Life in the fast lane

So, we’ve established that Florida has good beaches on the Gulf coast but what about the Atlantic coast? Some of the beaches are so flat and so long you can drive on them, writes Graham McKenzie.

Just over 80 years ago, one of Britain’s most famous pioneers of automotive speed came to these parts to test both his own courage and the engineering skills of his colleagues. Malcom Campbell bought his brand new set of wheels all the way from the UK to Daytona Beach and proceeded to smash the land-speed record with 246mph.

Later that year King George V knighted the speed merchant who in turn set three more land-speed records at Daytona in his famous Bluebird car. When you visit the beach, yes it’s flat, yes it’s long – but driving at over 250mph in a 1930s car? I don’t think so.  Huge respect Sir Malcolm.

The original Bluebird car now in the museum at Daytona International Speedway

These days the sand is used for more conventional purposes. The beach at Daytona is really special and the slightly more rugged nature of the sea actually adds to the experience. It and the resort of Daytona have a much more traditional feel to it with lots of beachside bars and eateries. Some, such as the aptly named Roof, are actually high above the beach and give fabulous views down the coast. Accommodation was not too shabby either. My stay at The Shores Resort & Spa was more than pleasant with a room that overlooked the beach and offered spectacular opportunities for sunrise pictures.

Daytona though has not lost its attraction for the motor sport world and the Daytona International Speedway is a truly spectacular construction which took over from the beach in 1959 when the racing became a bit too serious and a bit too fast for a sand-based racetrack. Today, it is the epicentre of the NASCAR Empire, the most popular spectator sport in the USA, and home to the Daytona 500.

The 500 is, quite unusually, the largest race in the NASCAR calendar but also the opening race and its prominence cannot be over emphasised.  The high banking design of the racetrack (and believe me they are severe) allows cars to travel at much higher speed and gives the spectators much better views from what can only be described as an awe inspiring grand stand. Were he still alive I am sure Sir Malcom would have approved and may have even entered the racing maelstrom. After all, 200mph was nothing to him. The speedway has recently undergone a $400 million ‘re-imaging project’ and amongst other things the visitor centre now offers tours, museum, driving experiences and an extensive NASCAR/Daytona retail outlet.

Daytona is however not deprived of refinement. The Cici & Hyatt Brown Museum of Art is without doubt the best collection of Floridian art I have ever seen. The comprehensive nature of the collection spanning over 100 years is truly captivating and if you have travelled at all in the sunshine state you will find something that will remind you of the richness and beauty.

Just next door is a collection of Americana at the Museum of Arts & Sciences including the original Coca Cola bottle and many more references to the area’s motor sport heritage for which this seaside resort will forever remain famous.

Graham drove a non-race car provided by Hertz

and stayed at the Shores