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May 07, 2008
Race Attendance Vs The Price of Going
By Keith Ott
We NASCAR
fans are a nation of sport crazy nomads. No other sporting genre in America draws crowds from a larger
geographical area than a NASCAR race does. It has to be that way. There’s
only one Cup race per weekend, and, if you want to see it live, you have to go to
it. That means one thing in
America. While formerly known as the gas
and go, it now has such titles as, “The gas and cry,” “#!@###! OPEC,” and, “Pump
pain.” It doesn’t matter what you call it,
you have to do it to get there. Which
brings up the question, “Where do you draw the line between gas prices,
expenses, and attending.”
What is your comfort zone?
Me, I have
no comfort zone. Call me, “Low
end.” I have a comfortable
lifestyle. I have my toys and hobbies,
but I just can’t see the price of travel and a ticket to most events. I’m a bit on the green side too, so 30k+ cars
idling fumes waiting hours to get in doesn’t thrill me. My options, as I see them, are…
Don’t go. I have a 60” HDTV. A restroom not
shared with 150k of my new best friends. There are no lines for burgers, wings, pink hotdogs, or beers. Which are not, at home at least, $5 a
pop.
A bus trip. Still expensive but it solved most of above except the 150k in the
restroom and the food, and beer.
The Local track. Cheap tickets, no wait, good prices, military discount. You’ll find me here www.langley-speedway.com. I won’t make it a link because I have no
association with the track except fun. Besides, you have your own in your area.
Actually, I
can see a lot of fans embracing their racing fix at local tracks. A family adventure where you don’t have to
sell the first born to attend.
So, that’s
my comfort zone. What’s yours? How do you
and yours deal with the growing expense of being a fan?
May 7, 2008 | Permalink
Comments
I pay bills like everyone else, but my "comfort zone" is dictated less by cost than by my work schedule. At some point fans need to suck it up and take the hit to go to a race.
Posted by: Mike Daly | May 7, 2008 2:19:00 PM
I went to Talladega 2 weeks ago.
tickets for 2 $420.00
3 nights hotel $400.00
gas to drive 1536 round trip $425.00
Seeing Talladega Superspeedway, miles of campers, tent, and port-a-pot, people drinking and driving, and doing the best they could with beads to get girls to lift their top to see if they had the MISSING BLACK DEVICE! Priceless.
Posted by: Diane Sadler | May 7, 2008 2:29:57 PM
I should add the tickets were a VIP package
Posted by: Diane Sadler | May 7, 2008 2:31:38 PM
Last year my bill for going to Charlotte, attending the Nationwide (then Busch) and Sprint Cup races, was $736. this year with the increased cost of ticket, gasoline and camping, it will be $811.
I may stay home.
Posted by: Ron | May 7, 2008 2:37:59 PM
I've had my infield season ticket to California Speedway for one season and that's enough for me - I'm not infinetly wealthy. The stay-at-home, avoid the crowd and lines, the tube (which allows you to see much more than being there) and everything I need just a few feet from my recliner works real well for me...
Posted by: MadDog | May 7, 2008 2:49:48 PM
Mike Daly,
Spoken like the true fan I know you are. My point was that how many hits can a fan do now with increased prices for fuel, etc.
What would Daly's limit be?
Posted by: Keith | May 7, 2008 2:49:48 PM
I'm also going to both Dover races.
I have 4 seats for both @ $100.00 each.
That is a day trip for me.
Posted by: Diane Sadler | May 7, 2008 2:57:53 PM
Last year, I treated my kids and their spouses to the All Star race, Atlanta (they paid hotel) and Coca Cola 600 in Charlotte. Probably forked out just under $2,000 last year. No, I'm not a rich widow, but I had the funds at the time and don't regret the blast we all had.
This year, I've spent about $300 for Darlington tix that include NW Fri night (military bennie). It's only 35 minutes away, so gas shouldn't be horrible. One tank in my daughter's car instead of two tanks in my truck.
We're talking about Charlotte in the fall, but I'm not treating them to tix. I'll go alone if I have to. Next year, I really want to make Dega, both Dovers, Martinsville and maybe CC600. That's how I indulge my passion and I don't regret it. Nothing like a live race, all those negatives considered.
And Keith, the ladies restroom has way more than 150K passing through the stalls. ;-}
Posted by: Doris | May 7, 2008 3:41:53 PM
My comfort zone limits is when it affects my ability to do everyday stuff at home. Here is my suggestion. I myself, planed a vaction to Florida around the Daytona 500. Killing two birds with one stone made the experience great as part of being there. As far as the local cup track, its 25 miles from home so no real cost other than the tickets and some souvenirs
Posted by: Bob | May 7, 2008 3:55:42 PM
Anniversary Trip is what I call mine, that way hubby can't refuse. Price to Dega in the Fall, 4-tickets $680.00, diesel pulling our room- $ who knows this year,(Northern Ky-Dega) camping- $180.00, Crap its worth it just to go Dega and be in the middle of it.
