Got a question about buying tickets for next year's race. How does reserving tickets work? Is there extra pay to go ahead and get the tickets? We've only done it a few months before the race so we have no idea how that works. Thanks y'all!
Single-race tickets usually don't go on sale till later this year (usually Nov/Dec). They usually start with season ticket holders first then open it up to single weekend/race tickets after that. As for the cost buying right away vs waiting, the seat prices do not go up or down the price is the price. You might see some promotions from the track for a better deal but the standard ticket prices are firm.
What is considered "pre-packaged food" at Darlington? Can I bring a sub from Publix in if I haven't opened it? First time ever going to a NASCAR race lol. Thanks in advance.
Any track I've been at they don't even look at your food very much mainly drinks. That basically is to prevent people from grabbing food outside the gate at one of the vendors and walking it into the track.
Went to Daytona last week, fourth time going in the last 10 years, and just have to share how much I enjoy going there. It’s a top tier facility and highly recommend every NASCAR fan to try and make it there at least once.
For people that have been to Florence Motor Speedway, I’m thinking about going on Friday, what should I do to maximize my experience, I’ve never been to Florence or any local short track race?
Going to Darlington next week and I’ve never been to this track. How close to the track can you sit and still see the backstretch? Looking at tickets around the start/finish but from pics online it looks like you need to be up pretty high to catch anything happening down the back. Also Is there a backstretch screen for replays like at charlotte?
I'm not sure if you are planning to go for the weekend or just Sunday, but I like sitting in the corners. You can still see most of the track and is a very unique view since most ovals you sit in the center.
It’ll probably just be for Sunday, I don’t think I’ll be able to go for the entire weekend. Thanks for the info, those look like pretty awesome seats. If you don’t mind me asking, what row are these pictures from?
Around row 25 I think, not sure 100% though. Yeah they were pretty awesome, only downside it was super sunny and warm that day so sitting into the sun got to be annoying after a while. So having seats in turn 1-2 would be better in that aspect, at least not staring into the sun and especially as the sun sets it got hard to see the shaded areas as well.
Are you staying on the strip? Fun just to walk around during the evening or see a show. The bellagio fountain is a must see for sure, they do light/water shows every hour.
Watching the race and did a deep dive on MHR this season. 5 DNQs, last at Pocono and a 35th tonight this season in Xfinity series. No way this is profitable right? Does MHR run things on the local level and this Xfinity part time schedule makes some money to invest in smaller series? Maybe if they qualified for the races they do show up to I could see them breaking even, just don’t understand how they manage to do this.
Thinking of day tripping by myself from tampa tomorrow and getting seats in section 370-380 or something like that. Would love to hear some tips and tricks on where to park, how early to leave, or honestly any advice. Thank you!
Wasn’t going to go because unluckily no one available to go with but the closer it gets the more I’m itching
Safest bet is Lot 7 (free) with a bus ride. Could probably find parking at Best Buy / Bass Pro but you might officially need a pass. Friend has parked there without paying but I’m not one to risk it.
Heading to the Bristol Night Race on the 21st of next month. I'm driving from about an hour away and spending the day in and around Bristol and then heading to the track. What's the best time to show up to the track to walk around to the different merch trailers and such before the race? Also for parking is it best to buy ahead of time for Bristol or is there day of parking where you have to pay?
We usually get there around 2:00. There is a lot of stuff to do there. Check out the off site stuff, you will see the Toyota display, Jack Daniels tent and a lot of flea market tents. It will be outside turns 1 and 2 over by the Earhart campground area. Also, if you need a place to relax or cool down if it's hot, go to the Bruton Smith building. The gift shop and ticket office is in there. A lot of people hang out in there.
As far as parking, it really depends on which location you're coming from. There is a church we park at and it makes the exit really easy. I have parked in the Speedway Parking lot too, but leaving usually takes a while.
This is my first race and we bought the parking pass online which I assume is the Speedway parking lot. Two questions since it sounds like you’re experienced:
How busy is Xfinity? We are spending the week in Gatlinburg and plan to go back to our AirBnB there after the race but I’m hoping we aren’t sitting in horrible traffic for hours.
Any rough estimate on time we will be in traffic after the cup race? We have about a 10 hour drive home that I was going to do but think we’re going to stop and get a hotel at some point now — so I’m trying to figure out how far away we should shoot for. I was planning on Knoxville but if we can get out quicker than maybe we would go farther
It's not awful busy, the times I have parked in the Speedway Parking lot for Xfinity I'm usually out withing 10-30 minutes. Even with Jr racing last year it wasn't too bad.
