I am new to NASCAR, but ended up getting some great seats for the race this weekend at Daytona...I was wondering if any of y'all had any suggestions about how to have a good experience. I have been told by different people any number of times that I should arrive (times ranging from 9:00 AM to 4:00PM) and was trying to figure out what people do before the race. Is there tailgating like at a football game? Is there fan-friendly stuff to do (I don't have a Fan Zone pass)? Since there will be 240,000 people there, it is obviously advisable to get to the track early...I'm just wondering what the scene is like.

Thanks for your help!