DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Fans from all over are making their way to Daytona Beach for the big race this weekend — the Daytona 500.

Most are happy to have the 500 back in full capacity — embracing the atmosphere while enjoying the ultimate tailgate experience.

“The meat is sweating — it’s taking in the rub, and it’s sweating,” said Daytona 500 fan Anthony Nicolosi as he prepared to grill for the day.

Nicolosi has been to every Daytona 500 since 2002. There’s almost nothing in the world that would make him miss it.

He’s always doing it big when he’s firing up the grill for yearly tailgating.

“We’re almost ready,” he said.

Nicolosi owns a restaurant in Miami called BBQ & Craft Company. He opened it about a year and a half ago, but it was actually his passion for racing that got him into the business.

“Well, l love racing period because I’m a race car driver,” he said. “I don’t race NASCAR, but I love spectating NASCAR.”

For 10 years, he drove in a league called the American Le Mans series.

During that time, fans introduced him to the art of slow cooking barbecue, and he’s been hooked ever since.

“So, there’s going to be a big thick piece of meat in about seven hours,” Nicolosi said as the grill continued to heat to the perfect temperature.

He said attending the Daytona 500 is an opportunity to combine two of his favorite things in the world.

This year, he decided to throw down on some beef dino ribs, which filled the immediate tailgating area around him with a beautiful aroma that could stop people in their tracks.

Nearby neighbors in the infield frequently made stops by his grill, and for Nicolosi, that’s what this historic event is all about.

“I feel like I’m right there with these guys when I’m here, so God bless ‘em all," he said. "Put on a good show for us, and let’s eat.”

The Daytona 500 takes place this Sunday at 2:30 p.m.