Posted by: Graceann | May 7, 2008 4:41:13 PM
Went to Richmond from New York with two other guys in a motor home. The total weekend including Friday and Saturday races tickets, food, parking fees and gas cost us $390.00 each. Well within my comfort zone and had a great time. Hell lap 397 alone was worth the price!
Posted by: Peter | May 7, 2008 4:57:12 PM
My comfort zone of late is right in front of the TV. Laying on the couch, drinkin' whatever beer I happen to fancy that afternoon, and thinkin' "Damn, I used to be able to afford to go there".
I can make do with the broadcast, MRN, and Trackpass - it's not ideal, but it does in a pinch.
Yeah, I'm a fan...yeah, I have tickets in the family at the ready...but when a round trip gas bill equates to a half a house payment, or a truck payment, or a month of daycare, or...
Just makes you REAL selective about where you attend. I will be going to Gateway this year - but only 'cause I'll be in St. Louis anyway! I'm a cheater!
And this year my local track has provided better racing than TMS has anyway, and that's the most important thing. The sanctioning body doesn't guarantee the quality of racing, and the NCW Series puts on a damned good show.
Posted by: the6and9 | May 7, 2008 5:00:37 PM
Well Keith......for me and my softball buds,we alternate buying tix to 3 races.The Darlington race is only about 4o miles away and we just get there the day of the race and tailgate and drive home that evening.Same with Charlotte for the 600.The tix for 6 of us was a little over 600.I usually do the cooking.In the past I would overdo it with chicken,pork,chops and brats.The last year and this year at the Rock we did the burgers and dogs things to ease up the spending.That will be in order this weekend and at Charlotte.We have talked about ventureing out to Dover or Atlanta,but Dega is my fav.Man,the way things are and with me having a new little one..the 52 inch we watch the other races on at the house is just a bit cheaper!Plus we play ball out of town at least 2 weeks a month from March till Oct and finish up with a big trip to the Disney Complex.My income ain't going up so.....
It's tough to miss that tire smell and fuel smell.My gosh the beer is the most expensive thing we do!!Might be a good time for those wings and Busch lite!And I'm getting to old to dive after softballs!I need to re-do the racing/softball budget!!
Posted by: DJ | May 7, 2008 5:04:36 PM
LOL, who would ever think NASCAR fans might have issues with expenses? Certainly not NASCAR.
While I think the best place ever to see a race is in person, NASCAR has moved venues; sought a different demographic; and basically said, "Move with us or, whatever." Gas prices might bring them back to thinking fans at the track are important.
Posted by: Keith | May 7, 2008 5:10:59 PM
Doris,
I have a secret clearance. I know what goes on in the ladies head...LOL
Posted by: Keith | May 7, 2008 5:15:39 PM
LOL, you guys are great....
Bob combines racing and vacation.
Graceanne uses anniversary guilt to achieve her goal.
Peter can afford it so he goes with the gusto.
Posted by: Keith | May 7, 2008 5:20:40 PM
DJ,
I'm from Buffalo (Well, close, but that's neither here nor there) I have wing recipes for ya.
Posted by: Keith | May 7, 2008 5:26:05 PM
Well Chief this might be the first year I don't attend at least 1 Cup race...I use to hit Bristol in the Spring and Fall...dropped the Spring race after getting too sun burned, Lowes-EVERYTHING, Trucks, Dirt, Busch, All Star, 500 and 600, toss in Darlington and Martinsville once a year, But in the past 2 years Ticket prices have out paced other sports! And of course the Brain Trust in my company use fuzzy math to pay us less to produce more and more...so I'm protesting, a Sabbatical if you will. I live 2 hrs from Bristol, 2 hrs from Martinsville, 3 hrs from Darlington, and a hop skip and a jump from Lowes's(60 miles)...I learned early on...I stop at Bo-Jangles get a bucket of chicken and some Sweet Tea and I'm good to go...at Martinsville however all bets are off, Gimme a dozen of these Martinsville dogs or Balogna bugers and a Ice Cold Sundrop and call it Nirvana!
On a serious note it has gotten to the point the the "Common Fan" cannot afford to take there family to a race...Thats my luxury living where I do. I try to get to my local Short tracks Home @Hickory, Tri-County in Hudson, Antioch BF Eygpt, and Concord Motorsports Park and I encourage everyone to support your local track!
One thing I wanted to touch on Chief, Back in the early 90's The Nascar Weekly series sent out P&R guys to help us car owners attract sponsors (#25 Budwieser Oldsmobile)...The problem was potential sponsors see Cup, then come to our "office" and leave a little jaded because of anemities...I've never been to Langley, But at least Elko Speedway now host a Busch East race! and they have greatly improved the facilities!
