Fiery Daytona garage blaze caps end of Michelin Pilot Challenge practice

An impressive plume of smoke rose above the infield near the pit entrance of Daytona International Speedway after emergency crews were able to put out a large fire during the Michelin Pilot Challenge practice on Wednesday. 

The fire that broke out in one of the outbuildings located near the fueling station in the Yellow Garage area — where the IMSA WeatherTech garages are located for the Rolex weekend — initially looked to be related to the on-track incident in that same area during practice activities. Speaking with individuals who were near the fire at the time, a small trail of smoke was visible prior to the actual fire, but was also believed to be related to the incident.

Officials red-flagged the practice as track emergency crews worked with Daytona Beach Fire Department to quickly put out the fire, and tend to the car that was involved in what appears to be an unrelated incident. No injuries have been reported. 

Daytona International Speedway released this statement following the fire:

“There was a structure fire located in the Yellow Garage area of Daytona International Speedway on Wednesday afternoon. There were no injuries and on-track activity resumed after a very brief delay. Thanks to the quick work of the Daytona Beach Fire Department and 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 continue to clean up the area and assess the cause. 

Fire at Daytona on Wednesday – Practice day