Classics At the Daytona International Speedway
M arch weather in the Sunshine State is always wonderful and this year was no exception. Sunny weather, warm temperatures, and a limitless collection of custom vehicles made it the perfect automotive weekend. Drivers throughout the southeast headed to Florida for the Spring Turkey Run, an event now in its third decade and getting stronger each year. Held on the fourth weekend in March inside the sprawling facilities of the Daytona International Speedway, the Friday through Sunday show always has something for everyone. Like its counterpart, the legendary Fall Turkey Run held over the Thanksgiving weekend, the Spring event also features a huge custom car show with thousands of vintage classics, muscle cars, race cars and our favorite, cool custom trucks on display in the infield.
Add to that the hundreds of vendors selling all the latest for your ride as well as the Car Corral with an amazing collection of cars and trucks in every color and price range. If you were looking to buy or sell, this was the place. If you were hunting for the perfect gearhead gift, arts and crafts were on display at Artisan Alley with a tempting selection of automotive-themed items. Should you find your energy levels beginning to dip, the midway had dozens of food and drink vendors to come to your rescue. Need a beer? Hops and Hoods had 120 craft beer samples to quench your thirst. Want some SWAG? Lots of folks look forward to the midafternoon door prize giveaways where significant gifts go home with new owners.
The Spring Turkey Run has a feature that many drivers wait for all year long. Lining up at 1 PM on Sunday afternoon, drivers got the opportunity for a parade lap on Daytona’s famous high banked oval. While no one approaches NASCAR-level speeds, it’s still quite a thrill and you come away with new respect for the professional race car drivers who run this track to its full potential. As if that weren’t enough, charity is always a big part of this event. The Daytona Beach Street Rods and the Daytona Beach Racing and Recreational Facilities District team donate proceeds from this event to worthy causes and they have for decades. If you’d like to learn more about either the Spring or the Fall Turkey Run, go to www.turkeyrun.com.