Do you vote for staying at the beach or staying near the track in Daytona Beach, FL, USA?

I’m planning a trip to Daytona Beach for one of my husband’s races and am trying to decide whether to stay near the track or at the beach. Of course the idea of the beach is more alluring, but the reality is we probably won’t get to enjoy it much.

Some more info, it will be in October, weather can be hit or miss in October since the weather is starting to change. Can be beautiful and sunny or easily could be rainy. Not a FL 45 minute summer thunderstorm, but can be a rainy day.

If you know Daytona well, can you tell me if the intracostal bridge on the main road that passes by the track goes up reguarly? If my husband had to time driving every morning with also corrdinating bridges going p that would probably get annoying. Also, I assume there is some rush hour traffic going west in the AM from the beach?

If you don’t know Daytona, still feel free to give me your vote for where to stay.

Near the track I am considering Residence Inn or Courtyard. If you have stayed at ether any feedback is appreciated. The RI looks a little dated, is it? On the Beach I am considering Holiday Inn and Suites, but generally I have bad experiences at Holiday Inns. However, this gets good reviews on tripadvisor.