Wednesday, July 29, 2015

NASCAR on Road Courses = Boring? Or is It?

Actually attending a NASCAR race at a road course track will give you a different perspective you can't get from watching on TV.
© Photos by Paul Wilkinson

I had never been a fan of watching NASCAR road course races on TV.  Unless you’re familiar with the track, it can be difficult to follow, making the races = Boring!!!

1.     The twists & turns only let the TV crews follow one or two cars on the track at a time.
With so many turns it's difficult for the camera crews to effectively
 follow many cars on the track.  
© Photos by Paul Wilkinson
2.     TV crews tend to only follow the lead cars and seem to ignore other actual racing going on.
3.     The constant changing cameras at every turn, every two seconds makes the broadcast feel so “choppy” -  Ugh, hate it!

Or IS it BORING?  Since I was able to go to Sonoma Raceway this year and experience my first road course NASCAR racing IN PERSON, I actually found it fascinating.

1.      I could see almost the entire track from my seating area.
2.      Using my Racing Electronics Scanner and headset it was nice to “hear” and “see” where ALL the cars were on the track, even with the varying pit strategies after the cars were strung out at different places on the track after a long green flag run.
With cars getting so strung out over the track from long green flag runs and pit strategies, scanners/headsets are a must in order to follow the action. 
© Photos by Paul Wilkinson
3.     Although car speeds were much slower than you’d find on a super speedway oval, it sure didn’t look like they were driving slow.

Average speeds are much slower overall, but with cars taking corners at tops speeds make the racing look FAST and fun! 
© Photos by Paul Wilkinson
With cars racing RAIN or SHINE, I was doing the rain dance hoping for some wet weather to see how these cars performed on their Goodyear racing rain tires.

I look forward to watching NASCAR in the rain to see how Goodyear's racing tires hold up.
 © Photos by Paul Wilkinson
With NASCAR racing at Watkins Glen International , the best suggestion I can make to anyone who is NOT a road course fan is . . . GO WATCH IT IN PERSON!  It’ll give you a new perspective on NASCAR road course race if you are not a fan.

What do you think of NASCAR racing on road courses?

Don’t forget to “LIKE” us here and on facebook (https://www.facebook.com/NascarInfieldCamping).  You can also follow me on Twitter @InfieldGuru.  #InfieldNation, #SeeYOUOnTheInfield


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

Monday, July 27, 2015

RV Travel and NASCAR - Freeway Travel Apps

After completing a 1,200 mile round trip to Sonoma Raceway while towing a vehicle, I wanted to share with you THREE really cool smart phone apps and tips that are good during freeway travel.

1.     Using the “GasBuddy” App.
 
Finding a gas station with the best prices that allowed easy
in/out access for my RV and Tow Vehicle was important.
© Photo By Paul Wilkinson
This app was helpful in finding the least expensive fuel.  It also informed us if there were more than one gas station coming up.  This gave us options with regards to the size of my RV and length of tow to select a location that was easy to get in and out.

Your debit/credit cards may limit the amount of fuel purchased at the pump.  On one occasion after I had reached my "limit", the price actually went down while I was standing there.


The price of fuel actually went down from when I started to fill my tank.
© Photo By Paul Wilkinson


2.      Using the “Maps” App.

Although it was helpful in getting us in the correct general direction and ultimately to our final destination, we found that having the "fastest route" or "show traffic" updates on would result in multiple options which would unexpectedly update those instructions.  Including those to randomly get on/off the freeway.

My stubbornness to get off the freeway when "told", actually saved us from "imaginary" detours and traffic.  

3.      Using the “Waze” App

Although I must admit I did NOT use this app for this trip, I have used it in the past.  This app shows other “Waze” users who input traffic, hazards and other road conditions that could affect your travel plans including potential police speed traps looking for out of state travelers.  

I am not the biggest fan of this app for several reasons;  unless you have someone with you to input potential traffic issues, you're basically texting while driving.  Also, the amount of data it uses and how quickly it drains your phone battery with continuous use in my opinion is somewhat excessive.

I am sure there are other helpful “Travel Apps” out there, so, what kind of “Travel Apps” do you use when on the road?

Don’t forget to “LIKE” us here and on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/NascarInfieldCamping).  You can also follow me on Twitter @InfieldGuru.  #InfieldNation, #SeeYOUOnTheInfield

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


Bacon Wrapped Cheesy Breakfast Burrito

Do you prefer eggs & bacon over a bowl of cereal when camping at the track?  Try the “Bacon Wrapped Cheesy Breakfast Burrito”.  Easy to make and tastes great! 

What you need:
 
Prepare you list of ingredients for the "Bacon Wrapped Cheesy Breakfast Burrito"
© Photos by Paul Wilkinson

·        1 Package of Bacon
·        4 – 6 Eggs (or 1 carton of Egg Beaters)
·        1 Packages Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Optional - can be made without cheese)
·        Other assorted ingredient toppings of your choice:  Chopped Ham, Mushrooms, Onions, Peppers, Sausage, etc . . .
·        Hash Brown Potatoes
·        Cooking Spray (PAM) or butter
·        Aluminum Foil/ Aluminum foil pan
·        Toothpicks
·        Cooking Tongs

Directions:

·        Weave the bacon together on a sheet of Aluminum foil.  Spray with PAM or butter to prevent it from sticking.  This is kind of a pain in the ass but will be the shell to hold your toppings together while cooking.
Hardest part is to get a good bacon weave to hold your toppings.
© Photos by Paul Wilkinson

