My First NASCAR race

[Scarface107]

Hey guys this week Thursday I will be headed to Vegas to attend my first ever NASCAR race!!! I know a lot of you have attended many races and I would appreciate some pointers on what I need to check out. I accept advice for things to do while at the track and just in Vegas in general. I have tickets for NW as well as SC and I have pit passes (not even real sure what a pit pass does exactly.). Thanks in advance for your input.




PS. I'm 21 so legally I should be able to go to casino's etc. I just need to know the best things about Vegas.

 

[2448fan4life]

I live in here in Vegas. There are a lot things to do here like Shark Reef aquarium at Mandalay Bay and M&Ms and Coca-Cola World, etc.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Scarface107]

Those are some good ideas I definitely might have to check out coke world considering I drink the stuff like water.

 

[ShadowKnight508]

Have fun! I have attended one NASCAR race in my life (2007 Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix), and had pit passes for the race. For the pit passes, me and my dad were able to go onto pit road along with several hundred people prior to the race. We had a blast, got to take pictures next to the cars as they were lined up on pit road, signed the start/finish line, and stood on the Goodyear bridge by the garage area to see the COT cars going through inspection and being pushed past below us towards pit road.

Didn't run into any drivers, but I am pretty sure that David Ragan walked past me without me realizing it until I was back in my seat when they fired the engines.

 

[Scarface107]

Have fun! I have attended one NASCAR race in my life (2007 Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix), and had pit passes for the race. For the pit passes, me and my dad were able to go onto pit road along with several hundred people prior to the race. We had a blast, got to take pictures next to the cars as they were lined up on pit road, signed the start/finish line, and stood on the Goodyear bridge by the garage area to see the COT cars going through inspection and being pushed past below us towards pit road.

Didn't run into any drivers, but I am pretty sure that David Ragan walked past me without me realizing it until I was back in my seat when they fired the engines.

Thanks man I wasn't quite sure what the pit passes were for now I know. I'm glad you and your dad had fun I'm sure this is going to be the funest weekend I've ever had.

 

[4WideRacing]

Have fun and get lots of pictures! (y)

 

[Mystical]

You'll have a good time. I've been to two races: California (2001) and Talladega fall race (2002). It's been a long time but the thing I remember most is how vivid and bright the cars look in real life. It's one thing to see them on tv but being at an actual race it's a really cool moment.

One of these days I'll need to make a trip to a race again, it's been far too long.

 

[kirbyfighter12]

You'll have a good time. I've been to two races: California (2001) and Talladega fall race (2002). It's been a long time but the thing I remember most is how vivid and bright the cars look in real life. It's one thing to see them on tv but being at an actual race it's a really cool moment.

One of these days I'll need to make a trip to a race again, it's been far too long.

You also forgot to mention the Roar of 43 v8's

 

[Mystical]

You also forgot to mention the Roar of 43 v8's

Well its not that I forgot. Just to me seeing those paint schemes I saw for years on the track was what stuck with me most. Back in 2001 there were just so many paint schemes to die for that I loved. Not that I dislike the schemes cars have now but back then they just felt more genuine.

Also for the 2001 (I think it happened all season long on lap 3 of every race) we all held our hands up and made the #3 with our fingers on lap 3. Was cool to be part of that.

 

[Scarface107]

I can't wait too see and hear the cars!!!

 

[evan07]

I've been to over 40 races and every time I go it's like going for the 1st time. Going to a race is truly an awesome experience every time. I always love to go look at all the merchandise trailers and all of the cool displays. Sometimes you can get some pretty awesome stuff for free. Since you got a pit pass bring a good camera and enjoy getting close to those cars. You may or may not see drivers, but bring a Sharpie just in case. Have fun! I'm excited also I will be going to Bristol in 2 weeks!

