Need a room in Daytona for the 500? No sweat.

By Mike Mulhern
mikemulhern.net


   DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.

   There's a bright side to the tough economy: Not only are good seats still available at Daytona International Speedway for the Daytona 500 here  but so are good hotel rooms in town – with rates dropping.
   Not only are rates dropping, albeit only slightly so far, but so are those aggravating minimum-stay rules. Typically Daytona hotels require fans to book rooms for minimum stays of anywhere from five to 10 nights, regardless of how many nights they really want or need.
    Daytona International Speedway execs have been working closely with local area hotels and the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Orlando Convention and Visitors Bureau "to help make attending SpeedWeeks at Daytona more affordable for fans in these challenging economic times," track president Robin Braig says.
   Bragg says "there are a number of rooms available for less than $100."
   Sharon Mock, head of the local visitors bureau, says "In these trying economic times we have to be innovative."
   Bragg concedes "These are challenging times for everyone, and we hope our efforts make it more affordable for race fans to witness the excitement and pageantry of the Daytona 500 in person.  
    "In addition to working with local hotels, we recently announced a $55 ticket to the Daytona 500.
   "And as always, parking is free, and fans can continue to bring their approved-sized coolers with food and beverages to the events."
   Hotel availability can be found here