Posted by: Fan #5 | May 7, 2008 6:09:03 PM
Mike Daly - "I pay bills like everyone else, but my "comfort zone" is dictated less by cost than by my work schedule. At some point fans need to suck it up and take the hit to go to a race."
But Daly, whatever happened to your lie you spread for 3-4 months? You know the one, the one where lower attendance was the result of poor management on the part of ISC and other track owners to the total exclusion of any other reasons.
Whatever happened, finally see a touch of reality and jumped on the high prices/bad econ bandwagon? (Fat Chance of that!)
As far as me attending and event this year, I'll make a deal with anyone here, you pay me 1/10th of my 12,000 mile journey via one of those big silver birds and I'll be there.
Posted by: marc | May 7, 2008 6:30:11 PM
LOL, Marc,
Always got to tax the brain of the old sailor don't ya?
Let's see, 24 hours in a day. The Earth's circumference is ~24900 miles...So, that puts you @12000 miles + or - 2 degs opposite from Richmond.
I want a tee shirt!!!
Posted by: Keith | May 7, 2008 8:04:26 PM
#5,
That's exactly what I was looking for. Common, although I hardly consider myself or any fan common, fans that have to give up something to attend events.
Do they owe us anything? No freakin' way. It's all about business. If you want to see the stars you have to pony up. It's the only show in town.
Now, my other shoe says, "Do we owe them anything?" pssssst, down here (I'm old and it's an old shoe), ok got it...No freakin' way. Basically , old shoe said that if we don't watch, who would care. He also rambled on about how the T35 just glorified big teams who actually had to race in the past to become big teams but are too afraid to lose what they got by racing. That shoe has a mean tongue.
LOL, we'll get ya to Langley. Depending on who's in, we'll get ya onboard a few of Americas finest warships, too.
Posted by: Keith | May 7, 2008 9:41:35 PM
I attend a race when the following items all come into synchronous alignment:
-I am on leave (military)
-My wife is in a generous mood (it means leaving her with the kids)
-I have the money to spare
-The race has to be at a track worth attending a race at.
All of these happen, at the same time, once a year at best. The last one, most folks call me on it and say I am not a true fan if I won't go to any race. Well, I abso-tively refuse to pay the outlandish price of season tickets (the only kind to be had) for Kansas Speedway, my "home" track, to see stock cars go around a track made for Indy cars, with 9.73 seconds between 1st and 2nd place and 4 green flag passes. (I am being facetious, but you get the point). For this same reason I will never attend a race at Fontana, Indy, or Chicagoland.
I will pay out the nose and fly there anytime I can afford to to see a race at Daytona, Martinsville, Talladega, Richmond, Loudon, Dover or Darlington. Atlanta used to make that list, but with the new car that remains to be seen.
Allow me a small tangent here regarding gas prices: as long as folks continue to pay, the prices will keep going up. Kind of like my kids; if I keep letting them get away with sh*t, they will misbehave more and more.
Keith,
You in the military? I catch your references every now and then. Just curious. I'm an Engineer out here at Fort Riley.
Posted by: Joe | May 7, 2008 9:47:17 PM
F5,
You are spot on; it used to be something I could make happen usually on semi-short notice, but it is now definitely a luxury.
Posted by: Joe | May 7, 2008 9:57:13 PM
Graceann,
Any tips for turning the wife into as much a fan as yourself? She likes Edwards, but JUST Edwards; not "the 99", or anything else involved (although she was just as much "WTF???" at the 18's shenanigans last week as I was, so there is hope!).
Posted by: Joe | May 7, 2008 10:02:25 PM
Joe,
Proud for your continuing service, and your wifes generous, and I'm sure reciprocated, appreciative mood. I'm FCCS(SW/AW) Keith Ott Ret. at your service.
Military life is NASCAR. It's a shame that it's easier to get tickets to (political censorship by me, because I was getting political) than it is to get tickets to a race.
"Well, I abso-tively refuse to pay the outlandish price of season tickets (the only kind to be had) for Kansas Speedway, my "home" track, to see stock cars go around a track made for Indy cars, with 9.73 seconds between 1st and 2nd place and 4 green flag passes." - Joe
Joe, if you weren't married, and I had a spare daughter, she'd be yours. I'd even let you touch the remote. (It's a man thing. You girls wouldn't understand.)
I'm not sure they don't, but it would seem like a no brainer to me for tracks to heavily discount active duty, and our reservists of course, tickets. Ya ever seen a bunch of happy troops/sailors eat and spend? It's a win win.
Posted by: Keith | May 7, 2008 10:24:14 PM
For me, it's as much convenience as anything. I can make Pocono leaving Sunday morning and staying over coming back Monday. Pocono tickets are relatively cheap. Getting through the Bronx and across the George Washington Bridge kicks my a**. Northern Jersy and the Delaware Water Gap make up for it, and of course the race.
Even if Keith sleeps through "Poconap", it's never boring in person as you all know.
I'm unusual here, I'm sure, but it's just so much *easier* to stay home and watch on HD.