 

[Scarface107]

I left my camera at my parents I'll head there tonight and wipe the card and charge it. I would probably have a heart attack if I got Jr's autograph but I'm crossing my fingers that I will. I was wondering about the cool free things the sponsors give you as it was mentioned to me in the shoutbox by Devin41 a few weeks ago, is there a specific place these vendors set up and what sorts of trinkets do they give you? I ask because I don't know if I'm supposed to buy things to sign just in case or do they give you things for autographs?

 

[evan07]

The vendors typically set up right near the merchandise trailers. this will most likely be near the front stretch (Never been to Vegas though). Sometimes they will give away things hats, t shirts, small backpacks and koozies. You used to be able to go around to every merchandise hauler and get a hero card they don't seem to do that as much now. I'm 21 now but when I was younger and the economy was better they gave away more stuff. They still give away a lot of things though. When I went to Bristol a few years ago I got a cheap race weekend shirt and had the drivers sign that got 20 plus autographs. It just works better that way because it's easy and quick to get out when you see a driver coming. Plus if you get a lot of signatures you can display them easily on the shirt. That's what I plan on doing next weekend.

 

[Scarface107]

The vendors typically set up right near the merchandise trailers. this will most likely be near the front stretch (Never been to Vegas though). Sometimes they will give away things hats, t shirts, small backpacks and koozies. You used to be able to go around to every merchandise hauler and get a hero card they don't seem to do that as much now. I'm 21 now but when I was younger and the economy was better they gave away more stuff. They still give away a lot of things though. When I went to Bristol a few years ago I got a cheap race weekend shirt and had the drivers sign that got 20 plus autographs. It just works better that way because it's easy and quick to get out when you see a driver coming. Plus if you get a lot of signatures you can display them easily on the shirt. That's what I plan on doing next weekend.

That's a solid idea definitely go on a get one of them shirts for a souvenir anyways might as well get some autographs on it as well.

 

[Racecarboy93]

Check out the fox sports stage, usually by the merch trailers. Take a sign and if they have a driver on the show that you like try to get towards the front and you can get some autographs. Back when DW was on Nascar live I got a poster that I made signed by him as well as Ryan Newman and Kyle Petty. If you make any art work take it with you, pretty amazing to get your own work signed. One year Keselowski signed one of my drawings that I took and asked to keep another one I made. Just take the whole experience in and you will have a great time

 

[Dustin2488]

Have a good time! TV doesn't do this sport justice. It's one of those things you HAVE to experience in person at some point in your life before you die. I've been lucky enough to be able to go to 2 races, a 2000 Nationwide Series race at Darlington and the 2002 All-Star Race, and both were a blast to go to. I'd go again in a heartbeat if i had the chance.

 

[2448fan4life]

And go to the NASCAR Hauler parade on the Strip tonight at 6.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ayrwolf]

If you have room look for a vendor that sells sheetmetal. A quarter panel makes a great souvenir.

 

[Scarface107]

lol the sheet metal is a no go I'm sure but it was funny. The hauler parade would've been awesome but sadly I fly out tommorow morning.

 

[labontefanboy]

I've been to a few races at Dover (1 truck race plus 3 Cup races) so this may not be true for every racetrack, but I would imagine that the Sprint Experience will have driver appearances throughout the weekend. Before you go check online to see when drivers will appear. I got lucky enough that one of the years I went, Bobby Labonte made an appearance and I got his autograph as he walked off the stage.

Another good way to get autographs outside of the racetrack is at the merchandise trailers. Sometimes you need to have already signed up for the session, others you can walk right up and get in line. That's what I did for Michael Waltrip when I got his autograph, but when I got Joey Logano's, I needed a little card to be able to get in line. I actually didn't have the card when I got to the track that Sunday morning, but some complete stranger had an extra card he was saving for his wife but he said she was up in New Hampshire and didn't come down for the weekend so he gave it to me for nothing at all. That's why I love NASCAR fans, you'll rarely come across any real douchebags at the racetrack. Have fun, and enjoy the experience; there's nothing quite like it!