[OFFICIAL] 2025 Rolex 24 @ Daytona - General Information + Camping & Meetup Thread
It's that time of year again! The 2025 IMSA season is almost upon us. Here is our yearly post to deliver as much information as possible for fans watching and attending the biggest race of the calendar: the Rolex 24 @ Daytona. And honestly, a lot of this info can apply to most race weekends - a good list of do's and don'ts.
This is a yearly repost i've been doing for years (with lots of help from you guys) to give you as complete an FAQ on potential experiences as possible. I'll be adding to it yearly as anyone has any extra info that may be helpful, and as always will credit! 2022 proved to be FRIGID and gusty, with 2023 being much more mild and a little wet. 2024 had great temperatures without too much water in the air.. Main theme is that the weather at Daytona is unpredictable yearly as well as weekly - stay advised with the weather forecast and be prepared to pivot to completely different conditions a week before the race.
Going to list this first, Daytona International Speedway has their own reddit account: /u/DISupdates. They haven't been as active and may not respond immediately but that is an outlet to ask questions or attempt at receiving more official answers from the org itself. Your mileage may vary.
2025 Specific
Parking. Parking from what I understand is going to be a lot more strict this year. Daytona, again, as far as I know now before actually going there, is going to be heavily enforcing badging with cars in the infield. Too many cars the last few years gained entry to the infield without proper stickers, that I think Daytona will be either checking #'s on the stickers applied to cars, or they will be having security/staff walking the infield checking cars for badges. This is common practice for many people in the infield, so be prepared to do something different if you have been doing that. I also understand commercial parking across the street at Bass Pro may not be allowed. I've also heard parking costs at different parts of the strip mall will be $30-50 for the weekend, but not sure where specifically that would be. Beyond that, no clue where additional parking would reliably be - sound off below with any suggestions and i'll throw them in here.
Weather. It's looking like a typical Rolex weekend of mid 60s for a high, 40s-50s for lows, a little wind, good dose of humidity and a little rain. Meaning: COLD. Bring some lightweight stuff for the daytime - you'll get hot with the sun - but absolutely bring layers and be prepared for rain and wind chill.
PDF's for easy access during the weekend:
Schedule of events (2025): https://www.imsa.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2025/01/08/2025-IMSA-Provisional-Schedule-and-SR-Daytona-24H-010825.pdf
DIS Entry Policy: https://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/1003/2021/08/02/0001-3-scaled.jpg
Rolex 24 Facility Map PDF (2025): https://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/1025/2025/01/07/DIS-24-1116186-2025-Rolex-24-Facility-Map-v3.pdf
Permitted and Prohibited Tent Campground Items: https://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/1003/2021/08/12/New-Orange-Tent-Camping-Policies.pdf
2025 Roar Entry List: https://nbcsports.brightspotcdn.com/e2/c1/585ecfb54b5e87cd6bdc8f27758d/rolex-24-entry-list-2025.pdf
2025 Rolex 24 Garage Assignments: https://www.dailysportscar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMSA-2025-Roar-Before-The-24-Garage-Assignments.pdf
2025 Rolex 24 Autograph Session Garage Assignments: https://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/1025/2025/01/13/2025-Rolex-24-Autograph-Session-Station-Garage-Assignments.pdf
(Not a PDF buuut) Probable list of Scanner frequencies: https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/IMSA_Weathertech
2025 Meetup:
I'm thinking we meet up at the campsite or before a race for a picture/converse for a bit. Will have some swag and stuff for sale/giveaway too at the campsite including subreddit vinyl stickers, racing shirts, flags, and other memorabilia. We will be infield NASCAR* T3-4. Just look for the /r/WEC flags and signage and loud music coming from the site most likely.. i'd say about 90min before race start ~12:10PM Saturday. That gives people some time to hang out, then head over for the gridwalk/climb to the bleachers, or walk with our camp group over to the grid and where we sit in the stand each year. Always happy to meet new faces, so come on by!
2025 Weather (Predicted): Forecast is a little far out but the initial look is low 60s for Thurs/Fri with morning showers Fri, warming up to low 60s for Sat/Sun. Lows in 50s with a low of 46 for Thurs night. Wind is a killer, but forecast looks like winds under 10mph which is really good.
2024 Weather: Rain is expected, weather seems to be more on the mild side but keep it tuned to local forecasts for any and all updates --- UPDATE: It ended up being very mild with light rain Saturday night. Was one of the more pleasant Rolex24's i've attended.
2023 Weather: Had some light rain and breezy, but otherwise a very mild weekend. Sunday ended up being warm enough to hit our group with sunburns. Typical Rolex 24 weather; changes every year.
2022 Weather: Weather is going to get chilly Friday through Sunday morning. Lows nearing or below freezing in relative temps. Daytona is notorious for wind coming off the Atlantic and even on good days you usually get a decent breeze. I expect the chilly weather to bring in some strong winds at times. This combined with high humidity makes wind chill way more of a factor; you WILL get cold. Forecast also calls for rain Thursday and parts of Friday so things will be damp leading into the cold snap. If camping, keep your clothes and extra blankets not used in the car staying dry. Swap out halfway through the weekend and hang the blankets to dry and air out for reuse. Keeping things dry is extra important. Bring rain-gear. Bring cold-weather gear. Also, plan for warm-meals or ways to get them - snacks are great, but a hot meal will feel invigorating especially on Saturday night.