That aside, there are a lot of tracks I want to see live and I will - I treat them all as vacations (i.e. always reserver Monday off for rain!).
Anywhere farther than 4 hours drive I fly, and not just races! That probably even makes sense with this year's gas prices.
Posted by: JWSmoke | May 7, 2008 10:35:18 PM
Keith,
I do thank you, sir. I only started reading/posting to TR a short while ago, but I have deemed it the most comprehensive and fan-based 'blog about racing. The peeps here always have something to say worth thinking about.
Know what you mean 'bout the boys; seems like all me and my buds do is eat and spend!
Posted by: Joe | May 7, 2008 10:36:55 PM
Joe, I am not sure how to help you. Has she ever been to a race? Met Edwards in person? That might be a start. If it ever comes to a time that I can't get hubby to take me to Dega, I'll give you a holler and you can sweet talk her into our seats. They are good seats I keep upgrading every year towards the start finish line, might make it there when I turn 80 or so. Get her the pic of of Edwards showing his abs and tell her see might see him at the track. That might do it. Seriously though you might not want her as ate up with NASCAR as I am.
Posted by: Graceann | May 7, 2008 10:37:21 PM
Joe,
Be careful what you wish for. I've only heard this in old salt talk, but sometimes, and it seems to only happen during a conjunction of sunspots, a high tide and a full moon, but them women folk begin to ask race questions. It's only the beginning...seems sometimes they have answers too.
Be careful what ya wish for.....
Posted by: Keith | May 7, 2008 10:39:24 PM
LOL, Joe, you call me sir again and I'll have to show you how real men earn a living...carry on.
Posted by: Keith | May 7, 2008 10:42:04 PM
Joe,
I'm not sure Graceann is the right role model for the wife. We love her enthusiasm, but several races have come up short (she was never officially a suspect) on drivers.
Do the family short track thing. Let her get the smell and noise cheap. If she's the fan I think she is, you might be at home watching the kids.
Posted by: Keith | May 7, 2008 10:53:23 PM
Well darn, she could just come on here and meet all us wonderful women and we could teach her well. See Keith opened my eyes. She would have no problem going to the races and spending numerous hours on the web checking all the sites about NASCAR with us. By the way Joe, I have a nephew out there in your neck of the woods, he is at Whiteman, scheduled to go to Irag sometime soon.
Posted by: Graceann | May 7, 2008 10:53:50 PM
Keith,
"Don't call me Sir, I work for a living" is, I believe, the proper phrasing.
But of course you know that...LOL!
Posted by: JWSmoke | May 7, 2008 10:54:30 PM
Keith,
Don't tell her I told you but Graceann's the third Allstate girl. Shhhh!
Joe,
The husband was an Engineer at Fort Hood. I hope just because you're at Riley you never, ever, ever root for K-State. The racetracks should absolutely discount tickets for servicemembers. Heck, I remember getting a cut-rate ticket to go to the top of the Empire State Building so c'mon, Eddie Gossage, snag some of that great PR you love for your track and jump on this bandwagon.
The subject at hand: My family goes to Nascar races primarily based on convenience and available discounts from the husband's work travel, meaning we've got frequent flier miles, rental car discounts and hotel points we can use, friends to stay with, it's our one vacation for the year (Cali last year--horrible vacation!), and/or it's been close enough to drive (only Texas Motor Speedway on that last criteria, when we lived in Houston--wouldn't drive more than 4 hours to a race these days). My first race was Oct. 2004 at Charlotte, which is my favorite track because my best girlfriends live there and we all go racin' together. I've also been to Vegas, Indy, Atlanta and Louden. Going to Phoenix with my brother and dad this fall on frequent flier miles, a discount car rental and the husband's hotel points. Without those things, I could only afford one race a year and it would have to be somewhere relatively close (I live in Seattle) with cheap-ish flights, probably Vegas.
Posted by: Kari | May 7, 2008 11:05:34 PM
Kari is the other All-State Girl. If Kahne comes up missing we haven't got him.
Posted by: Graceann | May 7, 2008 11:13:38 PM
JWS,
I was just going to show him around a warship.
Posted by: Keith | May 7, 2008 11:19:55 PM
"Kari is the other All-State Girl. If Kahne comes up missing we haven't got him." - Graceann
Ugh, like we haven't watched CSI. Kahne wouldn't stand a chance with you girls.
Posted by: Keith | May 7, 2008 11:25:56 PM
Graceann,
;)
Come Phoenix maybe--wait, is that before or after your Talladega? This weekend, though, Doris is gonna get him. (see Mark's "Quit Whining!" blog, where you will also enjoy Keith advocating that Kahne get out of Dodge. I second that one, though my poor brother would have a heart attack. He hates that my flying 9 sticker's on a Ford.
