Wait, did that actually just happen? If you were scrolling through Twitter or checking the live feeds from Florida this morning, you probably saw the same thing I did: thick, dark smoke billowing over the infield. It’s the kind of sight that makes every race fan’s heart skip a beat, especially with the Roar Before the 24 officially kicking off today, January 16, 2026.
Honestly, the "World Center of Racing" is no stranger to drama, but a fire at Daytona Speedway today was definitely not on the bingo card for the first day of IMSA practice.
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Here is the deal. Around mid-morning, right as the GTP and GTD classes were getting their first taste of the 3.56-mile road course for the 2026 season, local emergency crews were called to a structure fire in the infield. Specifically, it looked to be centered near the auxiliary garage area, not far from the fueling station.
What we know about the blaze right now
First off, breathe. Everyone is okay. The Daytona Beach Fire Department and the speedway's own on-site fire rescue teams—who are basically the best in the business—swarmed the area in minutes.
The fire wasn't on the track itself. It wasn't a car. It was actually a structure fire involving an equipment shed near the "Yellow Garage" area. This is a part of the track that gets incredibly busy during the Rolex 24 buildup because it’s where teams stash spare parts, hospitality gear, and sometimes, those high-capacity fuel systems.
- Location: Infield, near the garage/refueling zone.
- Injuries: Zero reported. Two crew members were evaluated for smoke inhalation but cleared almost immediately.
- Cause: Still under investigation, though early word from the garage suggests an electrical short in a portable generator.
The black smoke looked terrifying on the broadcast because of what was inside that shed—mostly tires and plastic casing. When racing rubber burns, it doesn't just smolder; it puts off a plume that looks like the end of the world.
The "Roar" must go on
Practice was red-flagged for about 45 minutes. You've gotta feel for the drivers like Alex Palou and Scott McLaughlin who are here to get their eyes in for the 24-hour race. Every minute of track time at the Roar is precious.
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Luckily, the wind was blowing away from the tri-oval. This meant the track surface didn't get slick with ash or soot, which can be a nightmare for grip. By 1:00 PM, the "all clear" was given, and the roar of those GTP engines was back to drowning out everything else.
Why this feels like deja vu
If you've followed Daytona for a while, today’s fire at Daytona Speedway probably reminded you of the Sunoco station fire back in 2025, or even the infamous Juan Pablo Montoya jet dryer incident from years ago.
Fire is the one thing everyone at a race track respects. The speedway stores thousands of gallons of high-octane fuel in dedicated safety zones. When a fire breaks out—even a small structure fire like today’s—the protocol is a total lockdown. No cars moving. No risks.
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Looking ahead to the weekend
The good news? The damage was minor. A few sets of tires were lost, and a shed is toast, but the 2026 Rolex 24 schedule remains totally unchanged. The Roar is still a go.
If you’re heading out to the track tomorrow or Sunday, you might see some charred remains near the garages, but the racing is going to be as fast as ever. The safety teams proved today why they’re the unsung heroes of the paddock. They kept a scary situation from turning into a season-ending catastrophe.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Check the Infield Access: If you have garage passes for tomorrow, expect a little more security and potentially some rerouted foot traffic near the Yellow Garage area.
- Monitor Official Feeds: Follow @Daytona and @IMSA on social media for real-time updates on any schedule shifts, though things look stable for now.
- Safety First: If you’re camping in the infield this weekend, keep your own generators clear of flammable materials. Today was a reminder of how fast a small spark can turn into a massive headache.
Stay safe out there, and let's get back to focusing on the racing.