If you're planning to attend a NASCAR race, there's a lot to
consider. Which race should I attend and where should I buy the
tickets? Which seats are the best and how do I choose?
It's been called the Super Bowl of NASCAR and it's held at the
beginning of the season. Every driver hopes to win it and fans
can't wait to watch it. Since 1959, Daytona International
Speedway has been host to the Daytona 500, which draws the
largest crowd in motorsports. This 2.5 mile tri-oval
superspeedway is located in Daytona, Florida and is a must-see
for race fans.
It may be one of the shortest tracks on the circuit, but when
it comes to Bristol Motor Speedway - the emotions run high. Just
over ½ mile in distance, this oval Speedway combines the highest
banking with a spectacular night race in the Fall. Beginning
late in the evening, the annual night race at Bristol features
everything that a race should be. Bristol Motor Speedway is
located in Bristol, Tennessee.
Home to the Brickyard 500, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a
2.5 mile oval with a lot of fan appeal. Jeff Gordon won the
inaugural Brickyard 400, in 1994, as he became the first to see
the checkered flag at, what is now, an annual treat for both
drivers and fans. Located in Indianapolis, Indiana, this
speedway also features a museum.
It's said to be the largest, fastest and most competitive
motorsports facility in the world. This 2.66 mile tri-oval is
known as the Talladega Superspeedway and is located in
Talladega, Alabama. Having the ability to accommodate more than
143,000 seated fans, Talladega is the site where many race
records have been set. Each year, the drivers roll into
Talladega with hopes, fears and maybe even a few grudges.
There's always an unspoken fear, for each driver, of being
involved in a large crash at Talladega. It happens every year
and the only question is which cars the track will claim and who
will be fortunate enough to avoid it.
Another must-see on every race fan's guide should include
Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, North Carolina. This track
has appeal for many reasons, which include the close proximity
to a large number of driver garages and race shops. This
racetrack is also near the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of
Fame, in Mooresville, where fans can purchase race-used
memorabilia including tires from their favorite driver's race
car. Lowe's Motor Speedway hosts an annual night race in the
Summer and an afternoon race in the Fall.
When purchasing your ticket, consider where you want to sit
before placing the order. If you like to be close to the action,
a seat close to the track may be your choice. A word of caution
to those who sit in the first few rows - be prepared to hold
onto your hat, literally, when the drivers head your way. It's
loud and it's close, but that's racing. If you prefer a view of
the entire racetrack, a seat in one of the higher rows would be
your best selection. The higher you sit, the more you can see of
the actual race. If you want to have a good view of the pit
area, be sure to ask for a seat near the finish line.
For a complete list of racetrack information, including
official racetrack websites, visit:
http://www.nascar.com/races/tracks/. Tickets can be purchased
directly from every racetrack and, in many instances, pit passes
can also be ordered. A pit pass gives fans the opportunity to,
as the name implies, get a close look at the pit area. The
highlight for pit pass holders will include meeting some of the
drivers and crew members just before the race begins. If at all
possible, order tickets directly through your desired racetrack.
They offer nice packages and, if you have questions about
seating, they know how to answer them. Don't be afraid to ask
which seats are better than others. An alternate recommended
ticket center is: http://www.ticketmaster.com.
|
