Daytona begins removing backstraight grandstand

Construction crews began dismantling the backstretch grandstands at Daytona International Speedway on Monday, marking the next phase in the DAYTONA Rising renovation project.

Full removal of backstretch seating is scheduled to be complete later this year, speedway officials said in a news release. The entire $400 million project — which includes a 101,000-seat stadium-style complex on the frontstretch — is scheduled to be done in time for the 2016 Daytona 500.

The speedway unveiled 40,000 new seats on the west side of the 2.5-mile track, along the short chute to Turn 1, in time for this year's Speedweeks festivities. The frontstretch press box, which also accommodates race control and luxury suites, is slated to be demolished ahead of the Coke Zero 400 there in July.

Daytona officials broke ground on DAYTONA Rising in July 2013.