Florida Hospital is now the official health care provider of Daytona International Speedway.
On Thursday Florida Hospital and Daytona International Speedway announced the multi-year partnership.
Under the agreement, Florida Hospital Volusia/Flagler will be the exclusive health care provider of Daytona International Speedway, which includes providing medical equipment and personnel for all events, managing the care center operations and providing ambulances to handle emergency situations. They replace health care competitor Halifax Health.
Track President Joie Chitwood, III says this is just like dealing with car manufacturers. While Toyota is now the official pace car at the track, they still have relationships with Chevrolet and Ford. As for that relationship with Halifax Health, Chitwood tells us not much will change.
"Obviously, with the France family being in this community we will maintain relationships with really, every community-based organization that's here," said Chitwood.
Daryl Tol, the CEO of Florida Hospital Volusia/Flagler added when it comes to any trauma care which may be needed, those cases will still be sent to Halifax.
"If that's what they need, there's going there. That's a physician decision and that is life and death and there's no question that those individuals will be transported to the right location," said Tol.
For their part, Halifax Health CEO Jeff Feasel sent us the following statement:
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 and as the community’s most comprehensive health system and the region’s only Trauma Center. 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.
Race fans will see the Florida Hospital brand at one of five special entrances called fan injectors, including more than 20,000 square feet of engagement space. Within this injector, Florida Hospital will have a presence in one of the “neighborhoods” which will encompass retail and dining areas, as well as dozens of video screens to provide fans with non-stop views of on-track action.
Daytona International Speedway is currently undergoing a $400 million improvement project.
The redevelopment includes five expanded and redesigned entrances, or “injectors,” that will lead fans to a series of escalators and elevators, transporting them to three different concourse levels. Each level features spacious social areas, or “neighborhoods,” along the nearly mile-long front stretch. At the conclusion of the redevelopment, Daytona International Speedway will have approximately 101,000 permanent, wider and more comfortable seats, twice as many restrooms and three times as many concession stands. In addition, the Speedway will feature over 60 luxury suites with track side views and a completely revamped hospitality experience for corporate guests.