladiators racing on the beach here in Daytona beach. Then 1959 the very first Daytona 500.”

In 2016 the track dedicated $400 million to bettering the fan experience and Kelleher said he’s expecting another successful run.

The guest experience has really helped with the eight consecutive sellouts but also the content on the track,” Kelleher said.

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And while the race is bringing money to the speedway, it’s also helping the surrounding businesses, which is much needed for some after Hurricanes Ian and Nicole.

Volusia County estimates more than $500 million in property damages after the storms that Impacted at least 7,000 homes and more than 1,000 hotels and stores.

The speedway president told Channel 9 he is confident this will be a historically successful race.

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“This being a place you can kind of let your hair down and let your stress of your job out and have a great time,” Kelleher said.

That green flag drops at 2:30 p.m.

The Channel 9 sports team will be bringing you live coverage from the speedway later today.

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