Posted by: Kari | May 7, 2008 11:42:43 PM
lol - I got 2 boys, one is 8 and the youngest is 5. One loves Kyle Busch and the other loves Tony Stewart. (just my luck one of 'ems 'tarded!) I can't get our of Wal-Mart w/out they have a frickin' race car in their hand!
F ck gas prices! I can't afford $1500 bucks worth of die-cast and t-shirts!
Posted by: the6and9 | May 8, 2008 12:10:13 AM
funny how nascar has promoted a family oriented bush/republican agenda for so long only to have the policies of the current administration cause a weak dollar, and high gas price which will eventually lower attendence at their races.
Posted by: exile | May 8, 2008 12:16:29 AM
You mean I was surrounded by Republicans at all those races I went to??? You'd think I would've known I was being vastly right-winged while I was there. Curses! No more races for me.
Exile,
I'm a relatively new fan. Please expand on that agenda you say Nascar was promoting--what is that and how exactly were they promoting it?
Posted by: Kari | May 8, 2008 12:26:47 AM
exile,
Wrong forum for the political agenda. But, I have to admit, I'm aghast that I hadn't seen the diabolical plot to subvert rational thinking NASCAR fans into like...hmmmm political robots.
Dude this isn't the CBS or (pick one) news forum. Your welcome here to talk racing.
Posted by: Keith | May 8, 2008 12:51:12 AM
Kari,
Be nice. I'm sure he meant well.
Posted by: Keith | May 8, 2008 12:55:39 AM
Ya' don't talk politics or religion here, man.
Racin' is fine!
Posted by: the6and9 | May 8, 2008 3:13:43 AM
Your flying #9 on a Ford, Welcome to my world. My #9 are on my Eplorer. To make it look better my friends purchased a registerd plate with KKAHNE for my tags (birthday gift). Now I really do look like the All-State girls. lol Bad thing Hubby works for Ford. Only NASCAR fans understand it meaning when they see it.
Posted by: Graceann | May 8, 2008 7:14:57 AM
Racin' IS religion, isn't it? It's all good.
Graceann,
My sis-in-law works in the KC Ford factory, which is why I have an Escape and it's the perfect size for the family & dog, although I wish I would have looked a little closer at the hybrid model. Husband drives a Chevy and he got no say in the fact that there's a 9 sticker on his truck too! And on the kid's bike... ;)
Posted by: Kari | May 8, 2008 9:11:03 AM
It kinda takes over especially if they want supper, clean clothes and a happy wife!
Posted by: Graceann | May 8, 2008 9:36:17 AM
GA,
Yeah, I am headed out to that old litterbox later this year (fourth time for this 88 man). Although the last three times it was on rolling steel, now I make maps in air conditioned comfort. I sincerely hope your nephew fares well over there. And you are probably right; she has to tolerate a lot of my status as a NASCAR fanatic, don't think the household could handle two!
Keith,
Roger!
Kari,
NASCAR is the only sport in my life! K-State could win the championship and the only effect it would have on my life is my ability to have a quiet day in Aggieville.
I actually took the wife to the July Busch race at Daytona (I am fortunate to have DB as my home of record and my 'rents still live there), and apparently "Daddy gets too loud when he's at those races" is the story my 5 y/o gets from her! LOL
6/9,
That is just great! Stewart and Busch! LOL
Posted by: Joe | May 8, 2008 9:52:30 AM
My comfort zone for NASCAR ended in 2005 when Martinsville sold out to ISC and started limiting what you could bring in yourself. I gave up all my NASCAR tickets after 2005. I don't drink that much, but didn't want to have to miss any of the race to get even a soda.
We had tix to 12 races in 2001, but began giving them up little by little after the ISC bogus cooler restrictions, the Chase, Lucky Dog and all the other welfare changes. It just wasn't fun any more with 100,000 of NOT my closest friends and poor racing most everywhere after all the crowds, price gouging, etc.
We substituted going the USAR Hooters Procup races where camping is free and tickets with pit passes are only about $25-30. We went to about 15 of their races last year. And they race every single lap!
But with the price of diesel, we're even cutting back on USAR races a LOT this year! Had tickets for Rockingham ARCA last week, but didn't feel we could afford the diesel to get there from Maryland. So gave them to a friend in NC who didn't have to drive very far.
Posted by: Cheryl | May 8, 2008 10:47:37 AM
Joe -- thanks for your service. I'm another military connected race fan. My LH was active duty AF and I work for the AF. The tix for Darlington were much in my comfort zone seeing as they were acquired here on the base. I got 4 tix for NW and 4 tix for Cup at $87 each. Beats heck out of all but CC600 tix, which were $38 last time. (I got baked alive in the Diamond Tower, but it was worth it.) For NW tomorrow, we're close to the flag stand and high enough not to ingest fumes/rubber debris. Cup though, we're near the entrance to pit road and will probably be tanked on all the aforementioned.