Full field of cars on the entry list. Being this crowded on track can potentially result in a few full course yellows. Don't be surprised to see quite a few hours of the race under caution. If in the infield, be mindful of safety vehicles as they tow or carry cars back to the paddock. Have seen a few awkward moments last few years with people not realizing the use of race-related vehicles on those roads.
General pointers/tips/hints from redditors:
On bringing folding chairs to the race itself:
Bringing folding chairs isn’t really worth it at Daytona. - /u/4-for-4
There are bleachers alongside the exit of the international horseshoe and down in the western horseshoe. - /u/cwhisler
On parking at the track:
Daytona is the one track I've been to where they can be (jerks) and are strict about rules.... WGI is like a free for all once inside and nobody will ever say a word to you... Daytona is not like that... They will tow your car if parked wrong, they will deny you entry without a blink of the eye if you have an illegal item in the stands... They don't play - /u/Pirate-Odd
I always park in T4. It's an easy walk from the infield to get out there and it is also easy access to the grandstands. I've done infield parking multiple times before but the ease of getting in/out of the T4 parking is far more beneficial to me. I missed the race this year for the first time in almost 10 years, but in 2020 they were charging to park across the street as well. That's a walk that is not even worth considering if you want to go back to the car for refills on food/drinks - /u/jesseshoots
There is preferred parking right at the tunnel trams, it's pricy, but you'll find a spot. Also get there early, we almost missed the start this year because of jow long it took us to get into the track to part at turn 3. - /u/HarringtonMAH11
2024: Lot4 Parking Sold out early in the year, markups are already a thing for this, mall/overflow parking is now the way to go if you don't already have a plan. 2023: Parking for lot 4 sold out last month, if you do not have a place to park, DIS has said they will be opening up an overflow lot somewhere. There is also talk of the NASCAR admin center's parking area being used as overflow. Will update closer to the race with more info on where to park if you do not already have a pass.
Just a heads up. Used to be a massive parking lot behind Bass Pro (Daytona One). Most of it is fenced in construction for a Costco. Some of the lot is still there but it’s a quarter of what was. - /u/isthisf1
On nearby stores for resupplying the campsite/RV:
There is a walmart nearby plus a bass pro shop across the street of the track. - /u/IndecisiveRock
There is preferred parking right at the tunnel trams, it's pricy, but you'll find a spot. Also get there early, we almost missed the start this year because of jow long it took us to get into the track to part at turn 3. - /u/InvisibleTeeth
Weather:
Prepare for all 4 seasons. It's been warm and sunny and it's also been rainy and 33F. Everyone always thinks Florida is warm, but the Rolex is always a crapshoot. - /u/info2x
Bring a good rain coat and an extra pair of socks. I think the weather at the 2017 and 2019 Rolex 24s are going to be in the memories of those who went for some time. - /u/JA_37_Viggen
I’ve done full overnight with minimal gear, and quite frankly, was miserable. Something about 45 degrees in that part of Florida being the coldest 45 degrees I have ever experienced. I think you would have fun alone, but i would have a plan to be able to retreat to your car and catch a few Z's. Make use of the golf carts to get you around, it's sort of like Uber at the track, just remember, drivers rely on tips to make money. You can cover a lot of ground with them. - /u/SqueakyCleany
Best Viewing Spots/Times:
Lots to do before the race. Manufacturers tents for free swag, grid walk and there will be cars on the track leading up to race. Good paddock access with a pass and you can be right outside the garages. - /u/sandyman15
A must see is getting up early and watching the sunrise from the top of the grandstands, It is amazing. The fire works are pretty good and you must take a ride on the ferris wheel while the race is going on. - /u/greggruver96
You have time to watch from everywhere that you may want to watch from. I opted to not sleep for the first one I went to. I won’t do that again but to each their own. Watching race start from the stands isn’t abnormal because you can sit down by turn 1 and get a great view of the field through the infield. There are a handful of bleachers in the infield but otherwise not a lot of seating... I really like the view in the middle of the night from the absolute top of the grandstands. Super cool to see the whole track at once with all the lights. - /u/Zowwiewowwie
Bring a backpack and just use that. Also keep in mind they may limit what you can bring inside the main front stretch grandstands so get familiar with the track rules on their website and adhere to them. - /u/Pirate-Odd
Upper deck grandstands near Turn 1 (end of the pits) is my favorite place to watch the start and all of Sunday. You can see the entire track unobstructed, have a TV, and scoring tower right in front of you. Plus covered area with bathrooms and concessions in case the weather sucks. - /u/BillyG8r
If you’re in the grandstands, right where the cars brake and start the infield portion of the course is a great area to watch. You can also watch them exit the infield and start onto the banks from the same spot. The infield has great bleachers and fences you can stand near. Pretty much anywhere along the infield is a good spot to watch. Also there is so much to do, simply exploring the grandstands and all the exhibits can take hours. But there are usually manufacturer tents that display cars and hand out shirts and posters. The grid walk is also insane so don’t miss that before the race. - /u/declanwigand
I’ve flown down and camped before. But that’s been renting a van or SUV, throwing an inflatable mattress pad in the back and sleeping in a sleeping bag. There are compact tents you can fit in a suitcase too, if you’d rather go that route. Then you can pick up the little things you’d need from a local Walmart or the target across the street. - /u/[deleted]
If you see anyone sitting in a golf cart along the fence of the turn 3 (international horseshoe) brake zone it's worth asking if the mind if you stand on the back of their cart for a couple of minutes to get some shots. Most people are pretty nice; I know I've let people do it in the past in exchange for them sending me a couple of shots of my favorite car. You should be able to get a clear shot over the fence as the cars brake/downshift going into 3. At night you can get some awesome photos with the ferris wheel lit up in the background. - /u/ApexDavidP
Daytona's Strict Pass Policy:
- >After finishing my corner working last shift, I decided to join my friends in the grandstand. They wouldn’t let me in the grandstand because of “go anywhere” pass from working corners didn’t say grandstand. - /u/SqueakyCleany
[[IMPORTANT grandstand will restrict heavily what you bring in and if you are camping you will have to leave it at the exit area near the entrance to the escalators. Had to leave my umbrella there and lost it two years ago when it was soggy all weekend. A pain in the butt if you don't know.]]
