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Daytona's swanky new motorsports stadium (pictures)

After spending upwards of $400 million, Daytona International Speedway is now a fully modern motorsports stadium.

Emme Hall
I love two-seater, RWD convertibles and own a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata for pavement fun and a lifted 2001 Miata for pre-running. I race air-cooled Volkswagens in desert races like the Mint 400 and the Baja 1000. I have won the Rebelle Rally, seven-day navigational challenge, twice and I am the only driver to compete in an EV, the Rivian R1T.
Emme Hall
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1 of 18 Emme Hall/CNET

The coveted podium as seen from the grandstands at Daytona International Speedway. Behind the podium is the myriad of RVs that make the infield their home during race week.

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2 of 18 Emme Hall/CNET

The track has not been altered in any way. The steep 31-degree banked left hand turns are still there to challenge drivers and thrill fans.

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3 of 18 Emme Hall/CNET

Even in practice there's enough horsepower to split your eardrums.

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4 of 18 Emme Hall/CNET

With a maximum capacity of 101,500 fans, Daytona International Speedway becomes a virtual city on race day. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the stadium, as long as you're willing to provide your name and email address.

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5 of 18 Emme Hall/CNET

Entrance to Daytona is via sponsored "injector" sites, so named as they squirt fans into the new stadium.

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6 of 18 Emme Hall/CNET

Reproductions of Toyota's NASCAR race cars greet fans as they take the escalator up to the first level.

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7 of 18 Emme Hall/CNET

The Daytona International Speedway will have a permanent ride and drive exhibit by Toyota.

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8 of 18 Emme Hall/CNET

You can experience gravity in a whole new way in a tiltable Toyota Camry. A platform lifts the car to 31 degrees, the same bank as the famous turns at Daytona. Fasten your seat belt!

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9 of 18 Emme Hall/CNET

See yourself as a bobblehead NASCAR racer in one of the interactive displays at the Toyota injector site.

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10 of 18 Emme Hall/CNET

The Sunoco injector site is all about the thrill of victory.

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11 of 18 Emme Hall/CNET

You can watch iconic NASCAR victory footage in 360 degrees at the Sunoco injector site.

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12 of 18 Mike Meadows

Installations at the Sunoco injector site are reminiscent of gas tanks.

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13 of 18 Emme Hall/CNET

An LCD ceiling screen in the Florida Hospital injector site cycles through the four seasons.

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14 of 18 Emme Hall/CNET

With an emphasis on health and well-being, the Florida Hospital injector site has a relaxing grass patio for fans.

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15 of 18 Mike Meadows

The chandelier above the bar in the Rolex lounge is an homage to all 12 NASCAR tracks. The Daytona International Speedway is near the top in green.

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16 of 18 Duce Smith

Food and drink is included for those who purchase a ticket to watch the race from the Rolex lounge or the accompanying patio.

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17 of 18 Duce Smith

The high-altitude suites give you the best view of the race. Too bad we mere mortals can't afford them. The suites will be rented out to sponsors and other businesses with lots of cash.

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18 of 18 Emme Hall/CNET

Even while on a break, the staff can't step away from the action.

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