"Infield Camping" at Stagecoach 2015

Stagecoach 2015 Lineup.
Internet Photo from www.StageCoachFestival.com

Last week was my first time "infield camping" at the Stagecoach Festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California.  It took TWO years applying online just to be eligible to be selected by random lottery for a campsite.  

Once selected I had a short time to purchase my site & tickets or they would be forfeited to the next person on the list.

For those not familiar with the Stagecoach Festival, it is a musical bonanza for country music loving fans.  The 2015 line-up included headliners Tim McGraw, Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton.

Three performing stages including the "Mane Stage", "Palomino Stage" and smaller "Mustang Stage".  This offered many options for viewing performances by top country acts, old country and some up and coming bands who performed 30 - 60 minutes sets with sellout audiences topping 75,000+ for the evening headliners!

If you're camping with friend arrive
together to camp together.
© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

Campgrounds are open Thursday through Monday morning with RV parking on a first come first serve basis.  So, if you're coming with friends, make sure you arrive together or you could find yourself in different locations.


A total of eight people are allowed per campsite which is monitored by RV wristbands that come with your camping package.  Separate companion parking passes allow those that can't get in earlier because of work to arrive later.  Entry into the music festival itself is closely monitored with micro-chipped wristbands and/or decals that are scanned at all entrances.

Microchipped wristbands allow entry
into the event/RV parking areas.
© Photo by Trina Rivera

There are NO daily "in & out" re-entry UNLESS you are in the RV campgrounds. With concerts starting as early as 1 pm and going until 12 midnight, makes for a LONG & potentially expensive day, as food and drinks are not allowed inside.  In my opinion, this makes getting a campsite a must!

50 amp / 30 amp and dry campsites are SOLD OUT almost immediately when notice of availability are emailed out.  Each are located in separate areas, so if your RV uses different amps than your friends, you will need a converter in order to park near each other.

70,000 - 100,000 + in the audience at Stagecoach 2015.
© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

This picture from SUNDAY morning shows how well the staff kept the campgrounds clean throughout the weekend.
© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

Plenty of shower trailers offer FREE showers to campers.  Porta-potties located in several locations were cleaned every morning so if you were out walking around made it convenient to not run back to the RV if you were visiting other campers.

The staff, guest services booth and security personnel are all super friendly.  The campgrounds were as clean Sunday morning as it is when you first arrive.  A recycling rewards program offers incentives to campers to keep garbage picked up for free t-shirts, food items or festival upgrades.

Guest services, security personnel and staff were all super friendly and helpful.
© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

This event is "Guru Approved" and I highly recommend anyone with a love for country music, camping and having fun, to put this one on your bucket list.  I will definitely renew my camping pass next year.  

Have you ever camped while attending the "Stagecoach Music Festival", "Faster Horses" or other similar music festival?  SHARE you experiences with me here!

The famous Budweiser Clydesdale horse team making an appearance at Stagecoach Festival 2015.
© Photo by Joshua Rivera

Just like many NASCAR sites, some campers go all out to decorate.
© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

Don't forget to SHARE this post with your friends and "LIKE" us on Facebook .  Also you can now follow me on Twitter @InfieldGuru or by clicking the links on the right.  #InfieldNation, #SeeYOUOnTheInfield.

** ©2015 The Infield Guru.  The Infield Guru is not affiliated with and does not endorse any specific track or driver.  This article is for information & entertainment purposes only. There are no guarantees regarding the availability or quantities of any of the above items. Prices are subject to change without notice. Please contact the specific track or appropriate websites for more detailed information regarding limits and expiration of these offers.  If the links fail to open for you, check your pop-up blocking software or consider calling the tracks directly.

Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach - FIVE Lessons Learned

I spent some time exploring the 2015 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.  This was my first time at this event.  As a first timer at any event I'd like to share FIVE things that could make your experience better.

The biggest thing I learned is the #GPLB is not just a race but an EVENT!  

GPLB Racing Circuit & Area Map.
Internet Photo from www.gplg.com website.

There are several racing categories from the Pirelli World Challenge, Pro/Celebrity Racing, IMSA TUDOR Championship, Traxxas SPEED Energy Trucks, Indy Lights, Indy Car and KMC Wheels Super Drift competitions all weekend long.  Friday is a practice day for the competitors.

