New Smyrna Speedway
Location
Samsula, New Smyrna Beach, Florida, USA
Current Local Time
Track Info
New Smyrna Speedway - New Smyrna Beach, Florida, USA
High-banked Florida short track - famous for fast stock-car racing, its Speedweeks tradition and the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing
When was the track built?
The venue was developed during 1966 by a local group that wanted to create a permanent short track near Daytona Beach. It opened as Daytona Raceway in April 1967 with a half-mile dirt oval.
Florida's dry conditions made controlling dust difficult, so the circuit was paved during its first season. It was then renamed New Smyrna Speedway to avoid confusion with the much larger Daytona International Speedway.
The asphalt was completely renewed in 2007, creating the racing surface used today.
When was its first race?
The first meeting took place on 23 April 1967. Jimmy Sapp won the Sportsman feature, while Charley Brown won the Late Model race.
The first World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing followed in 1968. Chicago driver Tom Pistone earned the inaugural championship.
What's the circuit like?
- Fast for a short track: The 23-degree corners allow competitors to carry substantial speed around almost the entire lap.
- Wide racing surface: The straights are approximately 60 ft wide and the corners expand to around 70 ft, providing room for different lines.
- Busy traffic: Laps take less than 18 seconds in the fastest categories, so leaders quickly encounter slower cars.
- Restarts are important: Closely grouped fields often race side by side before settling into a longer-run rhythm.
The quickest line may change as tyres wear and rubber builds on the surface. Drivers need to remain fast without using all their grip too early.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Super Late Model qualifying: 0:17.231 - Chase Elliott, 2012.
- NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour qualifying: 0:17.730 - Justin Bonsignore, 2026.
- ASA STARS Super Late Model qualifying: 0:17.734 - Tristan McKee, 2026.
New Smyrna hosts several categories with different tyres, engines and technical rules. Qualifying times should not be compared directly with laps completed in race traffic.
Why is it famous?
The World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing is the circuit's signature event. Held during Daytona Speedweeks, it brings together Super Late Models, Modifieds and several regional divisions for multiple nights of competition.
Drivers including Mark Martin, Richie Evans, Geoff Bodine, Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman and Kyle Busch have competed at New Smyrna. The track is sometimes called “Clyde's Place” in honour of longtime owner Clyde Hart.
What events are held here?
New Smyrna is part of the NASCAR Weekly Series and hosts grassroots stock-car racing for much of the year. Regular classes include Super Late Models, Pro Late Models, Sportsman cars, Modifieds and entry-level divisions.
Major meetings include the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season opener, the ASA STARS Clyde Hart Memorial, the Florida Governor's Cup and the Red Eye 60/60.
Why go?
The high banking and wide corners produce faster racing than many similarly sized ovals. Most of the circuit can be seen from the main grandstand, making battles and strategy easy for new spectators to follow.
Its location also makes the World Series an accessible addition to a February motorsport trip centred on nearby Daytona Beach.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Upper main grandstand: Provides the clearest overall view of the complete oval and developing traffic.
- Turns 1-2: Watch drivers enter the banking closely grouped after starts and restarts.
- Turns 3-4: A good place to see side-by-side racing and cars accelerating towards the finish line.
- Start and finish area: Best for qualifying laps, late-race battles and victory celebrations.
Tickets, seating, paddock access and event times vary between weekly racing and the World Series. Check the organiser's current information before travelling.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to New Smyrna Speedway (Florida)
New Smyrna Speedway is west of New Smyrna Beach in the Samsula area of central Florida. Driving or hiring a car is the easiest way to arrive, with simple access from both Interstate 95 and Interstate 4.
Driving & parking (easiest way)
- From Daytona Beach or I-95: take I-95 to Exit 249 for State Road 44, then travel west for about 5 miles towards County Road 415 and the speedway.
- From Orlando: take I-4 towards the DeLand area, leave at Exit 118 and follow State Road 44 east towards New Smyrna Beach.
- Navigation: enter 3939 State Road 44 West, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168.
- Parking: normal on-site parking is free. Follow staff directions during major meetings when separate parking and camping areas may be in use.
Tip: The track is several miles inland from New Smyrna Beach itself, so do not navigate to the beachfront or downtown first.
Bus & public transport
Public transport can help you reach New Smyrna Beach, but it is not a simple way to complete the entire journey to the speedway.
- From Daytona Beach: Votran buses connect Daytona Beach with New Smyrna Beach through the southeast Volusia network.
- Within New Smyrna Beach: VoRide provides on-demand transport in its local service zone Monday-Saturday.
- For the speedway: the circuit is farther west along State Road 44, so arrange a taxi, rideshare or pickup for the final section.
- Evening races: confirm your return journey beforehand, as local public transport finishes much earlier than some race meetings.
For first-time visitors without a car, a taxi or rideshare from your hotel is usually easier than building the trip around several transport connections.
Airports & transfers
- Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB): the closest practical commercial airport and a convenient choice if its flight schedule suits your journey.
- Rental car: the easiest onward option. Major rental companies have counters inside the Daytona Beach airport terminal.
