Things to do at a NASCAR race

[Olgar Shiverstone]

So I'm going to be going to the Pocono 500 in June with a bunch of folks from the office. Although I follow Formula 1, I'm not a NASCAR fan, really don't know jack about it, and have never been to a race.

Any hints/tips/suggestions/don't miss things that the NASCAR fans out there might suggest to get the most out of the event?

I suppose wearing a T-shirt that reads "Real men turn right" or "F1 pwns NASCRAP" would fall into the "things to avoid" category, right?

 

[Theron]

I've never been to an F1 race, but I've been to a number of CART events back in the day and some sports car/endurance stuff. And one NASCAR race at Texas. I do follow just about any form of racing that involves asphalt and turning corners, so I do know a thing or two about the series.

I'd avoid the t-shirt statements. Other than that, take in the event. The one thing that a race at a track like Pocono affords you is a view of all the action, all the time. As ovals go, Pocono is almost a road course, being long and triangular with three very distinct corners (#1 is a fairly tight and slightly banked at the end of a long straight, #2 is a flat-out little thing where a lot of bouncing and rubbing takes place, and #3 is a long, flat sweeper that empties out back on the main straight.)

Buy a program and take in the atmosphere. Of all the races I've attended, I wouldn't say the NASCAR one was my favorite, but being part of that huge crowd was amazing. Tour the fan zone and take a look at the static displays and the cutaway cars. Considering the "low-tech" restrictions on Cup cars, there's still a lot of interesting engineering going into them. As an F1 fan, root for Juan Pablo.

In short, have fun. It ain't Monte Carlo, but there will be a lot more passing.

 

[megamania]

ear plugs.... very loud.

I've never been to one so any more on my part would be just guessing.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Bring a large mitt so you can catch track debris from one of the crashes...like a wheel!

But seriously...

I'd treat it like any other sporting event...enjoy being out with your buds. Have a drink or 2. Eat food that is bad for you. Cheer for their dude.

Heck, buy a hat or something to comemmorate the event. It never hurts to have a physical touchstone to help revive memories of good times with friends.

 

[GlassJaw]

Try to control your urge to throw things on the track if Jeff Gordon wins.