CitySurfing Orlando

Every year, one of NASCAR’s most prestigious races is held just a two-hour drive from Orlando – the Daytona 500.

Held at the Daytona International Speedway, the “500″ refers to the fact that the drivers have to race for 500 miles to the finish line.

That’s a lot of left turns.

This year’s event takes place on February 20, 2011, and not only will it bring in thousands of NASCAR fans to Central Florida, but it will be broadcast on the Fox Network to millions of viewers. It’s also going to be the first Daytona 500 to race on the newly repaved track.

It is the culmination of Speed Weeks that includes today’s Budweiser Shootout, and in between now and next Sunday’s big race, there are smaller races, driver meet-and-greets, live music, and more.

Individual tickets range from $55 to $189, with packages starting at $294 and going up to $1885. There is also a pre-show concert with country superstar Brad Paisley with VIP tickets (including a Daytona 500 ticket, Sprint FANZONE/Pre-Race access and VIP area access) going for $154.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit the official website of the Daytona 500.

It’s a race of endurance, as the cars circle the track at the Daytona International Speedway. But when the cars crossed the finish line yesterday at the Rolex 24, Grey’s Anatomy actor Patrick Dempsey and his team, Dempsey Racing, had two spots in the Top 10.

Dempsey’s #40 car crossed the line in third, while car #41 finished tenth.

Dempsey Racing were sponsored for this race by Visit Florida and Share a Little Sunshine so their double Top 10 finish is even more awesome.

Here’s a shot of Patrick Dempsey pre-race with the #40 car (courtesy of Share a Little Sunshine):

And another at the winner’s circle courtesy of the Daytona International Speedway:

The Daytona International Speedway plays host to a number of races throughout the year, but none are like the Rolex 24.

This annual race is not just about speed, but also endurance, as drivers must circle the track for 24 hours.

The entire event starts Thursday, January 27, 2011, and concludes Sunday, January 30, 2011, as the drivers cross that finish line after a full day of being on that track.

In between, there are fan activities, cook-offs, the Daytona 5K Daytona Run and Fun Walk, live bands and more. There’s even a carnival midway and a driver autograph session (Saturday morning).

Individual tickets for the race itself (Saturday, January 29) range from $35 to $85. Multi-day packages are available starting at $59.

SPEED Network will air the first 7 hours of the race, beginning at 3pm on Saturday, and the last 7 hours of the race, beginning at 9am on Sunday.

Visit the official site for the 49th Annual Rolex 24 for more information on activities and tickets.

[Photo credit: Motorsports Images and Archives]