For Cup, I would say about an hour or so. Just a heads up with Knoxville, Morgan Wallen is having a big concert Friday and Sunday night, so if you do get a hotel in Knoxville, you may want to book ahead of time. A lot of people stay in Knoxville for the race, plus with the concert it may be a little tough finding one that night.
i really hope that dover and pocono’s dates aren’t played around with for 2025. the “leaked” schedule had them less than a month apart from each other, and both would take place in the summer. dover in april, with the right weather conditions, could be awesome, but pocono is better off in july even though it rains every single time there. plus, if my school in jersey ends after the weekend of june 20-22, 2025, i might have to skip final exams just to see a race. 🤞
Hi
I’m attending the cup race in Daytona coming up. It’ll be my first race since 2010. I was wondering if you could get Hero cards from the Souvenir Haulers?
So what are we thinking weather wise for this race on Saturday night. It will be hard to tell until Thursday but I am traveling far for it so I kind of need to figure it out in advance. If you are extremely negative please don’t respond, and if you are extremely overly optimistic also please don’t respond. Shoot me straight.
Flying in from KC. No one can predict where the Florida daily popup storms are going to be. You're just going to have to be prepared to stay an extra day and bring a change of clothes in case you get soaked. You can pretty much bet its going to rain everyday, just comes down to timing. Unless there is a system in the region, most convective based storms diminish at sunset.
My friends and I are thinking about going to the 2025 Daytona 500. If we do, where is the best place to sit, is the Hard Rock Bet Fanzone worth it? Is there anything we should know to maximize our experience. Thanks!
Hey, everyone! I noticed that for the weather protection, it states you must submit your ticket change request by the Monday before the race you are requesting for.
I was gonna request the exchange for Daytona this Sunday, but I won’t find out if I can go until tomorrow.
I was wondering if anybody knows if I just fill out the form tonight for Daytona and submit it (just in case), am I locked in and then stuck if I’m not able to go this Sunday, or does somebody reach out? Thanks for any help!
Hey, everybody! This is going to be my first time attending a race at MIS. I’ve noticed on their website that we can bring coolers, but it doesn’t seem to specify if we’re allowed to bring beer in the coolers? It seems like we’re able to, but just wanted to make sure!
Hi all, i'm looking for a book on NASCAR history covering the very early stages of the sport- focusing on the transition from moonshine running to being an accepted sport.
Anything afterward is a plus, but i'm most interested in that transition period.
The whole moonshine thing was kind of blown out of proportion, a few drivers were former runners or had converted cars to race but it wasn't as big as some think.
Naturally you'll see more the higher you are. Lower is never better except for what your ears and nose experience. Besides, you'll have plenty of time during the race to walk along the fence anyways if you wanna get close. At minimum you wanna be in the middle third of rows.
What do yall think a good time to get to Daytona will be? I've been thinking 1 to 2 because I have infield passes. I'm also planning on stopping at bucees for food and parking in the free lot. I've never done a race alone and usually I have someone else planning this
Hey everyone!
My husband and I are going to Bristol this September for the Xfinity Series and NASCAR Cup Series and never been to a race before! What are some good tips to make is a good time and maybe what to bring? We already have a list starting like sunscreen, ear protection, rain ponchos, good walking shoes and a cooler. We have a track walk on Saturday so any tips for that would be appreciated also!
Thanks in advance 😊
Get ready for the time of your life! I would pack a long sleeve shirt, the past couple years I ended up wearing a light flannel for the last stage of the race both nights. It doesn't get cold but it does cool off once the sun goes down. I would also suggest renting a scanner to listen to the race broadcast, even under caution it is so loud you can't really hear the speakers. This will help with following the race.
As far as parking it kind of depends on which direction you're coming from. You don't want to park where you have to go past the track after the race. So for example, if you are coming from the north, park north of the track, etc.
Going to Michigan International on the 18th, and I bought a pre race pass for the first time. Can anyone give me insight as what to expect? Do I need to get there early enough to enjoy everything? Will I be able to walk the pits? When should I ditch the pre race to go sit in my seat?
Really excited for this race, may just have to wing it when it comes time. That’s the plan for now at least.
