Postcard From Daytona 500

Daytona Beach, Florida

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Daytona 500

Daytona 500

Photo by: Getty Images

Getty Images

Daytona Beach, Florida

Marika at Daytona 500
Marika Kelderman
I went here to: See the Daytona 500.

I traveled here with: Travel Channel’s new show Fandemonium -- premiering this summer! We spent 3 days filming in the infield and meeting all sorts of amazing NASCAR fans.

The best way to travel here is: I flew, but the way to really do it is to travel by RV or motor coach and camp out in the infield for the whole race weekend.

I stayed at: A hotel but I wish I had stayed in an RV at the track. The infield turns into a mini city during race weekend with everything from pop-up bars, to giant BBQ’s to nightclubs made out of tents.

When it comes to packing, be sure to bring: Sunscreen. There is no shade at the track unless you hide in the shadow of an RV.

The best thing I ate was: The NASCAR fans at Daytona were of some of the nicest people I’ve met. Everywhere you went someone was offering you homemade food. One couple had a grill that looked like a race car motor. I had some of their delicious BBQ that was just the right amount of smoky and sweet. There are culinary geniuses hiding around every turn at the Daytona 500!

I wish I hadn't: Forgot hand sanitizer.

Don't miss: The Fan Zone! You can look inside the garages of the drivers and see their cars! I made sure to check out Danica Patrick’s car!

Next time I will definitely: Rent an RV.

My advice would be: Come for the entire weekend!

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