Fan columnist: There's nothing like seeing a race in person
Carl Edwards left Atlanta and experienced déjà vu at the Texas Motor Speedway, making a dent in the championship point totals with his back-to-back wins.
Jimmie Johnson’s lead is going to be hard to overcome, especially since the next stop on the circuit is Phoenix International Raceway. Johnson has won the last two races at Phoenix.
Phoenix International Raceway is one of the most scenic race tracks I’ve been to. The mountains set a beautiful backdrop for the track. Tailgating in the dirt parking lot gets a bit dusty; keep plenty of beverages on hand. It is also unique to see fans out on Rattlesnake Hill watching the race.
Going to a NASCAR race is the best. Attending a race is where someone becomes a NASCAR fan. The camaraderie, the deep, bone-rattling noise and the sense of speed all enhance the experience. If someone is starting to watch a little NASCAR, encourage them to attend a race. It’ll change their disposition from “if I have time on Sunday” to “rain delay - I’m calling in sick on Monday.”
Everyone knows I’m headed to Homestead-Miami Speedway for race 36, the season finale. This will be the ninth different race track at which my wife and I have attended NASCAR Cup races. I have many memories from the races over the years. I have sipped moonshine at Thunder Valley Campground just down the street from the Bristol Motor Speedway. From the inside edge of Talladega’s Turn 2 I have walked over a mile across the infield to get to the shower house. On August 2001, I signed Dale Earnhardt’s hauler at Michigan and stayed at the same hotel as Sterling Marlin after he won the race. I have driven from my house to the Chicagoland Speedway 19 miles (3 hours) one way and back in a single day. I have fallen down the infield grandstands at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway right behind Jeff Gordon’s pit box in 100-degree heat. Tara and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. By the way – 1-year-old wedding cake carried in a cooler from Chicago to Atlanta doesn’t taste as good as you might think.
I could go on for days. Sharing these memories and experiences with fellow NASCAR fans has made my race seasons memorable. NASCAR fans are hospitable, friendly and outgoing. The best way to ensure a great finish to your NASCAR season is to get out and watch a race with the other fans.
Race fans love a close championship. Race fans love close finishes and surprise winners. Most of all, race fans love attending races. Race fans spend their money and plan their vacations according to the Sprint Cup schedule. This is the passion that drives NASCAR. This passion sometimes carries over as harsh criticism because fans want to preserve the culture and lifestyle. Not only is the goal of a race fan to see a great race but also to continue the great time they have at the track with other like-minded fans.