Graceann & Kari -- I drive a Ford Explorer Sport Trac and yes, it's adorned with #9 stuff. My favs are the #9 car and flag that cling to my radio anntena. My Chevy-loving hubby would be aghast at me owning a Ford.
As for Kahne leaving the Dodge, yeah, probably not a bad idea, but he said he's not leaving GEM. He's just GOT to do well this w/e. Seeing him win, live, in Atlanta some years ago, was fantastic. A repeat live win would smack me silly. Cheers!
Posted by: Doris | May 8, 2008 10:58:21 AM
To clarify, $87 x 4 = $348 for both events.
Posted by: Doris | May 8, 2008 11:04:18 AM
I do believe the #9 fans have taken this blog!
Posted by: Graceann | May 8, 2008 11:05:17 AM
I've got 4 season tickets for Richmond that I'm always willing to part with. Last weekend's race was the first one that was worth the price of admission in a long time.
Posted by: Michael | May 8, 2008 11:05:54 AM
My local track happens to be Lowes Motor Speedway. My cost for last fall's race was around $10 total, $5 for gas, $2 for earplugs, and $3 for a bottle of water on the way out. Oh yea, I showed up around 100 laps into the race, borrowed a ticket stub from a "fan" who was already leaving, and found a front row seat on the front stretch. $10, that's my comfort zone. Sitting front row on a restart, priceless.
Posted by: Anonymous | May 8, 2008 11:24:51 AM
Cheryl,
I'm with you on the "no outside beverages brought into the track" BS. After everything that many fans do to get to the race in the first place, having to pay a ridiculous amount of money for water, soda or a beer is flat-out greed on the part of track owners. In that respect, I think the "family-oriented" part of Exile's post is right on--like many of the other professional sports these days, whole-family attendance is out of reach of many families' budgets. The first couple tracks I went to allowed outside beverages and I thought, wow, Nascar really is the cat's meow here! Then I went to Vegas and California and had a rude awakening and smack to the wallet.
Posted by: Kari | May 8, 2008 11:38:20 AM
I haven't run into that yet. The only problem we had was at Dega and that was one feller had a hard sided cooler. We tried to tell him but he would not listen so he ended up cramming his stuff into everybody elses coolers to get his in. Oh and at Ky Speedway you can't carry in an open container or something that has been previously opened. The girl checking us in stood right there and watched me open my dew (in 96 degree heat) and then made me throw it away. I almost opened a can of whoopa## on her. Everybody knows you don't mess with my dews when I am driving.
Posted by: Graceann | May 8, 2008 11:48:52 AM
Cheryl has another good alternative to cut the expense and still feed the jones. Watch a lesser series. With a lot of the stars pulling double duty in NW and Cup, the NW series gives you a great deal of bang for the buck. Toss in fewer headaches getting in and out and it looks even better.
Posted by: Keith | May 8, 2008 12:32:19 PM
They are replaying the race on Speed. Maybe, they'll play the alternative ending where Kyle won't slide up this time. Maybe, the 9 pulls out the win. Waltrip and Hamlin will still probably do bonehead moves.
Posted by: Keith | May 8, 2008 12:34:43 PM
A bunch of friends and I go to Texas every April. We camp for the weekend and have a blast. Coolers are allowed so we bring our own beer. I get up during green flags to get a bite and make a "pit stop". Never a long wait. Most memorable experience....My bro in NY sent me a bunch of Jack Daniels t-shirts to hand out. We were taking a group photo when some folks wandered into our campsite. One of the women said "I'll show you the eyeballs on my ass if you'll give me a shirt. I said "drop 'em girl!" Sure enough, a big ole eyeball tatooed on each cheek. Gave her the shirt off my back. We'll probably keep going just to see what will happen next time. Some times you gotta suck it up and go to the race.
Posted by: Paul | May 8, 2008 12:46:49 PM
Paul,
Since the baby, Kari's not allowed to do the eye trick any more. She probably won't do it any less though either. Girls got a whole dang closet full of Tee shirts.
Posted by: Keith | May 8, 2008 12:54:38 PM
Paul,
That's really weird because I DO have an eyeball tattoo--but mine's on the back of my neck. For a second there, I thought maybe I did something at TMS that one April that I had *ahem* forgotten about. ;)
I think the Truck Series gives even MORE bang for the buck than NW and Cup much of the time--but you still run into the beverage thing at certain tracks. When my son was 6, I took him to ATL for the Busch race and he went through TONS of water--if I had had to buy it at the track concession stands, I would've gone broke!
Posted by: Kari | May 8, 2008 1:32:45 PM
You know the story about beads and women at Dega, well there is a feller that collects beads at Dega from women. Dangest sight I ever witnessed.
Posted by: Graceann | May 8, 2008 1:35:03 PM
Graceann - I heard that some crazy things happen at Dega. But the guy collecting beads is a new one. LOL.
Posted by: Diane | May 8, 2008 2:21:15 PM
I was embarrassed at some of the things I saw and I thought I had seen it all. Growing up I went to numerous concerts when general admittance was still allowed, back then things happen on the floor of a crowded concert.
