•Changes at Daytona 500 Experience; layoffs: Fans want more behind-the-scenes access and Daytona International Speedway is going to give it to them. President Joie Chitwood III today announced an exciting new tour that will give fans a closer look into the "World Center of Racing." Beginning November 8, the Daytona 500 Experience will provide an expanded one-hour speedway tour allowing fans to view never-before-seen areas including the Daytona 500 Club, the Sprint Tower and the Sprint Cup garage, in addition to the traditional tour which includes Gatorade Victory Lane and the Sprint Fanzone. Both tours will operate daily and allow fans to experience the thrill and excitement of the Daytona International Speedway in person. As part of this new vision, the Daytona 500 Experience will no longer sell admission to the Velocitorium. It will instead be available for private functions, community events and unique entertainment options including private tours. The 60,000 square foot motorsports-themed showroom is perfect for hosting gatherings, meetings and event weekend hospitality. The 250-seat Coca-Cola Theatre will also be available for meetings and presentations. The NASCAR 3D: The IMAX Experience movie has ended its run (DIS).
LAYOFFS: A popular Central Florida attraction in Daytona Beach has announced it will be closing its doors. The parent company of Daytona International Speedway will close the Daytona 500 Experience and its IMAX theater next month. The move is part of a company-wide cost cutting measure. Some people will lose their jobs, although speedway officials won't say how many. They are hopeful more opportunities in the future will allow them to rehire the laid-off staff. "If we see the economy pick up in the next year, there's a chance to bring some staff back, but that is the hard part of this business decision that some folks will lose their job," said Joie Chitwood III, Daytona International Speedway. The speedway will provide new tours of the Sprint Tower and the garages. The changes are slated to begin November 8th. Since August, International Speedway Corporation has laid off 40 employees from its headquarters in Daytona Beach.(wftv.com)(10-20-2010)
