It's time for my bi-annual trek to Michigan International Speedway this weekend. As I start to pack the van this weekend, I ponder what to bring to the races. Yeah, we have the usual stuff for camping, but I don't want to forget about race day, and being comfortable at the track. After all...that's the focus of the weekend, Sunday's race.
Most everyone on this blogging site has been to multiple NASCAR races, so you can relate getting your stuff together for the trip. Part of the fun is showing your support for your favorite drivers or teams. Whether it be your clothing or assessories you take with you to the track. And of course all the tracks have restrictions on what you are allowed to bring into the track.
The following is an abbreviated excerpt from the 2008 MIS Guest Guide that comes with your tickets in the mail:
Items Fans May Enter MIS Admission Gates With:
Only One Soft Sided Cooler or Bag allowed per Ticket Holder.
- One softsided cooler is allowed into the grandstands provided it is the following dimensions: 6"x6"X12". Or scanner bag, fanny pack, purse, camera bag, etc.
- One Clear plastic bag is allowed into the grandstands provided it is no larger than 18"x18"x4". Bag may not contain ice or freezer packs.
Items such as binoculars, scanners, cameras (not in bag) are still allowed in the grandstands. MIS recommends using necks straps or belt clips to carry items in. Seat Cushions are also allowed. Video equipment is allowed but must not interfere with another guest's enjoyment of the race.
All items brought through the Admissions Gates are Subject to Inspection.
Then there are the items you can't bring in with you. Most are common sense, but are spelled our clearly to avoid any confusion to the fans.
Fans May Not Enter the Admission Gates With:
- Hard sided coolers, thermoses or insulated cups of any size.
- Any canvas/cloth or non see through bag, backpack, purse or container larger than specified size.
- Firearms, knives, fireworks, and items restricted by local, state or federal laws.
While all this may seem like a lot or rules, I don't really feel they are being overly cautious. Sure, it took awhile to get used to NOT being able to bring in my hard sided cooler covered with NASCAR stickers. But now I have grown used to bringing minimal items into the track.
So what am I bringing into the track this weekend?????
#1 - the Obvious....YOUR TICKET! (Don't leave home without it) Good to have a clear plastic ticket holder with neck strap too, for convienence sakes.
the rest...in no particular order: Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Race Cap, Money, Bottled water to fit in soft sided cooler, Scanner, Seat Cushion, & possibly my camera (although we have been to so many races here that we tend not to bring the camera much anymore).
Of course I do like to dress for comfort, and most serious fans do. So typical outfit is Jean Shorts, T-shirt, Socks, and Athletic Shoes. Havent bought any new racing gear lately, other than a hat. Years ago I went all decked out in DW gear...he's my all time favorite driver. Now I am content to root for Mark Martin (when he's racing) and Kevin Harvick.
***** uh, oh.....the weather report shows 30% chance of rain on Saturday & Sunday. Hope those showers stay away from Brooklyn, MI until after the race!
S0....what do you bring to the track with you on race day? Any tips to share with your fellow bloggers?
So I take it you're not staying in the infield? No flags??? You can't flag the race??? Do they sell flags at the race? Is that why you can't bring them in?
You might better take some snacks! Pretzells go good with adult beverages! lol
Have a great time and I hope the best driver wins!
Besides the stuff you mentioned, I usually try to take some thick skin (for those Smoke haters), an empty bladder before I trek up the steps to my seat (so I don't miss any of the race), lots of snacks & napkins (like Dwindy mentioned).
Moseby - I live just north of Chicago, and we are OK in my area. But I have heard that there is flooding in other parts of the state. I havent checked into Michigan to see if they have any flooding over there. Off to check weather.com!
Dwindy - I have never spent race weekend in the infield yet. I guess that's an experience I'll have to check out one of theses days...of course I'd have to rent a camper first We camp in Coldwater MI (about 1 hour west of the track) in our conversion van and drive in race day morning.
I do believe that some of the souvenir rigs sell race flags, although I have never purchased any. I would think the rule applies to the grandstand area because flags could obscure the view of other fans.
And...I do like to bring something salty in to snack on, typically popcorn or pretzels. ALthough I never drink any alcoholic beverages at the track...it's too dehydrating.
Lori - Don't hate me...I dont smoke, and get annoyed by people who do. But, there arent very many people who smoke in the grandstands, and most of them of pretty polite. And yeah...always go to the bathroom before the green flag, and bring extra kleenex with you because some of those bathrooms run out of toilet paper part way through the race!
Photo - I must not be a trueblood g*rilla, because I have never brought bananas to the track with me!
If I go to a new track, I definitely bring the camera, but we have been to Michigan about 80 times in the last 25 years (counting both NASCAR & the IRL races, used to be 4 races at MIS each year thru the 80's, then 3 races per year, and now only NASCAR 2X this year).
Gerrel- Your going to have a great time! My packing has changed now that I am in the garage, now I only take what I can carry in my jean pockets! Hot pass around the neck, camera around the neck, digital recorder in pocket, ear plugs in pocket, money/ID in pocket, small notepad and pen in pocket and scanner/headset clipped to my back pocket. I am 10# heavier and my pockets are stuffed but there is no place to put anything!
HAVE A GREAT TIME!!!
PS. Pretty funny you mis-read Lori's Smoke comment!
Gerrel--Its been awhile since iv'e been to a race with haveing two young uns but it sounds like your haveing some fun enjoy the race and watching Jr. win..lol
Have a great time Gerrel, and I am with you on that if Dale Jr dosn't win I am ok with Mark Martin showing the young guys he still has it. Be safe and see you soon. Cheers
Cuda - A map to Hooters? Didnt you get enough eye candy at the track???? If that's all your bringing, your wallet must be about empty by the time you get home, lol!
Volfan - Michigan is always a fun race to watch. And the flyovers are always cool! Won't promise any pics from the track, but maybe a blog?
Cuda - Mr. Jangles limo seems designed to please the male palate. Perhaps if you could throw George Clooney in there, along with some chocolate, I might consider it.
Kristen - Sounds like you got your race day packing down to a science! Can't believe I missed the obvious comment about Smoke, from Lori!
Joker - To me going to a race is like a vacation weekend. Always lots to please the senses: the sights, sounds and smells of the race track, along with all the people make for some very unique memories!
Degraff - I hope that you and your son have an awesome time at the race! Getting to meet some of your fellow bloggers could only add to the enjoyment of the weekend. :)
Forenisc - Yep...I still want Mark to win another one before he finally retires. Hope a few of my Fantasy racing picks do well also!
Longtime auto racing fan from the mid 1980's, I attend about 9 race weekends each year between Indy 500 qualification s, IRL and NASCAR races in the Midwest area.
