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.

From the garage areas and driver’s suites to the official NASCAR Hall of Fame exhibits, fans will experience firsthand what it takes to keep the engines roaring on race day. But it wasn’t just the access that caught the attention of NASCAR Nation. The true emotional highlight came when Jim France unveiled the “Charlie’s Kids Zone,” a permanent and colorful space inside the Speedway dedicated to children and families, aimed at carrying forward Kirk’s belief in the importance of the next generation.

A Monumental Gesture: NASCAR Opens Daytona’s Doors

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 continue that vision.”

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.

One fan tweeted:

“This is the most heartfelt thing I’ve seen from NASCAR. Opening up Daytona for free and dedicating a space for kids in Charlie’s name? That’s real leadership.”

Another fan commented:

“As a father, this means so much to me. The sport I love giving back to kids and supporting Charlie’s family — I can’t think of a better tribute.”

Even fans from rival teams expressed admiration. A Denny Hamlin fan posted:

“Not a fan of the #24, but what @NASCAR is doing for Charlie’s family is above and beyond. This is why NASCAR is family.”

The Controversy: NASCAR’s Bold Move Sparks Debate

While the gesture has been widely praised, it has not been without controversy. Some critics have raised concerns over the political undertones of honoring Charlie Kirk in such a public and prominent way. Kirk, known for his outspoken views and his role in founding Turning Point USA, a conservative advocacy group, was a divisive figure in some circles, leading some to question the appropriateness of the tribute.

“I think NASCAR should keep politics out of its branding,” said one anonymous fan on social media. “While I respect what they are doing for Kirk’s family, I worry about the precedent this sets for mixing activism with sports.”

However, many supporters, including NASCAR drivers, have firmly disagreed with the critics, insisting that this tribute is about family, legacy, and community, not politics.

“I’ve known Charlie for years and seen the impact he made on young people,” said Kyle Busch in a statement. “This is bigger than politics. This is about honoring a man who inspired countless lives. The sport has always been about unity, and this memorial shows how we come together as a community.”

A Historic Moment for NASCAR

This event marks the first time in NASCAR’s history that Daytona International Speedway has been fully opened to the public free of charge for an extended period. Fans can explore everything from the garages where their favorite teams prepare for race day, to the Victory Lane where champions are crowned after every legendary race.

“This is more than just a memorial,” France continued. “It’s a celebration of everything NASCAR stands for. We’re showing the world that NASCAR is not just about cars and races — it’s about people. It’s about supporting each other, especially in times of grief.”

Local businesses in Daytona Beach are already preparing for the event, with hotels and restaurants bracing for an influx of visitors. The area around the Speedway is expected to see a significant economic boost, as fans from across the country gather to honor Kirk’s legacy.

The Climax: A Candlelight Memorial

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:

“This is what NASCAR is all about. Family, legacy, and coming together.”