My First NASCAR race

[bigrolltide1877]

Make sure your check out the corporate stuff. Been going to talladega the last couple of years but i wasn't able to go last year but im hoping to go back this year. theirs nothing like being at the race track hearing and seeing the 43 cars and smelling the fuel nothing like it. So far ive been to dega 3 times 05,11,12.

 

[Scarface107]

Make sure your check out the corporate stuff. Been going to talladega the last couple of years but i wasn't able to go last year but im hoping to go back this year. theirs nothing like being at the race track hearing and seeing the 43 cars and smelling the fuel nothing like it. So far ive been to dega 3 times 05,11,12.

a plate race is definitely on my bucket list as well as Pocono the scenery there would be outstanding but just Vegas itself is going to be such a spectacle for me. You guys are getting me too excited how am I suppose to get any sleep tonight?

 

[wslates]

You guys are getting me excited as well. My tickets for the Auto Club race just came in today. I have pit passes and a scanner rental. It'll be my first race as well. Absolutely thrilled. Can't wait!

 

[David24]

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.

The paint schemes are amazing in person. I went to a couple races at California in the late 90's, and while most of the schemes were good seeing them in person was awesome. Computer, HD tv whatever you have. those do not capture the beauty of the cars at all.

 

[RP Motorsports]

You're going to have a blast. I've been going to a minimum of 2-3 race weekends a year for the last 20+ years, and still, every single time I feel like a kid on Christmas morning.

The biggest surprise is probably going to be how loud it is. Most people dont realize just how loud 900hp/9000rpm through straight pipes is. You'll even see a lot of people wearing ear plugs (if they dont have a scanner). The other two biggest surprises are how bright the cars look in person (especially the day-glo/florescent colors), and how big the track looks in person.

Definitely spend time walking the midway to check out all the merchandise haulers, as well as the fan zone where sponsors/vendors have a tent/display set up. Some will have a show car, some will have games, and all kinds of stuff. Saturday is usually the better day for it since theres less people. Sunday gets so packed you'll be shoulder-to-shoulder anywhere near the haulers. Some drivers will sign at their merchandise hauler, though its often on Sunday. And a lot of them will have some kind of bracelet/ticket/card that you have to get ahead of time, and usually a maximum amount of 100-200 are handed out. Sometimes they're handed out on Saturday, sometimes they start early Sunday morning. And they go QUICK. Also, if theres going to be a driver signing, the hauler will have a sign indicating it, so keep an eye out for that.

Its also nice to have a scanner. You can rent one at the track if you dont have one, and they also have those "Sprint Fan View" scanners that have extra bells and whistles. You'd be surprised at how much info you get from the TV broadcast that you easily take for granted.

Other than that, get to the track real early, and bring a camera. It really is an amazing time. If you're a big race fan, seeing this stuff in person is like a dream.

 

[KahneRacing945]

Hope you have a blast at Las Vegas! I have only been to Talladega and Daytona (2007 Daytona 500, July 2012, October 2012 Dega, and i was at the 2014 Daytona 500, but yeah go to all the merchandise trailers and stuff like that if you can find them.

 

[phantom17]

There is nothing like seeing the race in person, I definitely recommend the scanner. The Sounds, sights and smell you will never want to watch it on TV again. My first Race was Dover, I was spoiled a lumberyard I deal with had a trip from Exact windows and doors at the time they sponsored Casey Atwood in the Busch series and had corporate hospitality, got to meet a bunch of drivers it was awesome. One of my favorites though was Bristol with my Dad and my Son, great time. Get to the Track early...You will have a blast!

 

[Scarface107]

My dad asked about the scanners do you just buy them there at the track and how much do they cost?

 

[Reno62793]

There will be a stand/hauler for the scanners along the midway or outside the track. Should be easy to find. And you can just pay a rental fee for them. After the race just return them to the stand and that should be it!

 

[2448fan4life]

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.

Oh Okay. Well I might be going to Sundays race too.


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[Scarface107]

Oh Okay. Well I might be going to Sundays race too.


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Nice man I hope you have a great time as well if you do get to go.

 

[ShadowKnight508]

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.

Found some of those photos of my pit-pass experience along with the view from my seats earlier today. Enjoy (rest are in attachments)! (y)

(PS: be sure to take some great photos at the track!) (y)

 

[Scarface107]

Wow I didn't realize how cool the pit passes will be thanks for sharing those amazing pictures dude!

 

[BlackChevy14]

Have a blast. Like people have said there is nothing like seeing the cars in person. I finally (well overdue) made it to one in October '05 at Atlanta, and one thing that sticks out to this day is how bright and beautiful Jeff Gordon's car looked. But all of them look so brilliant, it is amazing. You'll love it. Make sure you get a souvenir (at least a 1/64 diecast or something) at your favorite driver's merchandise trailer and take in the race morning stuff. I know Sprint, Chevrolet, and Coca-Cola have events with the drivers and there are simulators and all kinds of other stuff. It is like a carnival outside the race track (at least at Atlanta, and I'd bet Las Vegas probably ratchets it up a few notches being located in the Entertainment Capital of the World). Then inside the race track you get to wave at your favorite driver and give the thumbs down (or another hand gesture...) to your least favorite during driver intros, stand during the prayer and anthem, wave your hat at the flyover, and get ready for the green flag.

It is just an amazing experience. Get ready to have your life changed, my friend.

Edit: And another thing. Be ready to feel the most amazing sensation a person can feel without intimate contact with another person when the cars come by the first time at speed. It is incredible.

 

[Relly]

I've gone to at least 2 races a year every year since 2001, including Vegas in 2002, I can guarantee you'll have a great time.