·        Prepare your toppings to your taste by chopping some Ham, Sasuage, peppers, onion or other veggies, etc…. 
·        Mix the Hash Brown Potatoes and Eggs together (using a small disposable aluminum pan works great).
Prepare your toppings. 
© Photos by Paul Wilkinson

·        Spread a thin layer of the Egg/Hash Brown mix over the bacon weave.  If you make this layer too thick it may become difficult to roll and slow your cooking time.
·        Add your additional toppings.  You can add toppings to only half so when rolled will only be on one side of your creation.
Add your Egg/Hash Brown mix & additional toppings.
 © Photos by Paul Wilkinson

·        Wrap your “Burrito” using the Aluminum foil to ensure it is wrapped tightly.
·        Use tooth picks as needed to help hold your “Bacon Wrapped Burrito” together.
·        Place on grill until bacon is fully cooked. 
Tightly wrap your "Bacon Burrito around the toppings using the aluminum foil. 
© Photos by Paul Wilkinson

My small tailgate grill made it difficult to adjust the temperature for cooking, and the grates are very close to the flames, I kept it in the middle of the grill on a more indirect heat while cooking.   This took about 45 minutes to ensure it was properly cooked.

The foil gets HOT so be sure to have some cooking tongs to rotate your “Bacon Wrapped Cheesy Burrito” to prevent burning and to cook evenly.

Once it’s ready remove or open the aluminum foil, melt some cheese on top, make some toast, serve & Enjoy!  Serves 3 – 4 people.  (Don't forget to take out the toothpicks).

Melt some cheese on top!  Cut your servings with a sharp knife!  Enjoy!
© Photos by Paul Wilkinson 

What are some things you like to prepare for breakfast while camping at NASCAR?  SHARE your ideas with us here.

Don’t forget to “LIKE” us here and on facebook (https://www.facebook.com/NascarInfieldCamping).  You can also follow me on Twitter @InfieldGuru.  #InfieldNation, #SeeYOUOnTheInfield

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



Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Wifey Meets her Favorite NASCAR Driver

Brian's "purple" #55 Car.
© Photo By Paul Wilkinson
As big of a NASCAR camping fan that I am, my wifey is nice enough to tolerate my obsession with it.

“Mrs. Infield Guru” attended her first races only two years ago at the Auto ClubSpeedway in Fontana.  I told her that in order to make the races more fun she should choose a driver to follow.

So she did what any normal non-obsessed woman might do – she picked the “purple” car, which so happened to be the Michael Waltrip Racing #55 with Brian Vickers.

After Brian’s medical issues this year, she remained faithful to her team and continues to follow the #55 car. 

Sonoma Raceway Pit Road 2015.
© Photo By Paul Wilkinson

At the races at Sonoma Raceway this year, she was able to go into the garage area with a Hot Pass and was able to get an autograph and pictures with her “new” driver David Ragan.



David Ragan, #55 Michael Waltrip Racing.
 © Photos By Paul Wilkinson


She’s still not a NASCAR junkie (I’m working on it) but she had a good time in the pits and garage areas before the races.

How did you pick your favorite NASCAR driver?

Don’t forget to “LIKE” us here and on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/NascarInfieldCamping).  You can also follow me on Twitter @InfieldGuru.  #InfieldNation, #SeeYOUOnTheInfield


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

Monday, July 6, 2015

Pizza Sub Sandwiches


You’re camping at the track and looking for something simple to make other than hamburgers and hot dogs.  Try some easy to make Pizza Sub Sandwiches. 

What you need:
 
Prepare your Pizza Sub Sandwich ingredients.
© Photo By Paul Wilkinson
·        4 – 6 Deli Grinder Rolls
·        2 – 3 Packages of pre-sliced pepperoni
·        1 Packages Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
·        1 Cans of Pizza Sauce
·        Other assorted ingredient toppings of your choice: Ham, Ground Beef, Mushrooms, Onions, Peppers, Bacon, Sausage, etc . . .
·        Cooking Spray (PAM) or butter
·        Aluminum Foil

Directions:

·        Prepare your toppings to your taste.  Most people are O.K. with just pepperoni and cheese, but if you like other toppings, chop some ham, prepare some ground beef, bacon sausage and/or veggies. 
Slice deli rolls and add pizza sauce.
© Photo By Paul Wilkinson
·        Slice your Deli Grinder Rolls lengthwise.
·        Place Roll on Aluminum foil sprayed with cooking spray or butter the outside of your bread roll to prevent it from sticking to the foil.
·        Spread Pizza Sauce on the roll.
·        Add pepperoni and/or other toppings to taste.
·        Add Mozzarella Cheese.
 
Add desire toppings & cheese to preferred taste.
© Photos By Paul Wilkinson
·        Bake over heated grill using indirect heat (to prevent burning the bread) for 15 – 20 minutes or until cheese is completely melted.

Place on indirect heat 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted.
© Photo By Paul Wilkinson

Serve Hot as a sandwich or cut in half and eat as a pizza snack!   Enjoy!
Serve Hot & Enjoy! 
© Photo By Paul Wilkinson
What are some things you like to prepare for dinner while camping at NASCAR?

Don’t forget to “LIKE” us here and on Face Book (https://www.facebook.com/NascarInfieldCamping).  You can also follow me on Twitter @InfieldGuru.  #InfieldNation, #SeeYOUOnTheInfield

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