- April 25, 2024
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The health system will replace Halifax Health as the health care provider
Daytona International Speedway has signed a deal with Florida Hospital Volusia/Flagler to be the second “founding partner” of the $400 remodeling project known as “Daytona Rising.”
The health care system will be the track’s health care provider, and will sponsor one of the “fan injectors,” which provide an entrance to the Speedway, as well as a 20,000-square-foot area where retail and dining opportunities will be available. The hospital plans for interaction with the fans.
“This area will belong to Florida Hospital,” said Speedway CEO Joie Chitwood III at a press conference on Oct. 30.
Florida Hospital Volusia/Flagler CEO Daryl Tol said his company had been looking for ways to “get out of the four walls” of the hospital.
“We want to connect with the community and not be isolated,” he said.
He also said it’s a beneficial business partnership.
“This is one of the greatest economic developments in the area,” he said.
Tol said the public will be able to learn about the hospital’s commitment to health and wellness, but definite plans have not been set up for the injector area, which is set to be finished in January of 2016.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but Chitwood said the deal is “significant.” The first founding sponsor was Toyota.
Florida Hospital will be the exclusive health care provider, including urgent care and first aid for both competitors and fans.
The level of care needed will determine where a patient is transported. Trauma centers are limited by the state in geographic areas, and Halifax Health is the region’s trauma center.
An offer to be a founding partner was not made to Halifax Health, which has been the health care provider at the Speedway for many years, according to a Speedway spokesman.
Chitwood said Speedway management was attracted to a partnership with Florida Hospital, because the state-wide corporation has experience in sports marketing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Orlando Magic.
In a statement, Halifax Health CEO Jeff Feasal said, “This was a business decision the Speedway felt was in its best interest at this time. We are proud of the long history of exceptional care Halifax Health has provided to the competitors, crew and fans at Daytona International Speedway. … Halifax Health will continue to support Daytona International Speedway, NASCAR, The NASCAR Nation and the many fans who frequent our community for many years to come.”
The France family will continue their relationship with Halifax Health, such as the Speediatrics unit, according to Speedway spokesman Andrew Booth.
Volusia County Councilwoman Pat Northey said at the press conference that the revamped Speedway will be a source of pride.
“This will be the focus of Volusia County,” she said.