Just was about to ask the same question, I dug through MIS’s faq page but found nothing, may call one of those ticket agents later this afternoon or MIS to get a better idea.
My girlfriend and I will be going to the second NASCAR
Cup Series race at Daytona this year (the Coke Zero Sugar 400) on Saturday, August 24th at 7:30 PM. She lives in Tampa so we will leave later in the morning and drive the 2+ hours up to Daytona. From what I understand there is free parking in Lot 7 so I’m leaning towards parking there and taking the free shuttle to the track. I’m open to paid parking if it’s closer and not too expensive.
I have already gotten the scanner rentals with the intercom system and got 15% from Racing Electronics’ website using a promo code. We’ll have hats and sunglasses as well. We will more than likely be bringing a soft-sided cooler with some drinks and snacks. I’m thinking of buying some vintage nascar seat cushions, and a clear bag to hold some things too.
Ultimately, I was wondering if any of you had any advice and/or recommendations for a first timer at Daytona? I’ve been heavily researching as you can tell, but wanted to see if I missed anything. Thanks!
Debating going to dega this fall and meeting folks who are infield. They have wristbands, but was wondering if I can park outside and just walk in to camp? Or if I have to take a team from the overflow lot, or what? Just trying to save $75 more
As long as you have a wristband you can camp in the infield all weekend with any campers who will have you. You might have to pay to park in the overflow, idk how much if anything that would be. If they have a tow pass have them drive out to the overflow and pick you up and your good to go
As a newer fan I put numbers in a hat and pulled Chase Elliott’s #9. That is cool cause I got married in 2009. Anyway are there any younger drivers in Xfinity or Truck that reminds you guys of Chase? I feel like I’d like to support a younger driver too.
I'm going to Bristol next month (first Cup race) and I'm considering wearing an old pit crew shirt. Would I have any issues with that, like someone thinking I'm attempting to impersonate a crew member?
Make sure to take hearing protection. Rent a scanner if you can because you won't be able to hear anything else when they are up to speed. You can feel the track sign in relief when a caution comes out. That'll be the only time you can really talk to the person sitting next to you. The only thing I've been to that was louder was top-fuel/funny car dragsters, but that's not as constant.
For Charlotte Roval Saturday Xfinity, would I be able to buy the cheapest ticket and then sit wherever is open? Have been able to do this at Pocono and Richmond in the past. Sunday of course I know this would not work - need to fork out $$$ for preferred seats.
How close can you get to the fence at daytona? Ive seem some videos that are pretty darn close but they seem like older videos, is it still like that? My plan is to get 300 or 400 level seats and then go down to walk along fence for stage 2 restart is that possible? Thank you
Went a few years ago. In my experience, besides not being able to cross the painted line (which is like 10 feet from the fence if I recall), most of the ushers move you along. They’ll let you stop to take a pic but you can’t just set up there. Maybe you’ll find a section that will allow it. But you definitely can walk the fence no problem.
Got some Richmond questions - any help would be appreciated. I've been but it's be a few years.
Does chaos corner prohibit outside beer/coolers? That was the policy when I went before, but I don't see anything on the website for this August race.
We're staying downtown - how hard will it be to get an uber after the race? I had some friends go a few years ago and they couldn't seem to get one, even walking a bit away from the track. But they are also idiots and were probably drunk.
If we do walk back to downtown (it's like an hour 20 minute walk), is the walk safe enough? Or will I be walking through some really bad parts of the city?
I know we could drive and park for free at the track, but we don't have a DD so driving is a last resort and someone will have to draw the short straw.
I got email confirmation from the Richmond website help section, that coolers are allowed in chaos corner.
--Thank you for contacting us. Yes, coolers are allowed within the Chaos Corner Section. The regular Grandstand policy would apply for the cooler in that it would need to be soft sided and no larger than 14 x 14x 14 inches.--
I'll be there in the green Jr 88 t shirt. Should be a nice night.
I'm not sure about the first two questions but you don't want to walk from the track to downtown, especially at night. You could try the public bus service. I think there are stops near the track and its free. Not sure how late they run on Sunday nights though. They have a trip planner on the link below. Just a heads up though, some of those bus stops might be sketchy too late night.
Which is better from a positioning standpoint: pitting under green or under yellow? Who benefits if a yellow comes out during a series of green-flag stops?
