Daytona International Speedway

After the shuttle launch was cancelled, we headed north and ended up in Daytona. We found ourselves driving past the Daytona International Speedway, and signs informed us that they gave tours daily. So, of course we stopped.

Thumbs Up!

Touring this famous NASCAR track proved to be a wholly acceptable alternative way to spend the afternoon. Connor and Lex loved the race cars. So did Kevin. Okay, fine, I thought it was pretty fun, too!

The tour was conducted upon an open air tram. While I was holding Lex in my lap, towards the center of the row for safety, all of the sudden his little red Croc slipped off his foot. And then it bounced. One bounce, two bounces, and just like that, it flew off the tram. It landed somewhere in the midfield of the track. So, at the next tram stop, I informed the driver/tour guide of our misfortune, and he let me sit up front with him for a bit and we went to fetch the missing shoe before proceeding with the tour.

When we found the shoe, he stopped the tram and made some jokes about how a "driver" had "blown a tire" and that we had to make a "pit stop" so that it could be retrieved. Then, he timed me, just like a pit stop, when I hopped out to grab the shoe (9.2 seconds, by the way, not bad at all) while fellow tourists added me to their home videos.

The best part was when Connor loudly asked, "Mommy, where is the tire? That man said we blew a tire!"

New Rolex 24 Racing Series Car
(Note the missing shoe)

While we were touring the track, there was a Richard Petty driving experience going on, where you could pay between $500 to $1,200 to take a few laps in a real race car. So we got to see some unofficial racing going on.

See that turn? I had no idea it was raised at such an angle! I guess that the cars must go at least 80 mph to stay on the track, or else gravity will pull them down towards the apron. (Don't you love my casual use of technical racing jargon?)

Connor on Pit Row

Moral of the Story: If you find yourself in Florida with nothing else to do because your shuttle launch was cancelled due to technical difficulties with the orbiter, pile in the car and head to the Daytona International Speedway. It is a surefire way to cheer your kids (and husband) right up!

Sidebar: Perfect souvenir from the race track? NASCAR Matchbox cars!