Anyone ever been to a NASCAR race??

[waltdisneyworlddreamer]

We got tickets to Martinsville to take my 6yo son to a Nextel cup race. We have only been to one before (and that was 8 years ago) so I don't really remeber a whole lot about it. Anyone have any tips, don't forgets, etc.??? I do remember wearing some kind of headphones that we had borrowed from someone where you could listen to the MRN radio broadcast during the race. Anyone know where you can get these? thanks for all the help!

 

[Boo'sMom]

My DH was at Martinsville last year and said that it is a great track to see the race from.
As for ear protection, you can get regular ear plugs if you don't want a radio. You can also rent scanners with headsets at the track,usually around $25., and they will program your favorite driver's frequency. One word of caution if you go that route....some drivers are not really selective about their choice of language...i.e. you may not want your DS listening in. You can purchase a radio headset at the track from one of the trailers for about $20...that may be your best choice for just listening to MRN.

HTH

 

[DukeStreetKing]

First and foremost - bring ear protection for your child! It doesn't matter where you sit, those cars are LOUD! And make sure that they are used properly, not just brought.

Second, bring lots of cash. NASCAR races aren't cheap, for anything. Souveniers, sodas, hot dogs, they all add up.

I know Daytona didn't allow any glass bottles, so you might want to pack plastic bottled water or juices or sodas to save some money. They only allow a smaller sized cooler also.

Enjoy the race!

Go Dale, Jr.!

 

[rafikimom]

Fantastic! Which race are you going to, April or Oct.? You will have a great time. Never been to Martinsville myself, but have tossed around the idea. It seems like it wouldn't be that far of a drive for us. I see you are from Ky also. We live up near Cincinnati. My sugestions as of must haves are earplugs especially for the little one. I have 2 dd (10 & 11) and if we forget our earplugs for them we are always buying them. Second, sunscreen! No matter what time of the year it is, gotta have that sunscreen. Third, camera. You never know what kind of Kodak moments you will come across. Fourth, a Sharpie marker. When we were down at Daytona a couple years back, we were walking around the fanfest area. This golf cart pulled up along the side of us and out hopped Robby Gordon. I just happened to have a Sharpie in my pocket and had purchased a hat earlier. I asked him to sign my Daytona hat. WOW!! What a souvenier. He's not my favorite driver, but you never know who you just might bump into. Have a great time!

 

[Allie322]

I also recommend ear protection. They are a must. Some other things to consider....check out the track policy on coolers. There are usually size restrictions. http://www.martinsvillespeedway.com/

Bring and use sunscreen!

Also, since traffic can be crazy after some races, be sure to use the restrooms before you leave the track or be faced with the dreaded Port-A-Potty! Also, if possible, leave a stocked and well iced cooler in your car for after the race in case you have to sit for a while. Also, bring something for your son to do while waiting--books, gameboy, etc.

Oh, and the most important thing: Root for Terry Labonte!!! Have fun!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Several times at Michigan International. After the last time, several years ago, after taking 4 hours to get into the parking lot (we were within a mile of it at 7 AM) , and with the race having already started, Vince and I turned around and went home, without seeing the race, LOL. And the last time I went. Much too crowded for me. I enjoy NHRA more, NASCAR is great, I just can't take the crowds. And yes, use restroom before heading out. Enjoy. Oh, and yes, bring protrction.

 

[WDWLVR]

We owned tickets at Joliet, but game them up because of how rudely we were treated. We still go up to Milwaukee every year for the Busch and Truck races.

#1 - bring ear protection or rent a scanner. I recommend the scanner because hearing the race is fantastic. One word of advice however is the language on the scanner can be a bit much for a child.

#2 - sunscreen - you'll be sitting out there for a while. Apply early and often.

#3 - drink plenty of water - yes it means you'll go to the bathroom more, but you don't want to get dehydrated.

#4 - get there early and enjoy everything that goes on before the race. Even the tailgating in fun. Bring a cooler and as other posters have stated something to do (books, paper, etc.)

Enjoy!

I agree with rooting for Jr. and Terry too!

 

[DisneyDreamer8]

This will be our third trip

Get scanners. You can rent them at the track. It is great to be able to listen to your favorite driver. Just be aware they may use foul language from time to time so it might not be good for kids.

