CHALLENGEFAMILY, Case Imagine and Daytona International
Speedway today announced the launch of CHALLENGEDAYTONA. The international
professional middle-distance triathlon and accompanying triathlon festival will take place at
the iconic Daytona International Speedway on December 8th and 9th, 2018.
The press conference was led by CEO of CHALLENGEFAMILY, Zibi Szlufcik, who
announced the middle-distance triathlon race to members of the media inside the “World
Center of Racing.”
He said: “Our aim has always been simple: to create a worldwide series of high-quality, fair
and fun triathlon races, which offer an exceptional experience for all involved. Our decision
to launch CHALLENGEDAYTONA follows thousands of requests from professional and age-
group athletes to have a US CHALLENGEFAMILY event in our portfolio.
“Due to the well-documented history that surrounds CHALLENGEFAMILY in North
America, we would only return with a strong and unique race concept that is unlike any other
in the world. Daytona International Speedway holds an unrivalled opportunity for a US-based
middle-distance race. This, together with the exciting side events taking place during the
weekend, will target all triathletes and spectators and position CHALLENGEFAMILY as a
truly worldwide lifestyle brand.”
The Daytona International Speedway will be the centre of activity for both the middle-
distance race as well as the unique side events, which include:
● Pit-stop challenge
● Short-distance triathlon
● Corporate race
● 5k run/walk
● Relay triathlon
Lake Lloyd, inside the venue, will provide an unmatched spectator experience. Athletes will
complete one lap in the lake.
The flat and fast bike leg will partly take place around the 3.56-mile circuit before leading
triathletes outside the famed speedway.
After transitioning in the race venue, athletes tackle the run course, which has been designed
with spectators in mind. The atmosphere is sure to energise the athletes as they complete four
loops of the course before reaching the red carpet and cross the famed start/finish line.
Commenting at the press conference, Carlos Eduardo Arruda, CEO of Case Imagine said:
“Our vision of the race is to not only create a world-class triathlon event for triathletes of all
abilities, but to create a festival in every sense of the word. Following the racing, our team
will throw a sensational CHALLENGEFAMILY-style festival complete with pasta party and
an extraordinary awards ceremony.”
CHALLENGEDAYTONA, for many, will be the final race of the season and an official
qualifier race for THECHAMPIONSHIP, which has an incredible 150,000 euro prize purse.
“We look forward to hosting CHALLENGEDAYTONA and adding a new event to an already
busy track calendar,” Daytona International Speedway President Chip Wile said. “Daytona
International Speedway is going to provide a high-energy atmosphere for triathletes who will
be competing at this iconic motorsports facility.”
CHALLENGEFAMILY is the fastest growing global triathlon series. With 37 full and
middle distances in 27 different countries, CHALLENGEFAMILY is changing the face of
triathlon around the world. Due to spectacular courses in iconic destinations, no
CHALLENGEFAMILY race is like another. Focusing on delivering the race of a lifetime to
athletes of all ages and abilities, CHALLENGEFAMILY races provide memorable
experiences that capture all the excitement and emotions of this inspirational sport.
About the Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is the world’s only motorsports stadium and was awarded
SportsBusiness Journal’s prestigious Sports Business Award for Sports Facility of the Year in
2016. Daytona International Speedway is the home of “The Great American Race” – the
DAYTONA 500. Though the season-opening Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series event
garners most of the attention – as well as the largest audience in motorsports – the
approximately 500-acre motorsports complex, also known as the “World Center of Racing,”
boasts the most diverse schedule of racing on the globe. In addition to at least nine major
event weekends, the Speedway grounds are also used extensively for events that include
concerts, civic and social gatherings, car shows, photo shoots, production vehicle testing and
police motorcycle training.
