Daytona International Speedway undergoes changes after Hurricane Milton causes damage

Daytona International Speedway is back in shape after suffering damage from Hurricane Milton, which made landfall in Florida on Oct. 9.

According to Ken Willis of the Daytona Beach News-Journal, “an area outside of Turn 4, to the left and right of the two original entrance/exit tunnels dating from 1958” sustained damage from the storm. The area has since been repaired.

Milton caused erosion of an area roughly 100 yards wide outside Turn 4. The ground has been leveled and new sod has been put down. In addition to Turn 4, a smaller area in Turn 3 had some damage from Milton. It too has been fixed with new sod.

Daytona, which hosts the 500 and the Coke Zero Sugar 400 throughout the NASCAR Cup Series season, just wrapped up its four-day Biketoberfest events Sunday. The next event scheduled to take place at Daytona is Historic Sportscar Racing from Oct. 30-Nov. 3. The Rolex 24 will run Jan. 25 and 26, with the Daytona 500 kicking off the 2025 Cup Series season on Feb. 16.

NASCAR community involved in ongoing Hurricane relief efforts

NASCAR remains involved in Hurricane Helene relief efforts, which made landfall in Florida last month before sweeping through Georgia and the Carolinas. The NASCAR Foundation is still taking donations to support children and families affected by Helene as part of the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

Michael Jordan and 23XI Racing donated $1 million to Helene relief efforts. Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing have also assisted with relief efforts. Carl Edwards, along with Operation Airdrop, has helped deliver supplies to those in need after Helene.

“North Carolina’s done so much for me, the NASCAR community has done so much for me. NASCAR is represented well here,” Edwards said last month. “Greg Biffle, Cleetus McFarland, Brad Womble. For me, it’s about bringing these folks, Gideon Rescue Company.

“I’ve been inspired by these folks, and I’ve got to introduce you to them. This is Gideon Rescue Company, these are the dogs. We know that a lot of people are struggling, a lot of people are in need of these dogs to help them find their loved ones. So, it’s just an honor to be able to serve with them.”