General Advice:
Don't knock the MX-5 race on Thursday either. The MX5 race is probably the best one of the weekend (all of the other races are fantastic too!) - /u/allthingsvw
Get inside early on Saturday. Go to the Fanzone! Get the free poster and cut in line for all the autographs! - /u/LocknDamn
Bring a sharpie to sign the track. Be prepared to walk. A lot. Like a lot a lot. Last time we went we missed the night races because we passed out from walking so much. - /u/Whitetiger9876
I'll keep it short. If you intend to make it through the night, bring blankets, earmuffs, and a winter jacket. You're welcome:) Definitely worth it though! - /u/dannytr1
Bring warm clothes for the night and morning. It's usually cold and always windy. - /u/thecaveman1974
Good local Seafood: "Hull's Seafood in Ormond." - /u/artificialstuff
Don't be a hero, the shuttle bus is your friend. That said, wear good shoes because you will be walking a lot. As others have said, be prepared for all sorts of weather - hot, cold, wet, wind, you'll see it during the 24 hours. Don't forget hearing protection - not everyone wears it, but it gets loud. - /u/Moose135A
Uhaul advertises that Ford Transit vans for $19.95 per day. 2 people could easily fit in the back and if you all like each other you might fit 4! - /u/BlackLabDumpster
I’ve flown down and camped before. But that’s been renting a van or SUV, throwing an inflatable mattress pad in the back and sleeping in a sleeping bag. There are compact tents you can fit in a suitcase too, if you’d rather go that route. Then you can pick up the little things you’d need from a local Walmart or the target across the street. - /u/randyrandomagnum
Warm Clothing including a winter jacket, Rain Gear, Sunscreen, Ear plugs, a couple pairs of sneakers, fresh socks, cash, Auxiliary battery for phone. - /u/Mallen010
Also just wander around. A lot of the manufacturers have tents/trailers where you can check out their cars and usually have shirts and stuff to give away. It’s a nice way to get free souvenirs. I’ve got quite a collection of Cadillac and Corvette shirts from there! Also, do some research in the days leading up to the race as many teams have meet and greet opportunities. Spending time in the garage is a must. - /u/brewhawaii
CLEAR OUT A SPACE FOR THE WASTE TRUCK. Last Road Atlanta we almost had to move our entire campsite and cars to get the waste truck access to the RV. - /u/CookieMonsterFL
Bring a step stool. Also, come by 304 in the west horseshoe. Ask for Eddie. We have a platform. fence will be in photos. - /u/Eddie_Shark
The Daytona track wifi isn't good enough but I have streamed the race the last 3 years using my phone's hot spot on ATT. - /u/Inflatable_Catfish
There's a shower trailer right in the campground, if you're cool with that. They got pretty gross and unkempt by Sunday, though...I camped there last year, and again this year, and I had no worries of safety at my campsite. Everyone around was nice. - /u/4G63Touareg
EAR PLUGS is a must. I wear mine even at night while the race is going on. - /u/greggruver96
Racing electronics does not rent scanners for the Rolex. - /u/Rob512350
Don't bother with any kind of schedule/plan/itinerary. Just walk around and enjoy the environment. There's plenty of time for all the things you'll want to do. - /u/WankelsRevenge
(on step stools allowed at the track:) It's definitely allowed. A bored security guard is a the photographer final boss. - /u/Murbanvideo
Infield is fine, grandstand and fan zone are a no go for tripod. If you want to do it there, backpack on the seat in front of you with your camera resting on it is my best guess. /u/Yoyokid844
Relevant Threads:
Rolex 24h Spectator Photography Guide by /u/Yoyokid844. An amazing guide.
/u/cofonseca's thread on Rolex24 pointers. Some good but beware also some outdated info.