Daytona Beach is known around the world for exciting racing as the home of the Daytona International Speedway with hardcore race fans making an annual pilgrimage to the center of speed each July 4th weekend.

The 2.5-mile facility has plenty of activity on tap this Independence Day holiday weekend as the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series prepare to battle on the high-banks of the famed superspeedway.

Nationwide Series practice kicks off Thursday's action, scheduled to hit the track at 2 pm ET followed by Cup practice at 4 pm ET with Nationwide drivers returning for final practice at 5:30 pm ET. Sprint Cup Happy Hour gets underway at 6:35 pm ET.

Friday's schedule at the speedway includes Nationwide qualifying at 1:05 pm ET with Cup qualifying slated to begin at 4:10 pm ET. The Subway Jalapeno 250 Nationwide Series event is at 8 pm ET.

The Coke Zero 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race runs Saturday evening at 7:30 pm ET.

Fans visiting the track over the weekend have many options when it comes to what to see and do while in town for the race. May we suggest the following fan-friendly locations that offer discounts to visiting hardcore race fans.

If you are looking for a place to park your tent, camper or RV, call 1-800-576-8471 or go to www.rvonthego.com to make a reservation at Bulow RV Resort in Flagler Beach, FL or Sunshine Holiday Daytona in Ormond Beach, FL. These RV resorts, managed by Equity LifeStyle Properties, offer up-scale camping arrangements and tons of amenities and activities for hardcore race fans like a fitness center, dance clubs, golfing, horseback riding, water sports and concerts. RV on the Go offers hardcore race fans many amenities and a wonderful atmosphere year round.

If you are not looking to “rough it” during Speedweeks, head to the Days Inn Daytona Beach - Speedway. Offering great rates and discounts, a sparkling outdoor pool, and close accessibility to all the action in Daytona Beach, it is only one mile away from Daytona International Speedway. The staff at HardcoreRaceFans.com has stayed here and loved it! Call 386-255-0541 or visit http://daytonadaysinn.com/ for more information and to make reservations.

For a fun, educational and delicious treat, head to Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory. Offering free tours with samples Monday through Friday, six times a day, this 80-year old family owned company is a must-see in Daytona Beach. Voted “Best Food Finds” by Southern Living Magazine, this quaint shop has all your favorite treats and has offered old fashioned goodness since 1925. Call 1-800-969-2634 or visit www.AngellandPhelps.com for more information.

If you are looking to eat a quality meal, visit Down The Hatch Seafood Company for the finest quality seafood and an amazing view. The restaurant overlooks the waters of Ponce de Leon Inlet and after eating you can take a stroll down historic Sailfish Drive to the beautiful beach and lighthouse. Open 11:30am – 9pm daily, this delectable eatery offers a wide variety of appetizers, sandwiches, dinners, desserts and more. Call 386-761-4831 or visit www.Down-The-Hatch-Seafood.com for more information.

Right across the street from the Speedway is Speed Park, Daytona’s Ultimate Family Fun Center. Offering outdoor go-karts and drag racing excitement and an arcade, what more could you ask for? Try your hand behind the wheel of a go-kart on the “Super Speedway”, “Watkins Glen” and “Indy” or strap into one of the four head-to-head dragsters and go 0-75MPH in under three seconds! Call 386-253-FAST or visit www.speedparkdaytona.com for more information on how to get your adrenaline pumping.

HardcoreRaceFans.co hopes you enjoy your holiday weeknd and Drive Safe.

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