Take money. Everything is pretty expensive.

But most of all have fun!!!!! You will never forget the feeling when all 43 drivers start their engines!! It is the most awesome sound there is!!!!

 

[Maude4Disney]

We've been to several. Charlotte 2x, Rockingham 2x , Michigan several xs (DH went to Atlanta w/out me )

Must brings are as mentioned previously... sunscreen, ear plugs, lots of cash and lots and lots of patience. Don't be in a hurry to get anywhere. Traffic can be a nightmare. Just take your time, no one else is going anywhere any quicker than you are.

We usually bring a grill and tailgate after the race. By the time we're done eating, traffic is much better. And get there early!!

oh yeah, good walking shoes help too. Haven't been to Martinsville, but if it's like the others, there's lots of walking involved. Have a GREAT time!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Not YET! We hope to make Talladega our first race. But if not, any will do right now. My dh is a Nascar fan and has NEVER been to a race.

 

[tar heel]

My parents are big NASCAR fans, and I grew up going to 4-5 races a year. I've been to Daytona, Charlotte, Rockingham, Bristol and Martinsville plus the now defunct North Wilkesboro track and the tiny tracks at Hickory and Winston-Salem (where they really used to run NASCAR races). Besides earplugs and sunscreen, I suggest that you take something for him to do while you're waiting -- maybe a Gameboy or a book. As much as I enjoyed the races, I always got tired of the hours to kill before time for the main event.

Back in the dark ages, it was so easy to get autographs after races. Also, my friend and I used to write drivers and ask for autographs. The only one that never sent us one was Fred Lorenzen. I've got a big collection somewhere -- I think my mother has it.

My dh has less than no interest in NASCAR, so I never go to races now -- and I can HEAR Lowe's Motor Speedway from my house!

 

[lulubelle]

We own PSL seats (with our names on them!) at CA Speedway, have also been to Vegas, Sonoma, Phoenix, Charlotte and Bristol. Bristol...I have one word...WOW... Like no other track anywhere, ever. That said - I agree with everyone else's suggestions, especially drinking water, using suncreen and comfy walking shoes. It also is a very LONG day and children can get bored, I like the idea of him having a game or book or something. I would check to see if you can bring a cooler or not, at our track here in CA you cannot bring any coolers or backpacks at all. They will let you bring bottled water only (but not in a cooler). Also, bring him snacks like M&M's, pretzels, peanuts, whatever he likes as the food is very expensive. We love NASCAR, have a wonderful time!

 

[Octoberbride03]

I've been to Dover 3x and i echo everything already said by others. Have a great time.

*When you check the cooler restrictions check the number mentioned. At Dover you can bring 1 lunch size cooler per person. Pack some water and a lunch in the coolers, and you won't have to worry about buying expensive food at the tracks. You should be able to pack enough to last the whole race.

*You might wanna consider a pair of small binoculars to help with blind spots depending on your seats. I've never been to Martinsville, but they mau come in handy.

***WATCH YOUR SON****

****WATCH YOUR SON****

****WATCH YOUR SON****

The above can never be said often enough when attending a NASCAR event. I don't mean to imply that he wanders off either. But it gets very crowded and you can easily be separated from him, even if your turn your head for just a second. You might wanna make contingency plan in case this happens, like having him go to the nearest souvenier trailer so a tack official can help reunite you. Check track policy on that as well.

Have fun and let us know how you liked it.

 

[Chattyaholic]

We go to both Michigan races every summer. Our regular seats used to be in the teeny tiny section next to the "grandstand", but they tore it down and put up a MUCH TALLER section and we are almost at the TOP of that one now!! Beautiful view, GREAT seats!

Oh, Dan, I know about the horrible traffic. The first year we went we made the mistake of parking in the parking lot, took us 4 hours to get out and back to the campground we were staying at. Now we've learned to pay $20 and park in someone's yard. We get there by 6 a.m. and have friends who camp across the street so we just walk over there and visit with them, have breakfast, etc. then walk to our seats. After the race is over we walk back to our vehicle and they have people stopping traffic so you can get out of their yard, it's great!! No waiting at all!!

 

[waltdisneyworlddreamer]

Thank you so much for all of the replies. I had completely forgotten about a cooler and/or drinks. We are going in April so I am just hoping for no rain!!! Thanks again!