A
Primer for NASCAR's Newbies
In the Stands
by Mitch Arnold
There's nothing quite like watching a NASCAR race live. Though tickets are
expensive, the sensory explosion of watching a race is worth the investment. Being at the
track allows you to feel the rumble of the engines, smell the tires and engines, and see
the blazing speed. A word of warning though; once you attend a race, you will want to go
back.
CHOOSING YOUR SEATS
Whereas concert goers want to be in the front row, the better place to watch NASCAR
racing is high in the stands. In the front rows, you'll better be able to feel the
sensations of racing, but your view will probably be limited by vehicles and structures in
the infield, and you'll be left guessing about the action occurring on the portions of the
track out of your view. The best tickets are those that provide a view of the entire track
and which allow you to watch the action in the pits.
A RACE WEEKEND
Practice
Before any racing or qualifying takes place on a race weekend, teams take practice laps
with their cars. The term "practice" is sort of misleading, because much more is
going on than simple practice. Teams are busy changing tires and tire pressure, making
adjustments to the suspension and other mechanical components, and querying the driver and
checking tire wear to determine which "set-up" (combination of tires, tire
pressure, gearing, suspension, etc.) works best on that track, in those weather
conditions.
Qualifying
The goal of qualifying is simple: get around the track as quickly as possible without
wrecking the car. The fastest times earn starting positions according to their speed in
comparison with the speeds of other drivers.
Teams typically use different engines and gearing, and other mechanical adjustments
than those they use during a race, because the car's endurance isn't taxed in qualifying
for a few laps as much as it is taxed during an afternoon of racing. Thus, in order to get
the best speed possible from a car, teams might make adjustments which cause the car to
run at higher RPMs, knowing that prolonged running at this rate would wear out the engine
during a race.
Other Races
Almost never is a Winston Cup the only race of the weekend. Often, the Busch Series cars
will run a Saturday race before Sunday's Winston Cup event. When both series are on the
same weekend, you can count on seeing many of your favorite Winston Cup drivers in a Busch
car on Saturday.
When Busch doesn't race on Saturday, there is often a race involving another of
NASCAR's series.
A tradition after the Saturday race is Happy Hour, when the Winston Cup guys take their
final practice laps around the track.
Main Race
The main race is preceded by driver's introductions. You'll want to be in your seat at
least an hour before the race is scheduled to begin, so you don't miss any of the
festivities.
ATTENDING A RACE, PRACTICE OR QUALIFYING
Ear protection is almost necessary when watching races. The roar of a race is so
deafening that you will have trouble talking to the person sitting next to you. Foam
earplugs are the most economical protection, and they are available at the track.
Track glare and exhaust fumes can take their toll on your eyes, so sunglasses are
almost always a good idea. Also, since you'll be spending at least five hours outside,
plan for the conditions. If it's a sunny day, bring a hat and sunscreen. If rain is on the
horizon, bring waterproof clothes.
Food and beverages. Unlike many other sporting facilities, most NASCAR tracks allow
spectators to bring in their own food and drink. Experienced fans know this and tote
coolers which fit below their seat. Pretty much anything you find in your fridge, even
alcohol, is allowed, but policies vary from tracks. It's always best to check ahead of
time, and a good place to do that is at our Track Review
Section.
Many race fans use scanners attached to headphones to listen to driver-crew
conversations. Others bring a radio headset, so they can tune into the race broadcasts.
Both add a lot to the excitement of the race.
Binoculars, especially if they're strong, will help you watch your favorite team
prepare for the race and execute pit stops. Beware though, everyone around you will want
to borrow them.
What to Expect
NASCAR fans are passionate about their sport, and you'll see people decked out, head-to
toe, in apparel honoring their favorite driver. The team allegiances of many of these
people is often evident as they drive into the parking lot with flags waving.
Parking at most NASCAR tracks is congested, so give yourself plenty of time to find a
place to park and to get to your seats. I recommend arriving at least three hours before
the race, and taking time to browse merchandise on the trailers that are parked outside
the track or lounging with friends in the parking lot.
Be in your seat an hour before the race. Take the time to leaf through the program and
get to know your neighbors. Many fans travel hundreds of miles to watch a race, and most
will willingly share stories and insight with you.
Use the bathroom one last time between driver introductions and the start of the race.
There are no TV timeouts in NASCAR, and you don't want to miss any of the action. In that
light, also limit your fluid intake. Caution periods don't take into account long restroom
lines.
When the race starts, search the cars for interesting battles. On television, you have
to watch what the camera is pointing to, but when you're at a race, you can watch the guys
beating and banging for position in the back. Most tracks have a visible position pole
somewhere at the track to help you track the position of the leaders, and to be able to
separate lead cars from lapped traffic.
Once the race is over, don't plan to be anywhere other than in a parking lot for a
while. Traffic is different for different tracks, but one thing is constant: congestion. I
never plan to be on the road in under two hours after the checkered flag has waved. |
