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Failing to Capitalise on $400 Million Investment for 8 Years, Daytona President Aims to Achieve Bristol’s Rare NFL Feat

Published 07/15/2023, 6:07 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

The inaugural Street Race was perhaps the most anticipated and diverse event that NASCAR could come up with. The success of the race reinforced one thing without fail: that the stock cars are flexible and have the potency to drive on any given track and other variables. After Chicago, Daytona president Frank Kelleher also plans some major changes.

However, a question that arises at this point is, Is it possible to host other sports on the tracks of NASCAR? Will it ever be a feasible option? The answer might surprise individuals and sports fanatics. The mile-long oval tracks definitely have the potential to host other formats of sporting events on their grounds, and there have been past instances where the idea has come to fruition.

The President of Daytona International Speedway was seen revealing his intentions for the iconic track in an interview with the Tampa Bay Times.

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Daytona International Speedway’s president lays out his intentions for making the iconic track more dynamic.

Before disclosing the intent of Daytona President Frank Kelleher, one has to take into account the fact that the Chicago race was not the first time that the V8 engines had rumbled over a makeshift track. The same occurred when NASCAR organized the Clash at the Coliseum in Los Angeles.

While it was the streets of Chicago that had undergone a transformation, for the Clash at the Coliseum, it was a football field that had been transformed to suit the taste of the Cup Series drivers. However, the question that bugs the minds is whether the reverse is ever possible: hosting another form of sport.

Well, Frank Kelleher has already revealed his opinion and the proof from the football match between Tennessee and Virginia Tech that was hosted at Bristol Motor Speedway back in 2016. Following in the same footsteps, it seems that Frank Kelleher laid bare his intentions for Daytona Speedway after it underwent a $400 million renovation and tried to resurrect old visions that had fallen flat once.

Speaking to the Tampa Bay Times, the President revealed that he plans to host a college football game on its grounds, as it had included amenities and was central during the renovations back in 2016. Kelleher hopes to host the Jacksonville Jaguars on its tracks. On the contrary, the possible hindrance that the authorities face is the financial and logistical complexities of organizing one off-season game.

The Daytona president asserted, “It kind of changes the financial model of it.”

 

Watch this Story: Joey Logano Warns Denny Hamlin To Watch Out, Reviving Kyle Busch’s “Respect” Argument

President Kelleher’s visions might see the light of day in the near future.

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The match between Tennessee and Virginia Tech was nothing less than a success, as the grandstands were completely sold out. The footfall was over 150,000, which was the highest that a college football game had witnessed. Nevertheless, if the plans to host a college football game fall into place, it would add another feather to the hat of this iconic track. The Dayton Speedway has already hosted music festivals, the Ferrari World Finals, and international triathlons.

Frank Kelleher based his assertion on the facts and expressed that he sees potential in hosting Supercross motorcycle events. Nonetheless, the hosting of the Jaguars seems to hold the highest potential, as their home stadium is undergoing renovations and would take the next two years to take shape. 

And in order to give shape to his vision, Kelleher revealed, “We have over 700 RV spots that are ready for full hookups, so why not have the Jags weekend start on Friday loading into tailgate and program some sort of festival-like activity (like a concert) on Saturday?”

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“So, from a convenience standpoint, if you’re a season-ticket holder we feel that we have a pretty compelling story,” Kelleher added.

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If the plans fall into place as transpired by the President, Frank Kelleher, the outcome would be remarkable. Apart from generating additional revenue, the track would also be able to grab the attention of individuals and help NASCAR raise viewership of the sport, a concern that has bugged NASCAR’s minds.

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Written by:

Ayantika Maitra

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Ayantika Maitra is a NASCAR Writer at EssentiallySports. It was initially Formula 1 that made her fall in love with the world of motorsports. But quickly, the raw and unfiltered nature of NASCAR is what led her to build an affinity for the Stock Car Racing Series.
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Edited by:

Shivali Nathta