Dirt Car Nationals

The flags have dropped, and 12 days of racing action awaits at the Dirt Car Nationals in Florida. It’s time to prepare for your RV winter adventure.

Event information

Central to Daytona Beach, Tiger Bay State Forest, and Ocala National Forest this is an event that’s going to knock your socks off. If it isn’t the stunning scenery and vacation atmosphere that lures you to De Leon Springs, Florida, then it’s the Dirt Car Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park.

Volusia Speedway Park is a standout venue at 1500 East State Road 40. It has a half and 1/5-mile dirt oval and has been in operation since 1968. It’s also home to Dirt Car Nationals which involves 12 days of sprint cars, late model series, big blocks, and more. This racing event has been in operation since the early 1970s and still draws tens of thousands of people every year.

Visitors can attend for one day, a weekend, or the full 12 days of action. There is plenty to see, do, and experience, including meet-and-greets with the drivers. You can also tailgate with a pass or camp on the outskirts of the track with your family and friends.

If you tire of all the racing action, then you’re not short of other things to add to your itinerary. You can visit the De Leon Springs State Park, take a trip to the Smooth Waters Wildlife Park, or even go mountain biking at Chuck Lennon Park.

Don’t let the winter blues get you down. Begin planning for a 12-day RV adventure that will be fun for the whole family.

Tickets

If you like to be organized and on the ball, then it’s helpful to know how to purchase your tickets before Dirt Car Nationals begins. You can buy them online and choose your seating, or purchase week one and week two package deals. Reserved seating is some of the best available, but you can also buy tickets upon your arrival if you don’t mind where you sit. Tickets are also available for tailgating and camping. Some discounts for children may apply.

Explore Dirt Car Nationals RV Rentals


Transportation

Driving

De Leon Springs, Florida, is a traveler’s paradise. It’s a mere 40 miles from Orlando and just 105 miles from Tampa. From whichever direction you travel, you’re likely to find the journey is pleasant and the roads simple to navigate. February is often the driest month of the year, so you’re unlikely to encounter much rainfall, and snowfall is not common in the Sunshine State. If you’re not familiar with Florida weather, a traffic app such as Florida 511 can alert you to weather changes as well as provide traffic updates.

Upon arrival in De Leon Springs, you can enjoy reasonable proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and Daytona Beach while you follow State Road 40 west for 15 minutes until you reach Volusia Speedway Park.

Parking areas

When you get to the Dirt Car Nationals, you can enter through the main gate and park in any of the grassy parking spots you please. There are no reserved general parking spaces, and you are not likely to encounter many limitations on where you can park your RV. If you are camping on site, camping spots are to the west of the race track.

Public Transportation

If you want to set up camp at the race track, but need a way to get back into the city center, then it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with transportation options. You can phone for a taxi or download a private ride app for more affordable ride options. There is also a bus in operation along the main street of De Leon Springs, but this may not run to Volusia Speedway Park.

Where to stay

Onsite

If you’re comfortable with dry camping and living off the grid, then onsite camping is going to suit your needs down to the ground. There are limited camping spots available on site. You are allowed to fire up your generator, but there are no service hookups or other utilities. You may also have to seek permission to fire up the barbeque or light a campfire at the speedway.

Nearby

There is a lot to see, do, and explore in Florida, so why limit yourself to one experience? Camp central to Daytona Beach and other neighboring towns and cities so that you create valuable vacation memories. There are some standout campgrounds in Daytona Beach and surrounding areas within 30 miles of the race track.

Getting around

There is a lot of ground to cover at Volusia Speedway Park, and officials don’t expect you to do it on foot. If you have an ATV or golf cart, you can purchase a pass and use these in the pit and camping areas. Otherwise, you can hire one for use. There are also no restrictions on bikes, scooters, or other wheeled transport, as long as they are safe.

What to pack

Clothing

It might be winter, but you won’t be in a hurry to put on your snow boots or ski jackets. February is one of the driest months of the year in Florida, and you can pack your shorts and t-shirts with confidence. You might need to pop a sweater on as the days draw to a close, but you may want to wear layered attire during the racing action in case the temperatures do not feel quite like winter.

Gear

Your RV will be packed to the brim on your trip to Volusia Speedway Park. You’ll want your racing supporter’s attire, camping and cookware, food supplies, and everything you need to live comfortably off the grid. It’s also a good idea to bring a radio so that you can tune into the racing broadcast, and earplugs for if the noise gets a little too much. You can bring both cash and credit, or withdraw some money from the ATM near the main beer concession. If you are heading into the grandstands, bring a cooler that can hold no more than six cans.

Health & Safety

Off-the-grid camping isn’t the most comfortable experience if you don’t have everything you need. Before you leave your house, make sure you have your sunscreen, clean drinking water, a first aid kit, any medical supplies and prescriptions you might need, and bug spray. The race track’s campsite is as close to nature as you can get, so the more prepared you are, the more comfortable you will be.

Where to eat

Cooking

Traditional camp cuisine is going to be at the top of your wishlist when you see the environment in which you’ll be camping. Given the abundance of trees and nature, you’ll be happy to stock up on s’more supplies and chow down on loaded potatoes, hot soup, and damper. You may want to go grocery shopping before you get to the racing, as there is a 15-mile drive to the nearest grocery store.

Restaurants

If the charcoal grill has had a workout during the Dirt Car Nationals, then it might be time for something different. Do your research before you leave the track and have a think about what you’d prefer. Each neighboring town has something different to offer. De Leon Springs delivers on sweet treats with ice cream establishments and a bakery. Astor, on the other hand, offers American fare and hearty dinners around ten miles from the racing action.

Vendors

Whether you feel like a refreshing beverage, something to eat, or racing merchandise, the vendors and concession stands can deliver. You can withdraw cash from the ATM near the beer stall, then treat yourself to traditional country fair food such as corn dogs, fries, burgers, and more. You’ll likely work up an appetite, but Volusia Speedway Park won’t keep you hungry for long.

Safety

Security

Upon arriving through the main gates of the Dirt Car Nationals, there may be a screening process for official staff to check your bags, coolers, and vehicles. Make your possessions available for review if necessary. Otherwise, you can leave most of your gear in your RV and take a small six-pack cooler into the grandstand. If you require any assistance, you can approach a member of security or travel to the DeLand Police Department around 17 miles from the Speedway Park.

Weather

During your stay in Florida in February, you’re likely to be blessed with mild temperatures in the 70s, minimal or no rain, with pleasant evenings, too. It might be winter, but the Sunshine State often delivers on stunning weather even if the rest of the country is buried in snow. Check your weather app before you leave home so that you can prepare for all eventualities before you hit the road.

Medical

In a medical situation, you can approach any security officer or person dressed in “staff” or “official” attire. They can help you locate the first aid area. If something happens outside of racing hours, dial 9-11 for assistance, or visit the nearest medical center about 17 miles from the track. The closest pharmacy services rest about a 30-minute drive from the track.