I need advice. Ok here's the deal. My DH is getting 4 tickets to the Nascar race. I haven't been interested in Nascar since Rusty Wallace retired..but anyway....it looks like we're going. We've never been to a race, only watched them on TV. Can anybody give me any advice. What do I need to take, rent, buy, etc. I want to be prepared. Is it too late to find a hotel room near the track? Any recommendations?? I know some of you out there have been to races before. Thanks in advance!! Brenda
Bren, There are campgrounds right at the track, you should be able to get their numbers from the track's website. Don't know if they would have an spots left, but I know you camp and it's worth a shot. Otherwise, if you aren't staying, then be prepared to WAIT to get out. 8)
NASCAR expert here! First of all, yes, it is too late to rsvp motel. You might be better off rsvp motel 30 min to 1 hour away from the track where you'll have a better luck. Campgrounds are booked, too, but called the race track and find out if they have spot available for tent. Tent sites are not booked easily like RV sites. Having a tent there is so much fun, if you don't mind being awaken by all those noises and parties surrounding. You won't be able to see the race if you don't have a seating ticket. Last time I went there, alcoholic beverages aren't permitted to bring. Even umbrella is not allowed. BUT call and check with them if rules are changed. Bring poncho in case of rain, snacks, radio headphone (if you want to hear drivers conversation with their crew). Be there EARLY, I really mean EARLY! You'll have a better chance to park at best place. Get out of the race (5 laps near checkered flag) EARLY so you won't have to deal with traffic nightmare. That's why I prefer tent camping at the track so not to worry about traffic. By the way, I'm still a Rusty Wallace fan. He is doing just fine. I used to work for him not too long ago.
Take sunscreen if you are going during the day and you might want ear plugs. Are you going to the race this Sat? My dh will be there.
Rusty Wallace retired? J/K! My dad used to make fun of me because the little bit that I actually used to watch Nascar, I was a fan of his. Anyway, if you're down low and close to the track be prepared to be covered in teeny tiny little pieces of black rubber.
Wear comfort shoes. Don't forget your camera and extra batteries. Fanny pack not a purse. A room close by is out of the question this close to the event. Be patient with the traffic cause there's LOTS of it. Watch the weather closely and dress appropriately. (wrap a sweat shirt around your waist during the day for later in the evening if it plans to be a cool night) Enjoy yourself and take in all the sights, sounds and atmosphere. It's AWESOME!
I've never been to a race, but my hubby goes all the time, and talks so much about it that it feels like I go! He'll be there this weekend as well. Someone mentioned that you camp, do you have a camper? You don't need to make reservations, my hubby didn't, and never does, but you do have to get there early, like today, he always goes the day before the race, he's leaving today at noon with the camper to get a good spot. There won't be any spots tomorrow for a camper. And as far as I know, you can bring beer, I know he always has with no problem, because EVERYONE is always drunk from what I've heard and photos I've seen! If you do have to leave after the race to get to a hotel, plan on sitting in traffic for a very long time. The few times he came home after the race, he left before the race ended, because he says otherwise you'll sit in the parking lot for hours. Remember, there are 100,000 people at races, 5x more than at most concerts! You will get dirty like someone else mentioned, especially if you're close, don't wear light colors! And it's really, really loud! Be prepared to see some funny stuff! My husband has brought back photos of people doing and wearing the crazies things. I will go with him sometime, just waiting for the kids to get a little older. My oldest loves to go, but this time it's a "daddy" trip, so it's just me and the kids this weekend. Have fun, and take your camera. Let us know how it went when you get back!
Back home I used to hang at a bar called The Chicken Bone Cafe. What's chicken bone alley? (Dare I ask?)
My understanding is it's the rows closest to the track. As the fans who sit closer to the top eat fried chicken and then toss the bones down in front. I think that's right, if not please someone clear it up for me.
You can try a KOA campground. They have little cabins to rent too. The races are a blast ! Yes, beer, beer and more beer is allowed ! Can walk with it and take it into the track.
You'll also want a headset that can pick up the scanners that the drivers use to talk to their crews. I have one you can borrow if you'd like. If you don't get a headset get some really GOOD ear plugs. You will need them!
Actually Charlotte used to have a chicken bone alley. Not sure they do now or not, but ut was the lower level of turn 4 which tradtionally have always been the cheapest seats. Craig
Thanks. I've been to one race in my life that won tickets for. Of all races it was the Rockingham race the week following #3's death. What luck huh?
WOW!!! I asked and you guys came through for me. I'm not sure if I'm going with my DH now or not. Our DS is going and I told him to go ahead and ask some others that I think would enjoy it more than I would. Now like I said, if Rusty were still racing I would be all over it!! Guess I'm not a true Nascar fan.....just a true Rusty fan. My DH wants to drive home after the race. He's not a drinker so no worries there. Now if I were going, I'd want to stay somewhere. :mrgreen: As for camping, our fifth wheel is set up on a lot at the lake and I know there is no way he's going to go and take everything down just to pull it to Charlotte for one night. So I guess back home to JC he'll come!! We're not sure where the seats are. The guy who is giving them to my DH said they are at the start/finish line. That's all I know. Hopefully they'll be decent seats!! Thanks everybody for the wonderful advice.