A lot depends on the size of track, for example at road courses or bigger tracks like Pocono you can make a pit stop without losing a lap. So as soon as you get within a window to make the rest of the race on fuel you should pit for track position. But on smaller tracks for example Bristol, pitting under green can put you multiple laps down so you want to avoid that if possible.
But at most tracks maybe 1-2miles in length it is sometimes a mix too depending on how much tire falloff there is. Hopefully that helps a little bit.
Kiwi flying into Phoenix for the final round of the championship in November - any tips on where to stay and how to get to & from the track? Already have grandstand and infield tickets sorted.
Welcome! I'd suggest renting a car, I just checked and they are about $60 per day from the airport and that would be much easier/cheaper vs getting uber to and from your hotel each day. But depends are you coming for the whole weekend of racing or doing anything else in the Phoenix area during that week as well.
As for where to stay, I see some hotels free in the Tempe/Mesa area and that is about a 40 minute drive to the track. Phoenix Raceway is out on the outskirts of the metro area so not many good hotels nearby, and most fill up months if not years in advance so no matter what you will have to drive in.
I dont know if the same everywhere, but for example at pocono You can pay for parking outside the track in the grass (which was Fairly expensive a couple years ago to my memory) or you can go down a road near the track and park at peoples houses and yards for $20 a piece. Some folk even camp in the yards for a weekend price
Gotcha. There are some houses on Brooklyn Hwy (where it turns due south off of M-50) that might have parking. MIS has free parking in various (all?) lots. Only recently moved here, so haven't seen traffic yet for NASCAR, just Faster Horses.
Here is a photo of as high up as you can get coming off turn 4. I went and sat in turn 1 after a rain delay and I didn’t like it as much as turn 4 because they felt further away from the track. High up on turn 1 is better than lower (below row 20) in the main grandstand in my opinion though.
Parking in the non paid speedway lots was easy for me. I came in on US highway 12 and parked in lot 11. It was a little bit of a walk, but still a nice place to park.
I forget the number of the lot I parked in last year, it was near the Graves Tram Stop. But I was able to get out on 12 pretty quick when I left the track.
Now I did hightail it out of there when the caution for rain flew before they red flagged it so I was out before most. But it was pretty easy getting out. I had a 10:15 flight and was at the airport in plenty of time.
I appreciate the information! I should have paid closer attention to the before & after traffic maps published by the track last year; lots 3 & 4 appear to have the most traffic.
I’m coming up for Saturday’s events and staying up north in Jackson for the night. I’m going to try for lot 11 on Sunday using US-12 from the west, it can’t be any worse than last year (knock on wood). Hopefully I can get back home to Columbus before 11:30PM this time around.
Awesome! Thank you for this info. I do have a pretty high seat in turn 1 (row 35) and this had made me very optimistic of the seat (I chose turn 1 because of the action on restarts there in recent years)
I posted this in the May version of NASCAR 101 and never got a response, so I am reposting it in the hope that someone will respond this month.
2024 Charolotte Xfinity ROVAL, Saturday only, first timer
I know that this has been asked many times here, and I have read and followed the answers, but still felt that I should post here for any specific advice that the Reddit community can provide. Thanks in advance.
While I have followed NASCAR for many years, I plan on attending my first NASCAR race with some of my family at the next Xfinity race at Charlotte (Roval). We cannot stay until Sunday, so my hope is that the road course should not be affected to much by weather.
I am wondering what beyond the seat tickets and radio sets that I would need to prepare? Like, how early to show up? Looks like Xfinity practice (8am), qualifying (8:30am), and race (1pm) are all on the same day, Saturday.
What about pre-races garage/pit passes for just Saturday? Is that needed for Saturday/Xfinity? If so, who specifically would I need to contact.
Do they allow re-entry? I think I've been to some tracks for xfinity where they will let you in and out since there's a lot of dead track time. If not, I would definitely skip practice and qualifying to wonder outside with the trailers and all the other events they have. Even for a first time race, that's more fun than sitting inside the track all day.
I believe those pre-race passes are just for Sunday, Saturday SMI does not do anything because of how quick and fluid the schedule is with Cup and Xfinity action on track. But I would call the track and ask, as for garage/pit passes those you cannot buy through the speedway you need to know somebody in the industry or a sponsor to get those. I've been trying to get some for over a decade and never do.
