The Infield Guru: nascar infield

Showing posts with label nascar infield. Show all posts

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

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Wifey Meets her Favorite NASCAR Driver

Brian's "purple" #55 Car.

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

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

Monday, June 22, 2015

Infield Jen's Dedicated Fan in the Stands Reporter: Sonoma Raceway

Wifey and I are just a day away before we begin our trip to Sonoma Raceway for this weekend's NASCAR camping fun! RV is almost packed, house sitter is in place, our two dogs and cat are all set.

Ready for Sonoma Raceway NASCAR weekend!
© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

What we're really looking forward to is being Infield Jen's "Dedicated Fan in the Stands Race Reporters" for the weekend. I've been in the pits, rode a Pace Car before the start of an "Indy Race", but this will be our first time in the garage at a NASCAR event!

I’m not a big autograph collecting person, but I’m thinking if the opportunity presents itself I’ll just have to go for it. What I like to do, is to actually shake their hands & maybe politely ask for a picture with them.

Looking forward to seeing some of cars and action in the garage.
© Photos by Paul Wilkinson

I would really like to meet most of all (not in any specific order), Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Dale Jr and Carl Edwards. Any others would just be an awesome bonus. I’ll let you know how it goes.

I'd love the opportunity to meet Carl Edwards if I get the chance.

If you’ve ever been in the garages for a NASCAR race, what are YOUR suggestions of what to do first? Let me know!

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.

Heading to Sonoma Raceway! Getting Ready!

As I prepare for NASCAR at Sonoma Raceway it really takes some planning to make sure things aren’t forgotten and to help keep costs down.

The excitement started months ago when wifey first gave the O.K. to plan for a trip to the first of two scheduled NASCAR road course races of the season

Getting the RV washed off and ready for the races.

Ready to load up for Sonoma Raceway!
© Photos by Paul Wilkinson

Getting things ready to load up is a little different at my place. Because I live in a Home Owner’s Association (HOA) they have specific rules regarding how early you can bring the RV to the house to get it loaded. So our dining room table becomes our NASCAR race pre-loading zone.

Here are FIVE tips to make planning your trip less stressful:

1. Create a shopping list. Start your list early so when you find sales or coupons for non-perishable items you can get them at reduced costs, as well as, spreading the expense over several weeks/ paydays.

2. Schedule maintenance on your RV/Camper early. Many service centers are booked weeks, if not months, in advance making important routine maintenance items a challenge to get completed if you wait.

3. Plan you road trip to the track. If you are traveling any significant distance you may need to stay at a campground prior to heading to your site location. Be sure to print out your reservation confirmation so if you arrive late or your reservation can’t be found because their computers are down. If you think you’ll be late arriving, be sure to call the front office to find out their procedures for late check-ins.

4. Don’t forget your Race Tickets. Make sure you put your tickets where you won’t forget them as you head out the door!

5. HAVE FUN! If this is your first time – get ready to meet some great people! If you’ve done this before enjoy your time with your NASCAR camping friends.

What are some things you do to get ready to camp at NASCAR?

Monday, April 20, 2015

"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)

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.

Cook you meat & add taco seasoning mix.

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

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!

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

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.

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!

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

NO Shame, just FUN!