According to NASCAR officials at Daytona International Speedway and the Daytona Beach Fire Department, a fire broke out on the track’s operation paddocks. Spectators and team personnel reported seeing billows of thick smoke in the area during qualification and pre-race events leading up to the Rolex 24. The fire’s origin remains unknown, yet there is some speculation that an electrical fire from the adjacent IMSA Weathertech paddock caused it.
The occurrence resulted in an overwhelming smell that infiltrated the speedway, arousing chaos. However, no damages have been reported, and events for the Rolex 24 at the iconic track resumed after a brief hiatus. Still, many wonder if this will affect the Daytona 500, which is just weeks away. According to the Daytona Beach Fire Department, it appears the situation was neutralized before it could spiral out of control, and no injuries were reported.
Chaos as Daytona International Speedway Paddocks Erupt in Flames
Daytona International Speedway is a gem among NASCAR’s oval tracks. As officials plan to host the 63rd Rolex 24 this weekend, a fire is the last thing they expected to encounter. The day started out just like any other, with 61 cars gathering on the field for a photo op leading up to the January 25 race. It was a picturesque scene filled with smiles and laughs until the overwhelming smell of smoke permeating from the track paddocks became unbearable.
The paddocks are where NASCAR teams set up their transporters and access their pit stalls, so it was easy to see why there was cause for concern. Setbacks are anticipated, but they rarely happen, and with the Daytona 500 just weeks away, there was added concern. Every little second counts, so the brief delay that occurred due to a fire that emerged was crucial. According to the Daytona Beach Fire Department, there is no cause for alarm, and fans should not be deterred from attending as usual. Daytona International Speedway also released the following statement.
“There was a structure fire located in the Yellow Garage area of Daytona International Speedway on Wednesday afternoon.” “There were no injuries, and on-track activity resumed after a brief delay.”
“Thanks to the quick work of the Daytona Beach Fire Department and Daytona International Speedway Emergency Services team, the fire was quickly contained and extinguished.” Officials at the track closed out the statement by stating that the Florida State Fire Marshal would be investigating further. More information will be provided as it’s made available.
