NASCAR, along with Levy and Denali, are repurposing food leftovers at the Daytona 500.
Eager fans packing the Daytona International Speedway for the renowned 67 Daytona 500 event generate a substantial amount of food waste. Recognizing this issue, NASCAR, Daytona International Speedway, and food service provider Levy teamed up with Denali to tackle the challenge.
Part of NASCAR IMPACT's Sustainability Strategy, this partnership aims to recycle close to 80,000 pounds of food waste, an estimate for the racing season leading up to the 67 Daytona 500 on February 16, 2025. Denali, the leading organic recycling company in the US, plays a critical role in recycling the unsold or untouched food following NASCAR Cup Series events across the nation during this period.
Denali's mission is to replenish the earth by repurposing organic waste into valuable resources. By diverting waste from landfills, they help combat climate change and generate nutrients for agriculture and horticulture. Eric Speiser, Denali's Chief Revenue Officer, stated, "We're proud to work with organizations like NASCAR and help our customers achieve their sustainability goals while contributing to a cleaner future."
Riley Nelson, NASCAR's Head of Sustainability, emphasized the importance of this nationwide initiative. In 2024 alone, NASCAR managed to recycle nearly 57,000 pounds of food from events across the United States. By continuing this initiative in 2025 and beyond, they aim to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Large-scale sporting events are known for generating an average of 5,000 pounds of food waste per event. Before sending food waste to Denali, NASCAR and Levy work strategically to donate provisions to support local food-insecure families. In 2024, Levy successfully donated 13,520 pounds of food following NASCAR Cup Series races.
While food donation efforts are essential, not all food can be donated. For unconsumed food, Denali comes in to save the day, recycling this waste into compost, nutrient-rich soils, natural fertilizer, and animal feed. By combining forces, NASCAR, Levy, and Denali will recycle an estimated 80,000 pounds of food waste into usable products in 2025.
This collaboration represents a crucial step in NASCAR IMPACT's sustainability efforts. With a goal to achieve net zero emissions across its operations by 2035, the organization is dedicated to investing in sustainable practices and long-term relationships with organizations, like Denali, to promote sustainable practices at its events.
Nelson noted, "Working with Denali and Levy to collect and recycle food waste at our races illustrates the collaborative effort needed for NASCAR to achieve its goals over the next decade." By reducing food waste and conserving resources, NASCAR and its partners are making a positive impact on the environment and paving the way for future sustainable opportunities.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, unconsumed food forming 24% of landfill content contributes to greenhouse gas emissions 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Denali's strategy to repurpose waste is vital in reducing landfill content and associated emissions, contributing to a cleaner future.
Levy's sustainability strategy focuses on reducing food waste by 50% by 2030. By collaborating with Denali and NASCAR, Levy's teams can create a positive impact in their communities, aligning with their mission to reduce waste and divert surplus food. In 2023, Denali recycled 14 billion pounds of organic materials, including 1.7 billion pounds of food waste from various sources.
By working together, NASCAR, Levy, and Denali demonstrate important steps towards sustainability in large-scale events. The collaboration supports their shared goals to reduce food waste, conserve resources, and promote sustainable practices, ultimately contributing to a cleaner future.
- At the upcoming 67th Daytona 500, NASCAR fans will generate substantial food waste, prompting NASCAR, Daytona International Speedway, and food service provider Levy to collaborate with Denali to tackle this issue.
- With Denali's involvement, NASCAR's IMPACT Sustainability Strategy aims to recycle 80,000 pounds of food waste during the racing season leading up to the 67 Daytona 500.
- In a statement, Denali's Chief Revenue Officer, Eric Speiser, expressed pride in working with NASCAR and Levy to promote sustainability and contribute to a cleaner future.
- By donating unconsumed food to local food-insecure families and recycling the remainder with Denali, NASCAR and Levy successfully managed to recycle 13,520 pounds of food in 2024.
- Denali's mission is to replenish the earth by repurposing organic waste into valuable resources, reducing landfill content and greenhouse gas emissions.
- As part of their 2030 sustainability strategy, Levy aims to reduce food waste by 50%, and this collaboration with NASCAR and Denali helps them achieve that goal.
- By working together to reduce food waste and promote sustainable practices, NASCAR, Levy, and Denali are not only making a positive impact on the environment but also paving the way for future sustainable opportunities in large-scale events.