Team Penske prepping their cars for practice; Will Power, Juan Pablo Montoya, Helio Castroneves, Simon Pagenaud.
© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

The "Lifestyle EXPO" has over 150 displays and is the equivalent of the Fan Zone at a NASCAR race (except bigger).  The EXPO was in the air conditioned Long Beach Convention Center with interactive displays including go carts, rock climbing, virtual racing, radio controlled cars, as well as, static displays from car manufactures, other racing facilities and racing sponsors.

Friday & Saturday night concerts keep the fans rocking into the night.

Here are FIVE recommendations for anyone attending;

1.  Get your ass up EARLY so that you can enjoy the day.  I live about an hour away and didn't leave the house until about 10:30 am, arriving at about 12 noon.  Had I gotten up to arrive as the gates opened at 7 am, I would have had more time to explore the EXPO area 
instead of rushing through to get to the track.  

2.  Pack up and take the RV to a nearby campground to limit your hassle of southern California traffic.  This will also help with recommendation #1 so you can arrive earlier to take advantage of the more of the offered activities. 

2.  Pre-purchase parking online.  City parking was limited to nearby garages at a cost of $25+ for the day.  Although it was a short walk to the ticket booth, you can save yourself a few buck if your buy parking in advance.

3.  Take plenty of cash or eat before you get there.  Although the "Fair Style" food was amazing, it was also extremely expensive.  $9 - $12 for a Hot Dog or Burger.  Ouch!  If that's your thing go for it, otherwise pack a lunch or eat before you go.  

Fair-style food was awesome, but a bit pricey!  $9 - $12 Hot Dogs & Burgers, $4 for a bottled water.
© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

4.  Attend the All Driver Fan Appreciation Autograph session.  Your are able to meet and get pictures with several of the Indy Car drivers and walk through the Indy Car paddock area to get some cool pictures.  I think what made this the most fun was the drivers actually looked like they were have fun!

Juan Pablo Montoya singing autographs for one of his smallest fans at the Team Penske Haulers,
© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

5.  Take your radio scanner with you!  Although reception was poor at many areas of the track, it worked well on the front stretch for listening to the action on the track during the Indy Car events.  Racing Electronic had a trailer for programming it to the #GPLB specific frequencies.

This event is "Guru Approved" and I highly recommend anyone with racing in their blood to check it out.  It is highly likely that I will go again in the future.  

This event is not only "Guru Approve" but "Firehawk Approved".
© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

Indy Car practice at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.
© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

WHAT would YOU recommend to others going to the races?

Don't forget to SHARE this post with your friends and "LIKE" us on Facebook .  Also you can now follow me on Twitter @InfieldGuru or by clicking the links on the right.  #InfieldNation, #SeeYOUOnTheInfield.

** ©2015 The Infield Guru.  The Infield Guru is not affiliated with and does not endorse any specific track or driver.  This article is for information & entertainment purposes only. There are no guarantees regarding the availability or quantities of any of the above items. Prices are subject to change without notice. Please contact the specific track or appropriate websites for more detailed information regarding limits and expiration of these offers.  If the links fail to open for you, check your pop-up blocking software or consider calling the tracks directly.

"Taco Subs" - Another Easy NASCAR Camping Cooking Idea!

One of my favorite sandwiches as a teenager was the "Taco Sub".  This wasn't something my mom would make, but a sub-style sandwich that was on the menu at a small town pizza joint where I worked.  Now I'm sharing this easy NASCAR camping cooking idea with you!

What you need:  (makes approx. 4 - 6 sandwiches)

Simple ingredients make a great camping meal.
© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

• 4 - 6 Deli Grinder Rolls
• 1 Pound of Ground Beef or Turkey
• 1 Package of Taco seasoning mix
• 1 - 2 Tomatoes (Sliced or Diced)
• 1 Onion
• Lettuce
• 1 Package of Shredded Cheese
• Chipotle Mayo
• Sour Cream
• Paper Plate, Plastic Fork & Napkins

Directions:

• Prepare your condiments; Slice tomatoes, chop onions, lettuce, make guacamole, shred cheese.
• Pre-heat your grill or pan for cooking.
• Cook ground beef/turkey (drain excess grease if needed).
• Add Taco Seasoning to meat.
• Slice deli rolls 3/4 through and place on foil (to reduce/prevent burning).
• Smear rolls with Chipotle Mayo (if desired).
• Place rolls on grill, add taco meat and cheese until melted.

