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!  

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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

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