Daytona's NASCAR hauler showcase excites fans ahead of Daytona 500

DAYTONA, Fla.—The Daytona 500 returns this weekend, bringing excitement and energy to the Daytona International Speedway. This iconic race is a Florida institution that attracts fans from around the world. 

WINK News was on site as fans and cars filled the speedway. Practice for the Daytona 500 was underway, adding to the buzz in the air.

Earlier in the week, WINK's Bridget Bruchalski captured a special moment as the NASCAR haulers rolled through town. 

"Almost heart-stopping. It's very surreal. Yeah, it's just, this is an opportunity of a lifetime," said Sandy Jurek and Max Jaszczak.

"We love the haulers. We love the haulers. They're very shiny. They're huge," said Julie Edwards.

Vicki Grer shared her excitement, saying, "We go to five or six, maybe seven races a year, I'm not sure, but this is where we start."

As the haulers rolled in with chrome polished and horns blaring, fans knew it was officially go time.

"We're just excited to get the NASCAR season started," said Grer.

"We saw him coming in the back way, and now we're able to see this. It's, it's just incredible," said Jurek.

Bruchalski highlighted the fan experience, saying, "And it's traditions like these, the hauler showcase, that allows fans to get up close and personal with their favorites year after year."

Frank Helleher, president of Daytona International Speedway, emphasized the importance of family and fans in NASCAR's success. 

"Family and the fans have made NASCAR what it is today," said Helleher.

He described the anticipation fans feel when arriving at the speedway, saying, "People have an expectation. They have a vision of what it's going to feel like when they arrive and when they walk through those gates, and they get to see the world center of racing."

Helleher also expressed gratitude for the team that makes the event possible.

"That's a lot of people who showed up to work that day and did their job. So it's a great sense of pride and gratitude for the team that works here," he said.

For many fans, the Daytona 500 is more than just a race; it's a cherished tradition.

"Our favorite tradition is that we started coming," said Jurek.

As the weekend continues, the excitement builds with the Truck Series Race at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, leading up to the main event on Sunday: the 68th running of the Daytona 500. Racing fans can also look forward to the United Rentals 300, airing Saturday at 5 p.m. on the CW.