- Taxi or rideshare: taxis, Uber and Lyft are available at Daytona Beach Airport.
- Orlando International Airport (MCO): roughly 60 miles from the New Smyrna Beach area and usually offers a much larger choice of flights.
Race-day tips
- Grandstands: the speedway lists capacity for approximately 4,500 spectators.
- Food & drink: outside food, drinks and coolers are not permitted in the grandstands.
- Pets: pets are not allowed in the grandstand area.
- Tickets: prices vary by event, with the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing operating differently from a normal weekly meeting.
Check the event page before travelling, particularly during February's World Series when crowds, schedules and access arrangements are very different from a normal race night.
Camping
- World Series camping: the speedway operates an on-site campground during the annual World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing.
- 2026 rate: camping was $40 per night during the 2026 World Series.
- First come, first served: spaces were not reservable and had to be occupied by an RV, travel trailer or tent.
- Quiet hours: the 2026 World Series rules set quiet time from midnight until 7am.
Camping arrangements are event-specific, so do not assume World Series camping is available during an ordinary weekly race.
Accessibility
- Limited mobility: arriving by car or taxi is generally the easiest option because the speedway is outside the main public-transport area.
- Before travelling: contact the speedway for the most suitable parking, entrance and seating arrangements for your event.
- Public transport: Votran fixed-route buses are wheelchair accessible, and reduced-fare options are available on VoRide for eligible passengers.
Quick guide
- Driving? Take I-95 Exit 249 and follow State Road 44 west for about 5 miles.
- Flying? Daytona Beach is the closest commercial airport; Orlando is the larger alternative.
- Without a car? Public transport can get you into New Smyrna Beach, but arrange a taxi or rideshare for the final journey to the track.
Check New Smyrna Speedway shortly before travelling, as ticket prices, gate times, camping and spectator arrangements can change between events.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around New Smyrna Speedway (New Smyrna Beach, Florida)
Whether you’re here for Super Late Models, Modifieds or the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing, New Smyrna Speedway puts you close to Florida’s Atlantic coast - with beaches, wildlife, space history and even more famous motorsport attractions within easy reach.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Marine Discovery Center: Learn about the Indian River Lagoon through aquariums, hands-on exhibits and outdoor habitats, or book a guided kayak or pontoon eco-tour.
- Marine Science Center: Head to nearby Ponce Inlet to see sea turtles being rehabilitated and learn about the wildlife of Florida’s Atlantic coast.
- New Smyrna Beach: The area has more than 17 miles of coastline, making a beach afternoon one of the easiest ways to fill time before an evening race.
- Ponce Inlet Lighthouse: Climb the historic lighthouse for wide coastal views, then explore the surrounding museum buildings and maritime exhibits.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- New Smyrna Museum of History: Discover the people and events that shaped the area, from early settlement through the growth of today’s beach community.
- Marine Discovery Center: Indoor aquariums and exhibits make this an easy shorter stop when rain interrupts beach plans.
- Canal Street Historic District: Browse galleries, independent shops and cafés around New Smyrna Beach’s walkable downtown area.
Eat & drink after the racing
- Flagler Avenue: The lively beachside district has restaurants, cafés and bars only steps from the Atlantic, making it an easy evening destination.
- Canal Street: Head downtown for a quieter mix of restaurants, local shops and galleries away from the busiest beachfront area.
- Florida seafood: Look for shrimp, fresh fish, oysters and fish tacos if you want a straightforward taste of the Atlantic coast.
Active outdoors away from the track
- Smyrna Dunes Park: Explore a 73-acre coastal park at the northern end of the peninsula, with boardwalks crossing dunes and views towards the ocean, inlet and river.
- Indian River Lagoon: Join a guided kayak trip through mangroves, salt marshes and oyster habitat while looking for dolphins, manatees and shorebirds.
Easy day trips if you’re extending your stay
- Daytona International Speedway: Motorsport fans can tour the famous NASCAR superspeedway, visit the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and see behind-the-scenes areas when track activity allows.
- Kennedy Space Center: Head south for rockets, spacecraft and NASA history at one of Florida’s biggest attractions. Allow a full day if this is your first visit.
- Canaveral National Seashore: Explore protected Atlantic beaches, dunes, coastal hammocks and Mosquito Lagoon for a quieter day focused on nature rather than theme parks.
Good to know when visiting New Smyrna Speedway
- February is a major racing period: The World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing runs across multiple nights during Florida Speedweeks and attracts competitors and fans from far beyond the local area.
- Regular racing continues through much of the year: The speedway has an active 2026 schedule beyond Speedweeks, so check the exact divisions and start times for your date.
- Bring hearing protection: The steep half-mile keeps spectators close to powerful cars, so ear defenders are especially worthwhile for children and first-time visitors.
- Prepare for Florida weather: Heat, humidity and sudden heavy rain are common during warmer months. Bring water, sunscreen and lightweight rain protection.
Race schedules, ticket arrangements, eco-tours, museum hours, beach access and national-park conditions can change - check live information before travelling.