Prepare your condiments; guacamole, lettuce, sliced tomatoes, diced onions, shredded cheeses.
© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

  

Cook you meat & add taco seasoning mix.

© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

         

Add Chipotle Mayo, Meat & Shredded Cheese on the rolls until cheese is melted.

© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

Add your desired toppings like you would on a taco;  onions, tomatoes, lettuce, sour cream, guacamole OR serve it plain.  Chips and Guacamole add a nice touch!

Add Toppings or Serve Plain.
© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

With a side of chips & guacamole - you're ready to eat!

© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

What are some things that YOU cook when you camp at NASCAR?

Don't forget to SHARE this post with your friends and "LIKE" us on Facebook.  You can also follow me on Twitter @InfieldGuru or by clicking the links on the right.  #InfieldNation, #SeeYOUOnTheInfield.  

  ** ©2015 The Infield Guru.  The Infield Guru is not affiliated with and does not endorse any specific track or driver.  This article is for information & entertainment purposes only. There are no guarantees regarding the availability or quantities of any of the above items. Prices are subject to change without notice. Please contact the specific track or appropriate websites for more detailed information regarding limits and expiration of these offers.  If the links fail to open for you, check your pop-up blocking software or consider calling the tracks directly.

NASCAR Camping Rookies - "The Caution Tape"

Most race fans know that "Rookie" drivers must add a "YELLOW STRIPE" to the back of their cars so veteran drivers can use caution as they approach them on the track.  

Many have asked me, "What's up with the people wearing "Caution Tape" in the infield?".   Whether you've camped at NASCAR a couple years, or have been going since the track opened if you haven't heard of this time tested tradition, let me explain.

Those individuals you see walking around instructed to wear caution tape are "INFIELD ROOKIES".  Many infield veterans will adorn their FIRST TIME campers in yellow "CAUTION TAPE", to easily identify them much like NASCAR does with their rookie drivers.

"Race Rookies" enjoying the stories of a Veteran NASCAR camper at Michigan International Speedway.
© Photo by Melanie Milne

I'm not sure when the infield "Rookie Tape" started, but I was initiated into this realm of this crazy infield fun at Michigan International Speedway!

LOST & UNAFRAID !!
© Photo by Patti Buchanan

What I learned was that there is no place to be shy while wearing your "Rookie Tape".  People will come out of places in the campground you didn't know existed to talk with you.  Some will offer food and drink(s) to welcome someone new to the NASCAR camping.  

Veteran infielders may share their own "Rookie" stories and offer life changing advice. Whether too warn of the infield track rules a "Rookie" may be skirting the grey areas on, things they should check out (Fan Zone, Pit Road, etc) or something more profound.  

Who doesn't want to hear one more home remedy of the best way to get rid of that nasty headache and hangover you may have in the morning?

If lost, people are more receptive to pleas to find a campsite.  They may not always get the correct directions or information, but there's always someone willing to "help".

Sadly, many infield campers have never heard of this "rights of passage" with the Saturday night "Rookie Walk", where first time campers dress in costumes as they parade through the infield.  

Unfortunately, veteran campers with their "Rookies", will always run into those unfamiliar with the tradition & ask , "What are they wearing that for?", "Are they a "Newbie" or something?" , "I would never do that!", well . . .  

. . . don't be surprised if you get the "REALLY?!?  Did you just call my "ROOKIE" a "NEWBIE?" look.

Sprint Fan Zone assists this "Race Rookie" to select a driver to follow  (Kyle Larson, who happened to be a "Rookie" himself at the time) at Auto Club Speedway, Fontana, CA, 2014.
© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

This is not meant to be a malicious or a humiliating experience.  Just another way to have a little fun at the track infield.  Those that elect to do this, do it VOLUNTARILY.   Honestly, I don't think I've ever seen an "Rookie" infielder upset with the extra attention.

"Rookies" tend to watch out for each other.  Whether from having a little too much to drink, finding themselves lost or just to meet and say "Hi".  They find themselves in their own little fraternity of friends to share a great experience.

SHARE your "Rookie" infield camping experience with us here!  

