Volusia County

Thousands pack Daytona International Speedway for Coke Zero Sugar 400

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Thousands of race fans packed into the Daytona International Speedway for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 race on Saturday.

It was the first time since the beginning of the pandemic that the capacity at the speedway was not capped.

Fans were excited as they headed in early to see the race.

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This was the first time since 2019 that the track has been open at full capacity, which means 100,000 people could be in attendance.

Races at the speedway had been limited to just 25% capacity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speedway officials said earlier in the week that ticket sales were outpacing 2019 totals.

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Some race fans said they waited until just a few days ago to purchase their tickets.

“They’re selling full capacity, but I waited until a couple days ago to buy the seats,” said Reggie Osenton. “Tried to get them in a section that was not real crowded.”

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Osenton said he purchased an extra seat just to make sure they would be able to socially distance.

Masks are only required in certain parts of the speedway complex.

See more in the video above.

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