International management and construction consultancy, Gleeds, has been chosen as cost manager for the £260m redevelopment of one of the world's most famous motor racing facilities, the iconic Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Working on behalf of International Speedway Corporation (ISC), Daytona's parent company, the firm will be on the team responsible for delivering the biggest overhaul of the venue in its 54 year history. The monumental renovation project has been termed "DAYTONA Rising".

Daytona is the home of high adrenalin motorsports action with cars that take part in the DAYTONA 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race reaching speeds in excess of 190 mph around a 2.5 mile tri-oval course. Improvements to the facility, designed by US architectural firm, Rossetti, include five new re-designed, enlarged guest entrances or 'Injectors' and an extended grandstand area with 101,000 more spacious and comfortable seats. In addition, the plans feature more than 60 trackside suites for corporate entertaining. Gleeds' US operation beat competition to the prestigious appointment having impressed ISC with their work on other projects.

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The revamp of Daytona includes the creation of a total of 11 'neighbourhood' areas, each roughly the size of a standard football pitch, spread over three levels of communal concourse. These neighbourhoods will enable fans to meet and socialise during events without ever missing any on-track action, thanks to an open-sightline design and dozens of added video screens in every neighbourhood. The central neighbourhood, dubbed the "World Center of Racing", will celebrate the history of Daytona International Speedway and its many unforgettable moments throughout more than 50 years of racing. More concessions and additional restrooms, as well as new ticket gates, 40 escalators and a dozen elevators will further enhance the visitor experience.

The scheme is expected to be completed in January 2016.

(CD/JP)