Daytona International Speedway did not escape the path of destruction wrought by Hurricane Matthew, which struck Daytona Beach, Fla., early Friday morning.
Daytona International Speedway sustains ‘moderate damage’ from Hurricane Matthew
The devastating hurricane inflicted damage to NASCAR’s marquee track.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The facility track suffered “moderate damage,” but contrary to public reports no flooding, according to a statement Friday night. The track is located roughly four miles from the Atlantic Ocean.
“Daytona International Speedway experienced moderate damage from Hurricane Matthew with impacts to lights, speakers, signage, fences, gates, awnings and palm trees,” the statement said. “Daytona International Speedway Ticket Office and Tours and the Richard Petty Driving Experience will be closed on Saturday and Sunday for facility cleanup. We will provide more updates through the weekend.”
Matthew was classified as a Category 4 storm when it struck Cuba and Haiti earlier in the week, bringing sustained winds of 120 mph and torrential rain. The hurricane reached South Florida on Thursday, and dropped to a Category 3 Friday morning as it moved up the coast.
Daytona hosts the season-opening Daytona 500 each February, the marquee race on the NASCAR calendar, and completed a $400 million renovation in January that included a new frontstretch grandstand and entrances, along with other amenities.
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