What does the attendance % look like at the Coke Zero 400 normally? I know Daytona 500 is normally sold out but curious what type of numbers the night race normally does. I know nascar doesn’t post attendance but just trying to get a feel for how it’s gonna be when I’m there in August. Thanks
It's been a few years, but I've been to both - the Coke Zero 400 was when it was still July 4th weekend. The summer race felt like half full, maybe a bit more. Outside and the concourse definitely felt kind of empty just because the track size and people are so spread out.
Plan on going to Daytona for the race in a few weeks but it's my first time there. Are you allowed to stay in the fanzone during the race (or pop in and out?)
Any recommendations on spots to go to in the area pre-race to catch atmosphere/food etc?
Pretty much all bars and restaurants outside the track will be packed. Definitely suggest tailgating. If you're not driving, try to post up at the picnic table area. There's a 7-11 across the street and a Wawa a bit further down the road (but still walkable - like 10-15 minutes) to resupply beer/ice/food/drinks.
If it rains or you get too hot, there's a Bass Pro Shop toward the east end of the track that is always good to duck into and wander around.
You can just park in the free lot. A lot of college kids go there before the race to tailgate. They don't stay for the race. They just takeoff close to racetime.
If I picked up a cheap scanner on Amazon, and just want to listen to the MRN broadcast the whole time on frequency 454, do I need to do any actual programming of the scanner?
Or just type in 454.000 when I get to the track?
I got a $17 Baofeng UV-5R from Amazon, a 2.5 to 3.5mm adapter, headphone splitter, two cheap pairs of headphones, and 2x $5 over ear protection from Harbour freight. I'll be able to listen to MRN with my wife at the track for about $45. Rentals for the weekend would have been $90.
Daytona has a great fan zone, i'd recommend it if you're willing to pay the price for the fan zone. The regular ticket will just get you access to your seat and the midway with all the haulers. The Fan zone gets you in the infield and by the garage area.
Are there any issues with the Wallace seats at Bristol? Buying Bristol Night tickets for my group going there and the cheapest seats right now are the Wallace ones that are at the top of the track. I would've thought they'd be the most lucrative with how high they are, but that's not the case, so is there something I should be worried about before pulling the trigger?
The Wallace Tower is high. Like almost uselessly high. And the seats are a bit of a pain in the ass to get to. The cars practically look like ants as well.
Thanks for the feedback. I thought usually the higher the better at any track. I sat in the highest section at Charlotte this year and loved it. Bristol however I sat low, middle, high and all were easily visible this year in the spring, but not Wallace tower high.
Yeah the higher up seats work well for seeing the track at the bigger tracks, but at Bristol it's ultimately unnecessary as the track has good sight lines all over.
That said, any seat at Bristol is better than no seat at all!
I've never been to a race, and never have come close to following it, but I have a chance to go the night race at Bristol. I would like it if someone could clue me in on, are there real seats or is it all bench style seating? Besides watching the cars go around the track, what else should I look out for? How early should I arrive for the race? I'm going solo, and i don't drink, so I won't be tailgating at all.
Personal Recommendations for Daytona in a few weeks? Season Ticketholder at Kansas, so know about and purchased the pre-race pass, but looking for other tips and tricks at the track and where you would recommend for parking if I am coming from Orlando and want to get in and out reasonably. Happy to share my knowledge for Kansas as well if anyone has any questions about it. :)
None of the lots are bad for getting in and out as long as it's just off International Speedway Drive. It's basically an extension of I-4. Unless you plan on pulling into Daytona like an hour before the race, it's pretty easy. It does back up if you wait to the last minute though.
What’s the best way to see race shops around the Charlotte weekend? I seem to remember something about not going the week prior, but rather the week after. Not sure though.
What is the best way for someone to learn about the personalities of NASCAR. I’ve been watching racing for a few years (Indycar and F1 mostly with a little rally here and there) and, of all of the series I’ve watched, NASCAR has been the most difficult when it comes to getting to know who the teams and drivers are and what they’re media personas are like. Obviously, it’s not as much of an issue with the big names, your Logano, Larson, Busch, Chastain and Elliot types, but beyond that it’s been a bit difficult.
Make a free account with NASCAR.com, and you'll get in-car for races on desktop at no charge. I believe it's also free on-board cameras until the end of the season, before that gets sent to MAX (?).
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u/TristadThomas Sep 07 '24
Hi! Just to confirm the playoff rules-
If you made it in the top 16 and win a race you automatically advance to the top 12.
However, if you did not make it into the playoffs (top 16) and win a race during playoffs, you do NOT advance into the playoff top 12?