first(and last) NASCAR race

[taylor1293]

Sorry you had such a terrible time . We had a similar experience at Talladega. In our section there just happened to be a lot of trashy behaving people. Screaming F this and F that, middle finger to the drivers they didn't like. It was my first Cup race and I told my DH that we would NEVER be bringing our children to a NASCAR race. But we've been to several other races at other tracks since that time and never had that same experience. I still wouldn't bring my 5 year old, but I wouldn't hesitate to bring my 12 year old to certain tracks.

As for arresting people for the public drunkenness, that so extreme. I've seen very few people that far out of control that they needed police intervention.

If you love NASCAR I suggest giving it another chance. Sit in a no-alcohol section. Richmond does offer that. Also, wear headphones and listen to a scanner. It helps to block out those around you!

We'll be going to Richmond for the first time ever this fall! I can't wait!

Teresa

 

[ToriLammy]

Wow, sorry you had an awful time. DH and I have not been to a race YET! I have been waiting to go to Texas Motor Speedway since we moved here last year.

I was debating about bringing the kids and now I know I won't do it. They cannot stand smoke, so that would be a mistake to bring them!
Thanks so much....

How old are your kids? I've been to TMS many times now and it's really not that bad. Maybe it's because there is always some wind or breeze in Texas but we've never really had a problem with smoke. Heck, I'm a smoker and I always leave my seat and find someplace out of the way to smoke - normally I'm not alone there are other smokers doing the same.

Depending on the age of your kids my biggest arguement against bringing them would be the traffic jam getting out of the track I know you live nearby but....we're talking hours! I'd start by taking them to a Busch race, it's cheaper, shorter and less crowded but you still get the same excitement.

 

[Magix]

Try Champ Car, instead of NASCAR. There's a reason they call us Champ Car fans the "wine and cheese" crowd. The cars are more technologically advanced, the fans are highly educated (not a personal judgment, but a fact backed up by statistical research) and the events are far less rowdy, but still a heck of a lot of fun. Yes, you get drunk guys, but they're the minority. And there are usually a lot of kids at the events (just bring ear protection for them - the whine of those turbos can be piercing).

Champ Car doesn't offer the "trading paint" that so many NASCAR fans love, but it does offer serious racing that requires drivers in absolutely peak physical condition, who can excel on 3 different types of tracks (road, street and oval). Heck, they can even turn right!

Just another option to consider. NASCAR isn't the only racing series out there.