Sarasota Auto Racing

Automobile Racing is a popular event in the Sarasota area.  As the birthplace of NASCAR, the State of Florida hosts numerous exciting races, including large-scale events such as the Daytona 500, short-track races, and driving experiences and lessons.

The Daytona 500 takes place in Daytona, an easy drive from Sarasota east across Florida.  The NASCAR Daytona 500 race is the main event at the Daytona International Speedway, but the track hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Rolex Sports Car 250 and the Pepsi 400 races.  More information about the Daytona 500 and the Speedway´s other events, as well as ticket information and driving directions, is available at the Speedway´s website at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling (386) 254-2700.

The DeSoto Super Speedway is a short track located just outside of Bradenton.  The 3/8-mile oval track has an asphalt racing surface and an average lap time of over 90 miles per hour.  Admission to races at DeSoto runs $15.00 for adults (over age 13); children ages 6-12 are admitted for $5.00, and admission for children under age 6 is free.  Pit entry costs $25.00.  More information about the DeSoto Super Speedway and its various racing events is available online at http://www.desotosuperspeedway.com, or by telephone at (941) 748-3171.

FASCAR is a stock car racing organization.  In operation since the 1970s, FASCAR has three popular race tracks:  1/2?mile tracks at Columbia Motorsports Park and at the New Smyrna Speedway, and a 3/8-mile track at Orlando Speedworld.  FASCAR also operates six traveling series: the Sunbelt Super Late Model Series, the Goodyear Challenge Series Late Models, the Pro Truck Series, the Florida Mini Stock Challenge Series, the Southern Sportsman Series, and the Gulf Coast Modified Series.  The last three series are new to FASCAR for 2007 and are expected to be extremely popular. 

In addition, FASCAR operates the Crash-A-Rama, a wildly popular event seen at motorsports venues around the country, and hosts the annual World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at the New Smyrna Speedway.  Additional information about FASCAR, including a schedule of updated events, directions to facilities, and ticket prices, is available online at http://fascar.org, or by telephoning the organization at (386) 426-1611.

The USA International Speedway is located a short drive from Sarasota in Lakeland, Florida.  The Speedway is the home track for the USAR Hooters ProCup series.  In addition, the track hosts numerous races and other events throughout the year.  In 2007, the USA International Speedway will be home base for Stunt Wars, Speedfest 2007, the Central Florida Auto and Car Show, the ARCE ReMax Series 250, an annual Stunt and Thrill Show, the Triple Crown LM Races (1, 2, and 3), the forester´s Race for the Kids, an October Bikefest, Noah´s Ark Mud Volleyball, and the PRA Big Car Series.

The USA International Speedway offers its facilities for year-round testing by various racing teams.  The Speedway also is the base for the DriveTech Racing School, which offers professional instructions to all skill levels of drivers, including beginners.  Classes include "Taste of Speed," "Racing Adventure," the slightly longer "Super Racing Adventure," a more involved "Championship Adventure," the graduate-only "Hot Laps," "Ride With a Pro," and a variety of custom programs.  Information on classes and prices is available at http://www.drivetech.com or by calling (800) 678-8864.  Further information about the USA International Speedway can be found online at http://www.usaspeedway.com, or by calling (800) 984-7223.