Furious Daytona Garage Blaze ends Michelin Pilot Challenge practice

An impressive plume of smoke rises above the field near the pit entrance at Daytona International Speedway after emergency crews were able to extinguish a large fire during Michelin Pilot Challenge practice on Wednesday.

The fire that broke out in one of the outbuildings located near the fuel station in the yellow garage area – where the IMSA WeatherTech garages for the Rolex weekend are located – initially seemed to be related to an on-track incident in the same area during practice. activities. Speaking to people who were near the fire at the time, a small trail of smoke was visible before the actual fire, but this was also believed to be related to the incident.

Officials red flagged the practice as track emergency personnel worked with the Daytona Beach Fire Department to quickly bring the fire under control and take care of a car that was involved in an unrelated incident. No injuries have been reported.

Daytona International Speedway released this statement following the fire:

“A building fire broke out in the yellow garage area of ​​Daytona International Speedway on Wednesday afternoon. There were no injuries and activity on the track resumed after a very short delay. Thanks to the quick work of the Daytona Beach Fire Department and the Daytona International Speedway Emergency Services team, the fire was quickly contained and extinguished. The State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.

The area is currently taped off while crews clean the area and assess the cause.

Wednesday Fire at Daytona – Practice Day