Rolex 24 to draw thousands to Daytona Beach despite cold weather forecast

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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Race fans are counting down to the weekend for an exciting and cold start to the Rolex 24.

The Rolex 24 at the Daytona International Speedway lasts two days.

It’s expected to bring in thousands of fans to the track and Daytona Beach.

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Restaurant and hotel owners in the area said they feel this weekend will be a big boost for them, even with the cold weather.

“It’s a good event, it’s getting bigger,” said Andrew Hands with the Ocean Court Motel.

Hands said people are staying in town longer now because of the “Roar Before” where fans can watch drivers do basically a dress rehearsal before the race.

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Hands said it is keeping people in town a full week rather than just a few days.

“There won’t be a dull moment on the track I can promise you that,” said Frank Kelleher, president of the Daytona International Speedway.

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Kelleher is expecting a big turnout from fans this weekend.

Just east of the track on North Atlantic Avenue at Steve’s Famous Diner, owner Christos Mavronas is also seeing his numbers return to pre-pandemic levels.

See more in the video above.

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