In Vegas away from the track here's some stuff to check out....

-A lot of hotels on strip bring in drivers for autograph sessions, for example TriStar drivers Mike Bliss, Blake Koch and Jeff Green will be signing at the Plaza hotel Friday. In '02 the Sahara had the three Evernham drivers signing one night.

-If you're in to thrills and what not you have to checkout the Stratosphere Tower, they have a roller coaster, one of those rides that shoot your straight up, and a bungee jump like thing off the top. It was all closed due to high winds when I was there tho.

-If you like to gamble, or at least want to try Caesar's Palace is a great casino, they even have a ton of 5 cent and 25 cent slot machines if you don't want to spend a lot.

-You have to go to some buffets in Vegas, the Wynn Hotel has a great breakfast buffet, it was kind of pricy but they had just about anything you can imagine. You'll leave there feeling like you won't need to eat again for a week.


At the track:

- I think Vegas now has garage passes you can purchase, you really should look into it. It's amazing watching the races from the stands but if you can get right down there, there is really nothing like it. Seeing the cars up close, being close by when they fire. You'll never forget it.

-Definitely rent or buy a scanner and get the frequencies to the driver's radios, they give them out at the scanner rental trailers and they list them on Jayski. Don't just listen to your favorite driver either, switch around every now and then, it's really cool hearing the interaction on them. Especially on S&P drivers.

-Finally just take full advantage of everything, if you have a chance at a track tour or walk take it. If you see a driver go up to him and her and get something signed or a picture 95% of them are really approachable and will take some time to acknowledge you, especially those driving for smaller teams.

Have a great time, enjoy yourself!

Heres the list from Jayski on driver appearances on The Strip if you're interested:
Jayski's® NASCAR Silly Season Site - Driver Appearances Page

 

[Scarface107]

Thanks Reply for those tips definitely going to gamble a little, it wouldn't be a complete Vegas trip if I didn't try to gamble lol. Thanks for showing me the appearances list too I thought jayski's was just news and schemes. I'm about to leave for the 3hr ride to get to the airport then the plane ride. I've only been on a plane once when I was six so its sort of a vague memory.

 

[Highbank]

The paint schemes are amazing in person. I went to a couple races at California in the late 90's, and while most of the schemes were good seeing them in person was awesome. Computer, HD tv whatever you have. those do not capture the beauty of the cars at all.

So, so true, it leaves you wondering what else is that way... the colors are amazing in person.

My first NASCAR race was January 1968, Riverside International Raceway. It was actually my first race of any sort, remember it like it was yesterday. Had seats pretty low in the Turn 6 grandstands. When they came around on the parade lap (that's what we used to call the pace lap) it was so cool, hooked me for life.

Make sure you talk to the people around you, that's part of the whole experience, you'll find some neat people with great stories about races they've been to.

 

[johnp]

Man my first (and only race) was the '07 Pepsi 400 and man did I have a blast.

My uncle was a restaurant owner down in Florida and he was asked to do a BBQ by his friend who had ties with the R&B company (assoc. sponsor on Brad K's #88 Navy Busch Car). So because of that me and my father along with my uncle had free entry into the infield at Daytona.

We left on Sat. morning and got to the track just a little after the Busch race finished, after it was PPD. I was in awe at the size of the speedway, and the infield was monstrous. The 3 of us walked a little, looking at Lake Lloyd as we got to the camper where my uncle would do his BBQ.

I'll tell you throughout the day I saw some nice sights as a 16-year old man...Anyone that's been in an infield knows what I mean...haha.

So while I was eating about a couple hours shy of the race, a couple sat down and started eating away at the BBQ. They saw me all decked out in my Dale Jr. gear and asked how I was doing and how long I have been a fan and such. Then when they realized I've been watching for a while and actually understood terms, they introduced themselves.

I ate dinner with Beth Ann and Tony Morgenthau owners of BAM Racing!!!

I guess R&B used to be an associate of their car as well so they were invited over for some grub before the race. Unfortunately their car failed to make the show because of the rain and I concurred and said I felt bad for them as well as Boris Said, who was on the pole with a few cars left before the rain came and he DNQ'ed as well.

Well the next part was hilarious...Beth Ann started on a rant about Boris and how she was happy the rain came so he couldn't race because in Feburary Boris barely beat out the #49 in the duels to get in and knock the #49 out and when they came through the garage he was gloating and rubbing it in to Mike Bliss (#49 driver) and both of the Morgenthau's.

So she said..."I'm glad that nappy-headed f'in a-hole missed the race." (I hope this language is okay since I censored it but this is what she said, if not I hope I'm not penalized)

So after that we talked a little more and I asked questions about other stuff like owning a team and costs of everything. Then as a joke at the end I said "and if you're looking for a driver..." and they both started laughing and Beth said "as long as your dad signs off your good to go."

So that was a pretty cool experience and then we stood atop the hauler to watch the race and boy what a treat. I still can't believe what an excellent finish that was and the whole day was definitely a memorable one.

I have some pictures and video on my old computer...if I get a new keyboard for it I can actually upload them on here...got an awesome picture of Dale's Red, White, and Blue Bud car.

Oh yeah and never take pictures near the fence...I walked over to the 4th turn and a few seconds later I had an army of fire ants biting my ankles. Thankfully a guy nearby was in a blowup pool and allowed me to rinse off...lol

But anyway have a blast!!! You will never forget it.

 

[2448fan4life]

Nice man I hope you have a great time as well if you do get to go.

Me too.


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[Scarface107]

I'm glad I made this thread people are having fun with it. The first person I met said he will get me a JR autograph if he sees him. NASCAR fans are the best including all of you!!