The Infield Guru: Michigan International Speedway

Showing posts with label Michigan International Speedway. Show all posts

Saturday, April 4, 2015

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!

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.

Friday, February 13, 2015

2015 Daytona 500 Viewing Parties

Is 2015 NOT your year to attend the Daytona 500 in person?

Don't worry there are plenty of "Daytona 500 Viewing Parties" to pick from. Many being hosted by race tracks or radio stations.

Texas Motor Speedway is offering FREE Infield Camping for those who want to have their tailgate party there. The last post I saw on Facebook showed over 350 RSVP's from those attending this infield tailgate party.

Here are just a few links to find a #Daytona500 party in your area. If you don't see a location near you? Try using GOOGLE to see if you can find one.

Please share this post with your friends and be sure to comment on other locations you find available to watch the race.

- Las Vegas Motor Speeway is hosting at least SEVEN parties and various location.

- Auto Club Speedway - Kentucky Speedway

- Chicagoland Speedway - Kansas Speedway

- Pocono Raceway - Nascar Hall of Fame

- Iowa Speedway - Talladega Superspeedway

- Michigan International Speedway - Dover International Speedway

- Sonoma Raceway

EIGHT (8) Helpful tips for attending a "Daytona 500 Viewing Party":

1. Make sure you check out the requirements (Age restrictions, times, Costs, etc.) in advance.

2. Submit your RSVP with number attending to the proper event coordinators so you are not turned away at the door OR forced to sit in a separate area because the reservations are full.

3. Get there early to ensure a good spot to watch the race.

4. Take some extra cash in case they are offering raffles to win cool racing memorabilia or other prizes.

You might get an opportunity to win some cool NASCAR prizes.

5. Talk with the track representatives on hand to find out if they are offering discounts or other deals for tickets, pit passes, hot laps, etc.

6. Make sure you have a designated driver if you intend to drink "adult beverages".

7. Talk with the other attending race fans and make some new friends.

8. HAVE FUN!

Be sure to "LIKE" us on Facebook and follow us on twitter by clicking on the links to the right.

©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 purposes only. There are no guarantees regarding availability or quantities of the above items. Please contact the specific track or appropriate web site for more detailed information regarding limits and expiration of these offers. If the links fail to open for you, check you pop-up blocking software or consider calling the tracks directly.

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

NASCAR Camping Things to Do – “The Pit Pass”

You’re camping the infield, getting your party on – GREAT - but make sure you make time for another NASCAR camping things to do while you’re at the track (at least once) by purchasing a pit pass to be up close and personal to pit road activities.

Austin Dillon heads to the track for final practice.
© Photos by Paul Wilkinson.

Unless you are extremely hung over from the night before, nothing beats the roar of engines and the smell of rubber than being right next to these cars as they go to and from the track during practice and qualifying sessions.

Dale Jr signs autographs on pit row.

As a bonus you’ll be close to “autograph row” where you might get that quick picture and possibly an autograph with your favorite drivers and crews. Please Be polite and remember they are working, they respond to ass holes just like you and I do - by being ass holes back. Don’t be “that guy” who ruins someone else’s dream of meeting their favorite drive.

If you’re camping with a group, make arrangements to split the cost to purchase one or two pit passes to share with those in your party that want to include a trip to pit road during race weekend.

Check your favorite tracks websites or Facebook pages for pit pass pricing and check for additional contests that may offer opportunities to be selected for Pace Car Hot Laps, Garage Access, VIP Packages, private driver Q & A sessions or pre-race driver meetings and introductions to enhance your infield camping race experience.

Pre-race "Cold Pass" for the Garage area.

Long time infield campers and season ticket holders are often rewarded with discounted pit pass tickets when pre-purchased and some tracks may even offer additional incentives by renewing tickets and camp sites early.

With that said, wear comfortable shoes, hat/visor, pack plenty of water and sun screen, your Sharpie, and make sure your camera is fully charged as it’s a NASCAR Camping Things to Do you’ll want to share and remember.

Have fun and share your “Pit Pass” photos and stories here.

Don't forget you can now follow on Twitter @infieldguru and Facebook by clicking on the right! See you there!

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Talladega Superspeedway NASCAR - Road Trip

Talladega Superspeedway

I must admit I was a little jealous when my friend called me last week to “share” the sudden plan to road trip it to attend the Talladega Superspeedway #GEICO500 and CAMP THE INFIELD with her husband. I’m not complaining, because I was invited to go. In fact, they even offered to pay for the campsite and my ticket - the only catch - I would need to drive the RV the 2080+ miles to the track.

As much fun it sounded, I just wasn’t sold on the overall cost of fuel and last minute logistics for a 4,100 mile round trip to Alabama and back. When I offered to just fly and meet them there, the invitation was quickly rescinded as “the tent would be too small for the three of us.”

These friends have been camping the infield at Michigan International Speedway NASCAR races for as long as I remember. Her father was one of the volunteer fire fighters at the track over 30 years ago and they have been going ever since.

If ANYONE is the actual NASCAR Infield Camping GURU - that would be her. She had their ‘Dega campsite tickets ordered and received within a week of his announcement to pack the car! She has every gadget, checklist, cooking tool and recipe you would ever need for some of the finest gourmet lunches and dinners you could eat at a race. I’m betting she even had the trip planned down to the minute of when they would arrive at the track. Like I said, she’s the real NASCAR Infield Camping Guru!

It was fun to watch their ‘Dega trip when they shared it on Facebook or from an occasional text message and photo. Now I don’t know if this was an anniversary present to each other, but the timing was impeccable for them making this trip to attend the Talladega race right after their 24^th wedding anniversary. Either way, I’m happy for them for being able to celebrate 24 years together on an awesome road trip? Congratulations! You deserve it!

P.S. Just to remind you, that’s Jeff Gordon’s number! I know you're a big fan. ; )