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?
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.
