The Direct TV Speedweeks, which was formerly known as the Daytona Speedweeks, is a four week event that occurs in late January and early February. It revolves around a series of auto races, culminating in the biggest NASCAR race of them all, the Daytona 500. All of the races for the Direct TV Daytona Speedweeks are held at the famous Daytona International Speedway, and various side events help to keep racing enthusiasts entertained when races aren't going on. These side events include things like autograph sessions and practice and qualifying runs.

The Speedweeks at the Daytona International Speedway kicks off with an opening ceremony, which is held at the track's starting and finishing line. The first race, which is the KONI Sports Car Challenge, is a touring car series event which is organized by the Grand American Road Racing Association. Also known as Grand-Am, the Grand American Road Racing Association, like NASCAR, has its headquarters in Daytona Beach, hence its presence during the Daytona Speedweeks. The KONI Sports Car Challenge is followed by the Rolex 24 At Daytona race, which is one of the more unique Speedweeks car races. Held over the span of 24 hours, this day-long race features teams of multiple drivers who try to take their cars the farthest in a fixed amount of time. It's an endurance race that definitely tests the whole racing team.

Once the Rolex 24 At Daytona ends, the next Speedweeks race is the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200, which is organized by the ARCA RE/MAX Series. The cars that the drivers use in this series are similar to the stock cars that are used by NASCAR drivers, and many of these drivers are trying to work their way up to the NASCAR level. The list of races that are part of the Speedweeks at the Daytona International Speedway goes on, and it includes the Budweiser Shootout, which is an interesting NASCAR exhibition event, and the Camping World Truck Series NextEra Energy Resources 250, which is a NASCAR sanctioned pickup truck race. In mid-January, the Daytona 500 steals the show, capping off what is one of the most exciting periods of the racing season. Since 1959, the Daytona 500 has only gained in popularity, and no stock car racing event is bigger.

Daytona Beach Map

As one might imagine, tickets for the Speedweeks at the Daytona International Speedway tend to sell out fast, especially those tickets that include entrance to the Daytona 500 race. As such, getting yours in advance is a good idea. Various vacation packages that include Speedweeks tickets are available, and they can also include things like your hotel room, your rental car, and some special race-related tours. Often times, the special racing packages also include tickets to the Daytona Experience, which was formerly known as Daytona USA. This museum of sorts is a must visit for car racing enthusiasts who are passing through Daytona Beach.