I'm going to my first NASCAR race on Sunday any advice for a first timer, like what can I bring and such. I have a basic digital camera with no zoom lenses will I still be able to take descent pictures of the race?
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I've heard this "patience is a virtue" junk all my life. I'm happy to say I have no virtue, no scruples, and no desire to wait too long for anything. In my humble opinion instant gratification takes too long!
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Re: NASCAR 1st Timer.
I grew up close to Darlington, and I suggest you bring ear plugs and wet wipes. The plugs will help you protect your hearing (it's LOUD), and the wet wipes to wipe the rubber and asphalt that is bound to accumulate on your face and arms. I would also suggest bringing lots of bottled water (if allowed), and sunblock. -
Re: NASCAR 1st Timer.
Yep.
Also, make sure you get one of those headsets with the tv screen thing so you can listen in on the teams' radio communications. Also, it has the normal ESPN broadcast on there, too, so you can listen and watch the normal broadcast of the race while you're there at the race! That way you still get the commentary and stuff. Those things are somewhat expensive, though.Comment
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Re: NASCAR 1st Timer.
I went to my first race this year for the Pepsi 400 and the nationwide race. You can bring a clear backpack/purse, soft cooler like 6x6x12 for each person you have. In the cooler you can bring anything you want as long as it isn't in glass. We brought all our drinks in that way, but the prices weren't too bad, something like $3 for soda and maybe $4-5 for beer.
I used my cell phone to get pictures and they turned out well. We had passes to the Sprint zone so close shoots of the cars, pits, and track. The pictures of the cars going by won't look good unless you have a very high speed film and camera.
You may want to rent a race scanner if you want to hear the drivers talk. We did that so we could switch to different drivers and hear what was going on. It adds to the experience, but I think most of the tracks broadcast the radio feed and/or some info over loud speakers so the fans know what's going on. The Sprint one has video and is $50. I paid $40 for the whole weekend for 1 scanner with 2 headsets from http://www.racingelectronics.com/
I had fun, but its not something I would want to do every year. Maybe every few years or so.Last edited by p_rushing; 07-24-2008, 01:40 AM.Comment
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Re: NASCAR 1st Timer.
don't forget your banjo...
(just kidding...i love nascar - took the tour of daytona last year, as we don't live too far away...awesome experience. took a picture of our boys in victory lane).STEELERS INDIANS CELTICS
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Re: NASCAR 1st Timer.
going to the brickyard is not a fun experience, please don't base your nascar experience off of it. it's hot, cramped, and you can only see 1/3 of the race track at best. however, if you can score tickets to ORP friday or saturday night, do yourself a favor and get those. also a scanner or the nextel race view thing is a must.Individuality: Always remember that you are unique. Just like everybody else.
Fan of:Indiana HoosiersCincinnati RedsJoey LoganoComment
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Re: NASCAR 1st Timer.
Grow a mullet.Comment
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Re: NASCAR 1st Timer.
Best tracks to watch a race at is short tracks, like Richmond, Martinsville, or Bristol, IMO. I've been to Pocono, and after the cars left the straightaway, you couldn't see anything. I'd imagine the Brickyard is worse, especially with two sets of stands coming down the front straightaway, on each side.Comment
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Re: NASCAR 1st Timer.
Dirt is for racin' asphalt is for gettin' there! Better bring a pillow and a blanket, most people don't know it was supposed to be called NAPCAR, but there was a typo. Haha!
this is how I like to roll....
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/southjacket/2515833446/" title="Jon Stanbrough by southjacket, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2162/2515833446_9aec6e64bd.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Jon Stanbrough" /></a>
on a serious note....I've never been to a NASCAR show, I'm sure they're entertaining live but I've never been a huge fan of the taxi's (especially on tv). I THINK the types of things you can take in vary by facility, but I may be wrong. And when it comes to your health (like your hearing) don't try to act all tough, get yourself some earplugs man. Once you damage your hearing that's it, plus they'll save you from a potential headache. I'm a semi-pro photojournalist and cover about 60-70 shows a year, never head to the track with out my earplugs!
Auto racing across the country is flat out struggling right now, it's awesome that you're supporting the cause....but check out your local short track sometime, some of the best racing you'll never see!
Have a great time!Comment
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Re: NASCAR 1st Timer.
Yes, the Chili Bowl....would love to make it down there for that sometime, think the fumes might get to me eventually though. There's a little difference as the photo above is a sprint car, and the Chili Bowl is a midget event
Awesome stuff either wayComment
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Re: NASCAR 1st Timer.
if you guys ever get a chance, the indy car races are fun too.
we live near st. pete, fl - i took my son to see the race 2 years ago - it's beautiful as the race is right on the tampa bay / streets of st. pete. we also went to the time trials and practice runs - you could get VERY close to the pits.
...everyone wants to see danica patrick.
STEELERS INDIANS CELTICS
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Re: NASCAR 1st Timer.
The only thing I'd suggest is the headset so you can listen to the in-car communications.
I used to go to these when I was younger and a huge NASCAR fan. I went to:
Pocono (Winston Cup and ARCA)
Dover (Winston Cup)
Bristol at night (Winston Cup and Nationwide)
Nazareth (Truck Series and Nationwide)
Not to mention going to qualifying at Pocono about 10 times.Comment
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