The roar of engines, the smell of burning rubber, and the electric energy of tens of thousands of fans—there’s nothing quite like the Daytona 500. In 2023, I had the opportunity to cover the action as Hurley launched a special collaboration with NASCAR, sponsoring young driver Noah Gragson and unveiling a limited-edition line of gear. To promote the release, Hurley put on a high-energy activation at the race, calling in pro skateboarder Elliot Sloan and big-wave surfer Will Skudin to connect with the crowd, sign autographs, and bring a unique surf-meets-speed vibe to the event.
From the moment I arrived, the atmosphere was buzzing. The infield was packed with race enthusiasts, decked out in their favorite driver’s colors, and Hurley’s setup was turning heads. Fans lined up to meet Gragson, Sloan and Skudin, snagging signed posters and checking out the new collection. The fusion of surf, skate, and motorsports culture felt seamless—after all, speed and adrenaline are the common threads that tie these worlds together.
One of the absolute highlights of my trip was getting to experience the “NASCAR Experience” firsthand. Climbing into a stock car and hurtling around the track at 150 mph was an entirely different level of excitement. The G-forces on the banked turns made me feel like I was defying gravity, and it gave me a whole new respect for the skill and endurance these drivers bring to the sport. Watching a race from the stands is one thing—feeling the raw power of the car as it hugs the curves at high speeds is something else entirely.
Another unforgettable moment was attending the Drivers Meeting. This is where racing legends, current drivers, and VIPs gather before the race, and walking through that room was like stepping into the pages of NASCAR history. Legends like Richard Petty casually strolled by, and it was a surreal reminder of just how iconic this event truly is.
Beyond the high-speed thrills, we were also given access to one of the Daytona 500’s coveted suites. Walking into a room and hanging with Tiffany Haddish, Pete Davidson, Chase Sui Wonders, and Bert Kreischer among a room of 15 people was definitely a cool moment. But amidst the star-studded surroundings, I stayed focused on capturing the essence of the event—the fans, the atmosphere, and, of course, the Hurley x NASCAR collaboration in action.
At the end of the day, the 2023 Daytona 500 wasn’t just about speed—it was about culture, crossover, and the pure adrenaline that unites fans across different worlds. Hurley’s move into the motorsports scene with this limited gear drop was a bold and exciting one, and being there to document it all was an experience I won’t forget.
From the smell of burning rubber to the rush of a 150-mph ride-along, Daytona delivered on every level. And while I walked away with some killer shots, I also left with a new appreciation for the intersection of surf, skate, and stock cars—proving that when it comes to adrenaline-fueled passion, these worlds aren’t so different after all.
Gear Used
Camera – Sony a9 / a1
Microphones – Sennheiser MKE600
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