Don't forget to SHARE this post with your friends and "LIKE" us on Facebook & follow me on Twitter @InfieldGuru or by clicking the links on the right.  #InfieldNation, #SeeYOUOnTheInfield

Evidence of what could happen to a "Rookie" without the use of "Caution Tape".
© Photo by Melanie Milne

Getting ready for the Saturday night "Rookie Walk" at Michigan International Speedway infield.
© Photo by Patti Buchanan

NO Shame, just FUN!

© Photo by Patti Buchanan

The calm before the storm - "McLovin" resting up before his big night!
© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

** ©2015 The Infield Guru.  The Infield Guru is not affiliated with and does not endorse any specific track or driver.  This article is for information & entertainment purposes only. There are no guarantees regarding the availability or quantities of any of the above items. Prices are subject to change without notice. Please contact the specific track or appropriate websites for more detailed information regarding limits and expiration of these offers.  If the links fail to open for you, check your pop-up blocking software or consider calling the tracks directly.

NASCAR Infield - "Meeting Your Camping Neighbors"

If you're new to the NASCAR camping scene or moved sites from the year before, "Meeting Your Camping Neighbors" for the first time can be an awesome, awkward or horrible moment.

"Are they quiet?", "Do they party and play loud music?", "Will they get mad if YOU party and play loud music?".  RV spaces in the infield are quite cozy so if this is your first time meeting them, then these and many other questions get answered quickly.

View from the top of our RV looking towards backstretch/Turn 3 at Auto Club Speedway, Fontana, CA.
© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

Depending on who around you arrives first can set the tone for the weekend by how they place their camp site.  I prefer to park with the RV door facing towards a neighbor's door to maximize & share the "common area" between sites.  

Others may want their privacy and have their doors facing away from you, which places their rigs on the site line nearest you, minimizing your usable space.

When I arrived at my site, my neighbors to the left ( as you look at the site from the road) had just arrived and were backed in setting up.  They were a foot over my site line with their slide outs extended.  My neighbors on the right were already in place at the far right with their door facing my site.

What made sense for me, was to pull in forward.  Since my slide outs are on the driver's side, this allowed me to park as close as possible to my neighbors on the left.  This opened the common area between myself and neighbors to the right, while allowing the maximum space for my neighbors on the left - a total WIN, WIN, WIN!  

Everyone was happy with that set-up and it worked out great.

Worked out well with us and neighbors with this set-up.

© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

Several things COULD have happened to make this story end differently; 

1.  I could have been an "A'Hole" and told the neighbor over my line to get back on his side.

2.  I could have been a "HUGE A'Hole" and backed in and screwed both myself and my neighbors to my right.

What I actually did was what any civilized "non-A'Hole" NASCAR camping fan SHOULD do . . .

. . . get out of the rig, make introductions to BOTH neighbors and communicate with them to maximize the space.  They could have easily been "A'Holes", in which option 1 and/or 2 could have easily come back into play, but that was NOT THE CASE!  

I got pretty lucky this year when I elected to change sites at Auto Club Speedway I got some GREAT NASCAR camping neighbors!  

This year we had GREAT neighbors & also met their cool friends.
© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

Even after talking to our neighbors (RV pictured on right) when they arrived the year before, they decided it was best for them to back in leaving only a few feet between us.  His generator & exhaust only a couple feet from my door.  They would only talk to us when they came out to start their generator for the rest of the weekend.  Maybe he thought WE were A'holes. but in reality they were "HUGE A'holes!"  © Photo by Paul Wilkinson

So don't be a NASCAR camping scrooge!  Get out, meet the neighbors, share a drink, a meal, laugh together and have some fun!  Remember EVERYONE is there to have a good time.  

Before you know it, instead of just being NASCAR camping neighbors, you will all become a piece of a larger NASCAR camping family and maybe even friends for life!  

Visiting my friends & neighbors that were TWO sites over from me the year before.
© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

What do you and your NASCAR family do special when you see each other at the track?

Don't forget to SHARE this post with your friends and "LIKE" us on Facebook & follow me on Twitter @InfieldGuru or by clicking the links on the right.  #InfieldNation, #SeeYOUOnTheInfield

** ©2015 The Infield Guru.  The Infield Guru is not affiliated with and does not endorse any specific track or driver.  This article is for information & entertainment purposes only. There are no guarantees regarding the availability or quantities of any of the above items. Prices are subject to change without notice. Please contact the specific track or appropriate websites for more detailed information regarding limits and expiration of these offers.  If the links fail to open for you, check your pop-up blocking software or consider calling the tracks directly.