Posted by: Graceann | May 8, 2008 3:16:12 PM
Graceann,
If you ever went to a Def Leppard concert, I'm packing up the house, moving to Kentucky and appointing myself your new best friend! What would your town do with another crazed Kahne fan in their midst? You should come to mine and I'll drive you down "Kasey Kahne Drive"--too bad the city gave him a dead-end street to nowhere! Shockingly, that street sign keeps getting stolen. (Shut up, Keith, it's not me stealing it.)
At one of the Charlotte races in 2005, there were some drunk guys behind us who couldn't tear themselves away from the racing action long enough to hit the latrine--so they tried to hit their empty beer bottles instead. I wanted to bathe in bleach after that race.
Posted by: Kari | May 8, 2008 4:38:05 PM
Kari, I think your probably younger than I am, I saw ACDC when Bon Scott was still alive. Some of the groups I saw have no hair now! Van Halen, REO Speedwagon, ZZ, Journey, just to name a few, and yes I saw Def Leppard. My son plays this stuff on his guitar now.
Posted by: Graceann | May 8, 2008 5:04:47 PM
exile, gas prcies and a weak dollar are happening in a DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS.
Posted by: Mike Daly | May 8, 2008 7:08:04 PM
Good stories!Kari,GA....Ya'll are talking my Rock!Def Lepard,Motley Crue,Ratt hands down my favorites.ACDC was my first back in 95.I was a late big concert goer.A group called Mother's Finest was happening back here in NC when I first got into Rock and Roll.Now,Nickleback,Puddle of Mudd and Three Days Grace.Good stuff.......
Had a dude last weekend near our campsite at the Rock have the stupidity move of the year.Me and my buds and one of them's dad had an RV and van.We were all scattered around different camp sites chillin' with beer and brats and the dude walks by the van,opens the door and pisses right there in the van!!I didn't see it and the girls did and told the dad(68 age) and he takes off after the guy.I came out from the RV and they told me and I couldn't believe it so I went to look and I'll be damned.I was like Oh no he did'unt!!Hauled ass to protect the father and ask the dude for an apology.He wouldn't, wanted to disrespect the man and then call him names?!Needless to say he needed backup.......All we asked for was an apology!Crazy man....My gang always get into something one way or the other.We are usually feeding a crowd and cutting up like flat tires but that crossed the line...
We'll be in Darlington so please don't pee on us!
Posted by: DJ | May 8, 2008 8:39:01 PM
Mike - I'm an Independent not a Liberal. The Democratic Congress cannot pass legislation because they don't have a big enough majority to get past Bush's vetos. They need 60 votes in the Senate. It's the same way when there is a Republican Congress and a Democratic President. We may be sorry starting next Jan. 21st because the Dems will probably have both.
Kari & Graceann - I may have to move south from Indiana to join you girls. My favorite music is from the "hair bands" of the 80s and I'm sure I'm older than you.
Posted by: Diane | May 8, 2008 8:41:09 PM
Diane,
If you're older than 29 this year, last year, or five years ago, then you're older than me because I've been idling at 29 for a while now. But you're not, are you? ;)
I'm a hair band girl for sure. Def Leppard's tops in my book but I own a bunch of Bon Jovi, Poison and G-N-R CDs too--good stuff! In 2002 or 2003, I forget which, I saw Def Leppard and "faux Journey" (Journey with the Steve Perry-soundalike and lookalike named Steve Oteri) at the New York State Fair. It was one of the best days of my life. ;)
Posted by: Kari | May 8, 2008 9:18:16 PM
Guess I was lucky, Steve Perry was with Journey when I see them. I saw Peter Frampton at Ky Speedway last summer at the Busch race, I sure don't remember him lookin' that way in concert. I was confused at first until I remembered I was driving and drinking dews & the concert I was probably not seeing real good & we both a whole lot younger. Funny I don't feel as old as he looked. lol
Posted by: Graceann | May 8, 2008 9:48:00 PM
Forgive me tonight it appears I can't spell.
Posted by: Graceann | May 8, 2008 9:49:42 PM
I work with a "Kid" who turns 24 soon...I told him I have concert T-shirts older than him...KISS '76, Aerosmith '78...and of course a slew of 80's Hair Metal T's I'll probably end up selling on eBay cause there is NOWAY I'm ever gonna be able to fit into them or my leather pants in THIS lifetime
Posted by: Fan #5 | May 9, 2008 12:52:05 AM
Kari - I've also been 29 longer than I want to remember. But in my mind I will always be that age. Do you know that Def has a new album out? They performed on "Dancing With The Stars" on TV last week. They sounded great. And don't you guys laugh at me because I watch that show. I do it because of the great looking male dancers. :)
Graceann - I'm envious that you've seen so many of my favorites in concert. As a VERY YOUNG girl I saw Elvis in concert twice. One was the last concert he performed. He didn't look very good but he still sang better than anyone I've ever heard.
