Speedway is under renovation. So they say.
Confirmed: Speedway performing off-season upgrade.
From the Daytona International Speedway Website:
(Headline) Infield Renovation On Schedule Despite Hurricane Jeanne
September 29, 2004
As a third hurricane - Hurricane Jeanne - made its way through the Volusia County area last weekend, Daytona International Speedway and DAYTONA USA all weathered the storm with no significant damage. The multi-million infield renovation project at the "World Center of Racing" also went unscathed, with no significant damage to the project and no concerns of delay.
The infield renovation project, which is scheduled to be completed in time for December's Daytona KartWeek, includes amenities such as a state-of-the-art tunnel, a uniquely designed Fan Zone with viewing of the new NASCAR Nextel Cup and NASCAR Busch Series garage areas, waterfront specialty vehicle parking and a new Gatorade Victory Lane where fans can now also be part of the Victory Celebration.
Other developments in the infield renovation project include:
Excavation of the tunnel is complete.
Construction beginning on the floors in the new Victory Lane Club.
Final garage walls going up and roofs being placed on the NASCAR Busch Series garages.
Additions on the Infield Media Center are taking shape with walls and steel being installed.
Race fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the massive construction project can visit DAYTONA USA and take the Speedway Tour, which costs $7.50 plus tax. The Oldfield Grandstand is also open and free to the public.