Rolex 24 will draw thousands to Daytona Beach despite cold weather forecast – WFTV

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Racing fans are counting down to the weekend for an exciting and chilling start to the Rolex 24.

The Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway lasts two days.

It is expected to attract thousands of fans to the track and to Daytona Beach.

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Area restaurant and hotel owners said they thought this weekend would be a big boost for them, even with the cold weather.

“It’s a good event, it’s gaining momentum,” said Andrew Hands of the Ocean Court Motel.

Hands said people are staying in town longer now because of the “Roar Before” where fans can watch the drivers essentially do a pre-race dress rehearsal.

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Hands said he was keeping people in town for a full week rather than just a few days.

“There won’t be a dull moment on the track, I can promise you that,” said Frank Kelleher, president of Daytona International Speedway.

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Kelleher expects strong fan turnout this weekend.

Just east of the track on North Atlantic Avenue at Steve’s Famous Diner, owner Christos Mavronas is also seeing his numbers return to pre-pandemic levels.

See more in the video above.

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