An Inside Look At The Best Racetracks & Getting The Best Seats In The House

If you’re planning to attend a NASCAR race, there’s a lot to consider. Which race should I attend and where should I buy the tickets? Which seats are the best and how do I choose?

It’s been called the Super Bowl of NASCAR and it’s held at the beginning of the season. Every driver hopes to win it and fans can’t wait to watch it. Since 1959, Daytona International Speedway has been host to the Daytona 500, which draws the largest crowd in motorsports. This 2.5 mile tri-oval superspeedway is located in Daytona, Florida and is a must-see for race fans.

It may be one of the shortest tracks on the circuit, but when it comes to Bristol Motor Speedway – the emotions run high. Just over ½ mile in distance, this oval Speedway combines the highest banking with a spectacular night race in the Fall. Beginning late in the evening, the annual night race at Bristol features everything that a race should be. Bristol Motor Speedway is located in Bristol, Tennessee.
Home to the Brickyard 500, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a 2.5 mile oval with a lot of fan appeal. Jeff Gordon won the inaugural Brickyard 400, in 1994, as he became the first to see the checkered flag at, what is now, an annual treat for both drivers and fans. Located in Indianapolis, Indiana, this speedway also features a museum.

It’s said to be the largest, fastest and most competitive motorsports facility in the world. This 2.66 mile tri-oval is known as the Talladega Superspeedway and is located in Talladega, Alabama. Having the ability to accommodate more than 143,000 seated fans, Talladega is the site where many race records have been set. Each year, the drivers roll into Talladega with hopes, fears and maybe even a few grudges. There’s always an unspoken fear, for each driver, of being involved in a large crash at Talladega. It happens every year and the only question is which cars the track will claim and who will be fortunate enough to avoid it.

Another must-see on every race fan’s guide should include Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, North Carolina. This track has appeal for many reasons, which include the close proximity to a large number of driver garages and race shops. This racetrack is also near the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame, in Mooresville, where fans can purchase race-used memorabilia including tires from their favorite driver’s race car. Lowe’s Motor Speedway hosts an annual night race in the Summer and an afternoon race in the Fall.

When purchasing your ticket, consider where you want to sit before placing the order. If you like to be close to the action, a seat close to the track may be your choice. A word of caution to those who sit in the first few rows – be prepared to hold onto your hat, literally, when the drivers head your way. It’s loud and it’s close, but that’s racing. If you prefer a view of the entire racetrack, a seat in one of the higher rows would be your best selection. The higher you sit, the more you can see of the actual race. If you want to have a good view of the pit area, be sure to ask for a seat near the finish line.

For a complete list of racetrack information, including official racetrack websites, visit: http://www.nascar.com/races/tracks/. Tickets can be purchased directly from every racetrack and, in many instances, pit passes can also be ordered. A pit pass gives fans the opportunity to, as the name implies, get a close look at the pit area. The highlight for pit pass holders will include meeting some of the drivers and crew members just before the race begins. If at all possible, order tickets directly through your desired racetrack. They offer nice packages and, if you have questions about seating, they know how to answer them. Don’t be afraid to ask which seats are better than others. An alternate recommended ticket center is: http://www.ticketmaster.com.