F5 - Most of us would have trouble getting into the clothes we wore 30 years ago. LOL.
Posted by: Diane | May 9, 2008 9:25:40 AM
Diane,
OMG, I'm such a bad fan! I have all of them through "Yeah!" but didn't know a new one was out. Must.Buy.Pronto. I wonder if that DWTS ep is online? I don't watch network TV except for when racing's on--I'm a TLC, HGTV and DIY Network girl.
I can't wait for qualifying this afternoon. Should be good stuff.
Posted by: Kari | May 9, 2008 10:04:59 AM
Kari - Right now I'm watching a Def Leppard video on CMT from their new album. Tim McGraw is singing with them. I'm sure they'll be playing it again because it's new. Hope you can catch it.
Posted by: Diane | May 9, 2008 10:21:18 AM
OMG, I bought Breyer's Checkered Flag ice cream and I didn't see KK on the lid til I got home. I sharpied dark hair, a mustache and a little goatee on him. Now he looks like Elliot Sadler.
Posted by: Keith | May 9, 2008 10:36:49 AM
Keith - You probably started a stampede. Our KK gals on here will be fighting for that ice cream at their nearest store. Just kidding ladies. If it was Smoke on the lid, I'd be headed to the store right now.
Posted by: Diane | May 9, 2008 10:55:31 AM
Diane- We don't live to far from Louisville so it wasn't hard for a bunch of kids to go to the concerts back then. We all worked and pulled our money to go.
Posted by: Graceann | May 9, 2008 11:53:21 AM
Way to go, Keith. You ruined a good thing. Step AWAY from the Sharpie. Breyer's isn't in the budget right now though unless it's on sale AND I have a coupon--generic brands for us these days so we can streeeeeeeeetch the dollars. Gotta save my extra pennies for all the $8 beverages I'll be buying at Phoenix in November.
Diane--thanks for the heads-up and the YouTube link. I'll turn on CMT the next couple times I sit down to feed the baby and maybe I'll catch it. Def Lep might be a 100 years old but as long as Rick Allen's got one arm, Joe Elliott's voice doesn't go kaput, and no more guitarists kick the bucket, they'll keep rockin!
Posted by: Kari | May 9, 2008 12:58:42 PM
No Breyers for me even with KK on the package. Lactose intolerant not a good feeling.
Posted by: Graceann | May 9, 2008 1:48:56 PM
Kari - Your very welcome. Save your ice cream money to buy that Def Leppard music. :D
Graceann - Sorry about that lactose thing.
Posted by: Diane | May 9, 2008 1:57:03 PM
Kari,
Kids 17th, and @ 2/$5 it wasn't too big a budget hit. To keep on topic I guess I'd have to have 1 less track beer or pink hotdog.
Posted by: Keith | May 9, 2008 2:00:46 PM
See we hit the trailers at the right time. The drivers were changing teams so most of the shirts, cars, ect. were marked 1/2 or more since Talladega was close to the end of the season I got a huge KK flag for $15, original price was around $50-$60. My son likes Jr. and his shirts were $5.00. We cleaned up. As far as the drinks, you can pack soft sided coolers in there, lunch box size I believe.
Posted by: Graceann | May 9, 2008 2:44:23 PM
No outside alcohol can be brought into Phoenix--my brother and dad made me check on that first thing and they still agreed to go! I think the nonstop flights and my sharing our frequent flier miles might have helped there. ;) I will be partaking of plenty of track beer, believe me.
Posted by: Kari | May 9, 2008 3:56:00 PM
I'm not sure I've ever seen asphalt this dark and smooth. The girl's got her black evening dress on with heels. Talladega will have her way.
Posted by: Keith | May 9, 2008 8:12:28 PM
Right Keith. She's already had her way with Cousin Carl.
Posted by: Diane | May 9, 2008 8:36:25 PM
Diane,
It's gotta be the black dress.
BTW, Busch needs to remember interviews are done on TV...I thought he had a skin fungus or something the way he was rubbin'.
Posted by: Keith | May 9, 2008 9:21:52 PM
BTW, before tonights Cup race let's give a round of applause to the maintenance crew who repainted the wall last night. Painting the wall at Darlington has to be akin to painting a wall when you live with a 4yr old with crayons. It looks great, but the odds are it won't last. Great job guys.
Posted by: Keith | May 10, 2008 7:22:46 AM
They sure did a fine job of rubbin' the paint off of it. All the "Stars" trying to get through to the front should lead to some nice drawings from pushin' the others out of their way. In a nice way of course.
Posted by: Graceann | May 10, 2008 9:05:01 AM
Jeez, all the "stars" are the ones who rubbed the paint off in the first place! Last night's top 20 had some nice "non-star" names in there.
Posted by: Kari | May 10, 2008 9:27:14 AM
