NASCAR FIRESTORM: NASCAR’s iconic home at Daytona International Speedway will open its doors free of charge for three full days to honor Charlie Kirk, offering fans rare behind-the-scenes access to the sport’s legendary venue — from the pit garages and driver’s suites to the NASCAR Hall of Fame exhibits. But the emotional moment came when NASCAR CEO Jim France unveiled a permanent ‘Charlie’s Kids Zone’ inside the Speedway — a colorful space filled with interactive games, educational programs about teamwork and leadership, and NASCAR memorabilia designed to honor Kirk’s legacy. Every dollar raised through activities and merchandise will go directly to support his two young children. The announcement has ignited NASCAR Nation and sparked a nationwide debate…
Daytona Beach, FL – September 12, 2025 — In an unprecedented move that has sent shockwaves through the NASCAR community and beyond, NASCAR CEO Jim France announced that Daytona International Speedway will open its doors to the public free of charge for three full days in honor of the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The announcement is a part of a larger memorial effort to honor Kirk’s legacy, allowing fans an unparalleled opportunity to step behind the scenes of one of the most iconic venues in sports.
In a statement that caught both casual fans and industry insiders off guard, Jim France outlined the ambitious vision for the upcoming event. For three days, Daytona International Speedway — one of the most famous tracks in the world, and home to the iconic Daytona 500 — will open its doors for free. Fans will be granted rare access to areas of the track typically reserved for drivers and teams, including the pit garages, team trailers, and VIP lounges. Additionally, attendees will have the chance to explore the NASCAR Hall of Fame, where a special exhibition featuring Charlie Kirk’s life and contributions will be on display.
“We want to honor Charlie’s passion for inspiring the next generation,” said France. “Daytona is a place where champions are made, and now it will also be a place where young people can come and be inspired to dream big, just as Charlie did for so many of us. This is a place for all to experience NASCAR, learn, and grow.”
For many fans, this represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to walk the hallowed grounds of Daytona and get a behind-the-scenes look at what makes the sport so special. But it is the establishment of Charlie’s Kids Zone that has truly captured the hearts of NASCAR fans.
Charlie’s Kids Zone: A Legacy Built for the Future
The most emotional part of the announcement came when Jim France revealed Charlie’s Kids Zone, a new permanent addition to Daytona International Speedway. The area is designed to be a vibrant, family-friendly space that celebrates the values of teamwork, perseverance, and leadership — values that Kirk advocated for throughout his life.
The space will include:
- Interactive Games: Fun activities that engage children with NASCAR-themed games, allowing them to learn about the sport and its history in a hands-on way.
- Educational Programs: A series of programs focusing on teamwork, leadership, and the spirit of competition, modeled after Kirk’s belief in education and empowering young people.
- Special Memorabilia Displays: Displays dedicated to Charlie Kirk’s impact on the nation, highlighting his legacy and the work he did with youth outreach.
“We wanted to create something that would honor Charlie’s memory and continue his work with children,” France said during the emotional unveiling. “Every dollar raised through activities, tickets, or merchandise in Charlie’s Kids Zone will go directly to support Charlie’s family, specifically his two young children. Charlie believed in investing in the future — and this is how we c
The announcement instantly struck a chord with the NASCAR community, which has long prided itself on being a family-centered sport. For many, the idea of creating a space specifically designed to benefit the children of a fallen activist was deeply moving.
A Nation Reacts: NASCAR Fans Respond
As soon as the announcement broke, social media erupted with reactions. Hashtags like #CharliesKidsZone, #DaytonaForCharlie, and #NASCARFamily began trending across platforms, with fans from all walks of life praising the gesture.
The final night of the three-day opening will conclude with a candlelight memorial on the track. Fans will be invited to stand together in silence, holding lights that spell out “CK25” — a tribute to Charlie Kirk’s life and legacy.
“This is a moment for NASCAR to show the world our true colors,” said Denny Hamlin. “We’ll stand together as a community, remembering Charlie, and supporting his family.”
Legacy Beyond the Track
For Jim France and NASCAR, this is more than just a memorial; it’s a statement of compassion, unity, and legacy. As NASCAR continues to grow and evolve, moments like these remind fans why the sport transcends beyond the racetrack — it’s about creating a lasting impact, making the world a better place, and honoring the families who inspire us.
For fans, Charlie’s Kids Zone will ensure that Kirk’s memory and his passion for youth continue to live on in the heart of NASCAR.
As one fan concluded:
