Atlanta Motor Speedway – 2015 INFIELD CAMPING OPPORTUNITY!!!

Let’s start this week with my check-in with the Atlanta Motor Speedway Camping Ticket office to find out about infield camping opportunity for the Folds of Honor Quick Trip 500**.

WHY is there such a great opportunity for YOU to get an infield site at Atlanta Motor Speedway?  It was explained that with approximately 2,276 infield sites, many long time fans were simply disappointed from the change in race dates from Labor Day weekend to March 1st, so many chose NOT to re-new. 

There is only “DRY CAMPING” sites left for this year's NASCAR weekend.

-  Club / Premier Infield Camp Sites (with hook ups) -  SOLD OUT

-  Flock Brother Corral infield sites available - $300 (RV Only) / $65 per wristband (if purchase prior to February 21, 2015) / Children 12 & under are free / $50 for tow car parking that must fit in your spot or be parked in an assigned lot outside of the infield.

- High Speed Corral infield sites (No Hard-sided camping units allowed) – Camping for tents and soft sided pop-ups - $200 / $65 per wristband (if purchase prior to February 21, 2015), children 12 & under are free.

Internet photo provided from AMS website.

There are outside camping sites available, as well, including;

- Legends Premium (RV only, on gravel) - $250 per site, requires the separate purchase of TWO Sunday grandstand race tickets.

-  Family Reserved RV Camping (RV only) - $150 per site which requires the separate purchase of TWO Sunday grandstand race tickets.  Quiet hours are strictly enforced from 10 am – 7 am.

According to “track officials”, they are expecting high temperatures of 65 degrees throughout the week, and just like Daytona, I was cautioned NOT to wait too long to purchase my infield camp site & tickets, as they are "expecting" to sell out before race weekend.

So who's headed to Atlanta Motor Speedway next?

Don't forget to "LIKE" us on Facebook and following us on Twitter 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 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.

2015 Daytona 500 Viewing Parties

© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

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.

© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

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.

Boogity, Boogity, Boogity - LET'S GO NASCAR CAMPING PEOPLE!

Boogity, Boogity, Boogity - LET'S GO NASCAR CAMPING PEOPLE!!!

As the Budweiser Speedweeks kicks off this week, it's time for me to dust off the ole keyboard and get busy blogging again for the 2015 NASCAR racing season.

Let's start the week with my check up with the Daytona International Speedway ticketing office and the camping availability for the upcoming #Daytona500**.

Daytona 2014
© Photo provided by Adrian "Lugnut"Terrero

-  Premium Camping Sites with hook ups -  SOLD OUT
-  Geico Grounds Red/Yellow/Green (non-Hook Up) sites - Limited Availability for access to the infield starting February 17 - 23, but are expected to sell out.
-  Horseshoe Camping Sites - Available with the "extended stay" option without having to move locations later, from February 13 - 23rd.
-  Geico Campgrounds -  Spots are available for February 17 - 23.
-  Geico Park West - Spots available but requires separate grandstand ticket purchase for the races.

I was cautioned NOT to wait too long to purchase infield camping site & tickets, as they said they normally sell out, and with Speedweeks starting they are expecting sales for these spots to go quickly as excitement for the races build up.

So who's hanging out in Daytona for the 2015 Speedweeks & Daytona 500?

Don't forget to "LIKE" us on Facebook and following us on Twitter by clicking the links on 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 the availability or quantities of any of the above items.  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 BLACK FRIDAY – SAVE ON 2015 RACE TICKETS!

Get your "Black Friday" NASCAR specials.
 © Photo by Paul Wilkinson

I’m sure some of you that have been to the stores for the “Black Friday” discounts offered by many retailers.  Some of you may have stayed home and browsed online. Before you forget about yourself or your NASCAR racing friends, here is a “BLACK FRIDAY” list to check out for deals to get your special race discounts for 2015. 

Keep in mind, I did not spend HOURS scouring the web to find every deal.  In fact, just because I may have said there are NO deals found online does not mean they don’t exist, I simply could not find them.

RACE TRACKS

Daytona Speedway - Before you hit the stores this morning, give the gift of horsepower on the high banks with our "Black Friday" deals! http://bit.ly/1yi7waY

Atlanta Motor Speedway - TWO (2) lower Earnhardt grandstand tickets for the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, March 1, TWO (2) AMS 1:64 Scale Diecast Cars, ONE (1) AMS Fleece Blanket using promo code: A15HOLIDAY,  https://oss.ticketmaster.com/aps/ams/EN/promotion/home?_ga=1.241035008.260484136.1417198350

Las Vegas Motor Speedway - NASCAR is coming back to VEGAS March 6-8.  Get the race wrapped up for the holidays with our Family Track Pack.  Get 4 tickets to the race, 4 cokes and 4 hotdogs, all for just $99!  Book by December 13 and you'll receive your package in time for Christmas.  Buy your Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/17004D7382942866?did=lvmsho&_ga=1.263787020.1633088527.1416847758

Many tracks are offers "Black Friday" deals on ticket packages.
© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

Auto Club Speedway - Black Friday Deal:  NO service fees on any ticket or package tot he Auto Club  400 on March 22!  Deal offered until December 1st!  http://www.autoclubspeedway.com/Tickets-Events/Events/NASCAR/Holiday-Package.aspx

Phoenix International Raceway - The Ultimate "Black Friday" Track Package is Back!  For only $89 you'll receive ONE (1) Upper Allison Grandstand Ticket tot he CampingWorld.com 500, Nascar Sprint Cup Race on March 15, 2015.  1 Pre-race Pit Pass.  That's a $150 value, 30% savings!  Act fast because this offer expires on Sunday, November 30 at 11:59 pm Buy Now >> Black Friday Specials

Martinsville Speedway -   No Holiday / Black Friday promotions found online.

Texas Motor Speedway - "Black Friday" is LIVE!  Get your tickets to the Duck Commander 500 starting as low as $20 bucks.  Promo code:  BLACKFRI  >>  https://oss.ticketmaster.com/aps/tms/EN/buy/browse

Bristol Motor Speedway - "Black Friday" :  Great walk-in #BlackFriday offers today!  Already have tickets? Verify them and get the same offers!  Details >> http://bit.ly/1CotCN9

Richmond International Speedway - Add us to your "Black Friday" list! Save money on tickets, hospitality, pit passes & more when you renew by 12/2 > Holiday Offers

Talladega Superspeedway -STARTS TODAY! First 250 purchasers receive Winn-Dixie gift card and more! Buy here: www.talladegasuperspeedway.com/holiday

Kansas Speedway -  No Holiday / Black Friday promotions found online.

Charlotte Motor Speedway – Black Friday Blowout!  

Dover International Speedway - No Holiday / Black Friday promotions found online.

Pocono Raceway - Blah, Blah, Blah Friday Sale --> http://www.poconoraceway.com/black-friday-cyber-monday-sale.  Go ahead, sped fifty bucks on that pair of shoes - they don't really fit, but they're a great deal!  Go ahead, spend $50 on some sweater/scarf/hat set for Uncle Lou - it's perfect for him!  Or you could spend $50 on a Pocono Raceway giftcard and WIN A FREE RACE WEEKEND CAMPING EXPERIENCE with your choice of RV or Tent Spot!

Michigan International Speedway – Numerous ticket packages available online but no specific Holiday or Black Friday promotions found online.  http://www.mispeedway.com/Get-Tickets/Special-Offers.aspx

Sonoma Raceway -  Raceway Holiday ornament with every order, but no specific Holiday or Black Friday promotions found online.

Kentucky Motor Speedway – Kentucky Speedway will offer fans a surprise in limited quantity Cyber Monday packages for the July 11 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Quaker State 400 beginning 12:01, Monday, December 1.  Details of the packages will be revealed when placed on sale and will be available only until the designated quantities sell out.  >>   Black Friday Specials!

New Hampshire Motor Speedway -  You don't need to go out and fight the lines this weekend to take advantage of a great deal on NHMS race tickets!  You're welcome.  Check it out:  Black Friday !

Indianapolis Motor Speedway - No Holiday / Black Friday promotions found online.

Watkins Glen International – No Holiday / Black Friday promotions found online.

Darlington Raceway –  No Holiday / Black Friday promotions found online.

Chicagoland Speedway - Saving big on today's " Black Friday" deals? Check out the prices on Snocross tickets!  Heat up your winter plans today when Snocross heads to Route 66 Raceway, February 20-21, 2015!  Remember to stay tuned for our Cyber Monday Special offer!

Homestead – Miami Speedway - No Holiday / Black Friday promotions found online.

Drivers:

Joey Lagano heading out for final practice.

© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

Joey Logano - Didn't win any of the #5DaysOfThanks giveaways? No worries, you can still win when you head over to JoeyLogano.com and receive 22% off any order that is $50 or more when you enter the promo code: JLBlackFriday.

Kevin Harvick - "Black Friday" Sale!  Buy 1 get 1 FREE on ALL HATS on TonyStewartStore.com!  Offer Valid until Midnight 11/28/14 http://bit.ly/TSSBlackFriday

Jeff Gordon -  #BlackFriday Offer - Every $24+ order in the Jeff Gordon Store will receive a free 1:64 scale Drive to End Hunger #24 Chevrolet die cast while supplies last!  Be sure to check out all the new gear, exclusive offerings and autographed items available at http://shop.jeffgordon.com! #Team24

Richard Childress walking through the
garages at Michigan International Speedway.
© Photo by Patti Buchanan

TEAMS:

Hendrick Motorsports - No need to face the crowds this "Black Friday".  Check out our special deals today in our online store:  http://bit.ly/15n1n2U

Joe Gibbs Racing - SAVE BIG: Now through Monday!  Shop: http://shop.joegibbsracing.com

RCR Racing - Attention shoppers, head over to the RCR Store to get 20% OFF TODAY use code: HOLIDAY >> http://bit.ly/RCRstore

Michael Waltrip Racing - Ready for some great "Black Friday" specials? Check out shop.michaelwaltripracing.com for some awesome deals on our team apparel!  You can shop from the couch you're sitting on after the big meal.

Toyota Racing - Avoid #BlackFriday crowds - shop at http://www.toyotaracinggear.com! Great gifts for the #NASCAR & #NHRA fans in your life.

If you find any other great deals don't forget to share them here.  Also, don't forget to follow us on Facebook and twitter by clicking the links on the rights. 

Happy shopping & will see you on the infield!

** The Infield Guru is not affiliated with and does not endorse any specific track or driver.  This article is for informational purposes only.  There are no guarantees regarding the availability or quantities of any of the above items.  Please contact the specific track or website for more detailed information regarding limits and expiration of these offers.  If the links fail to open for you, please consider calling the race tracks directly or visit them on their web sites.

2014 NASCAR SEASON OVER – NOW WHAT?

The 2014 NASCAR races finished in grand fashion with Kevin Harvick as the 2014 Sprint Cup Series Champion.  With the season over, now what?

Many of you living in areas with colder temperatures may be heading south or have already winterized your RV.  This is a great time to make a list of those items needed to be fixed, modified or scheduled for maintenance.  It makes no sense in scrambling around last minute to make costly maintenance, or repairs, that ruin your trip to next year’s NASCAR races.

"THEE BENNY" at Kansas Motor Speedway
© Photo provided by Dan Jensen/Thee Benny

If your RV requires service that must be completed by an "authorized dealer" - schedule those appointments early!  Depending on the time of year, you may find some service centers are so busy, that getting an appointment could take over a month just for routine service. 

For the snow birds heading south or even west - this is a great time to look at the 2015 NASCAR racing schedule to include one (or more) of those races in your trip. Don’t wait to purchase tickets for your infield camping spots or race tickets.  Despite rumors of lowered attendance, tracks located in the "fairer weather" locations often sell out of their reserved RV camp sites quickly.  Some tracks may offer less expensive outside unreserved camp sites or you can choose a nearby campground so you are near the track if you find either unavailable.

Tent campers can do the same thing.  With many tracks experiencing rain, even snow, in 2014 don’t be discouraged from attending next year’s races.  Look to replace or upgrade any gear that may have caused you issues with staying warm and/or dry so your next infield tent camping experience is even better.  With upcoming holiday sales, this is a great time of year to make those types of purchases. 

April showers at TMS flooded the
campgrounds  in 2014.
© Photo provided by Kyle McMillan

Adapting to different weather conditions can make
your infield tent camping experience more enjoyable
© Photo provided by Kyle McMillan

If you're over the tent camping thing - check out "Craig’s List" or other classified ads of those unlucky fans unable to attend next year's races.  You might be able to find a bus, camper or RV at a reasonable cost.

You can find many Buses/RV/Trailers "For Sale" on
 Craig's List or other classified web sites.
© Photos provided by Tracey Book Argue

If you have any helpful tips on prepping your ride or gear for next year’s races, please share.  Don’t forget to follow on Twitter and Facebook by clicking the links on your right.

See you on the Infield!

SO, LET’S TALK CHASE

I don’t get the very personal social media attacks on others (and their mothers) for simply stating something as innocent as who their favorite driver is?  But since NASCAR introduced the new Chase Format, lord help you if you have an opinion on it. 

The Sprint Cup Championship Trophy
© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

So, let’s talk about NASCAR’s “New” Chase Format. 

NASCAR like any sport is always trying to come up with ways to make the sport more interesting to watch, less complicated to follow and sustain a larger audience until the final race of each season. 

All this while making a profit.

The old “Points Format” that was used to crown a Champion – well – it was simple, drivers and teams had to race/perform consistently over an entire season and they earned points during each race. 

Hamlin taking the track for final practice.
© Photo by Paul Wilkinson

Towards the end of each season when it became evident many weeks out that their favorite driver had NO shot at winning the coveted championship.  These fans had no incentive or interest in purchasing tickets to follow the soon-to-be crowned Champion to the end of the season.  

So fans complained and NASCAR listened, right?  NO.  NASCAR took a huge hit during the latest recession.  People were losing their homes, jobs and filing bankruptcy just to make it through.  People’s expendable incomes to spend on races and infield camping took a HUGE hit.  Tracks were taking out entire sections of grandstands to reduce track and maintenance costs.  NASCAR was in trouble, not because they kept changing the rules and pissing fans off, but because their fans were in serious financial trouble.

No longer able to fill the grandstands, NASCAR created the “NEW” Chase Format!

IMO, The new “Playoff” style format was a brilliant NASCAR marketing strategy because of the attention it now brings every week to the sport and how it keeps more fans watching until that very last race of the season!  Why?

Instead of having only ONE #DriverNation interested in the final race, you now have FOUR #DriverNations hoping their driver can pull out a championship and 39 other #DriverNations watching just to see if the “Chasers” will crash each other out of spite. 

Jeff Gordon and team will have to try again in 2015
© Photo by Patti Buchanan

It’s always been about the money….always will.  Whether your favorite driver made it or not, there are more fans talking NASCAR and chase format than ever before.  Good Job NASCAR! 

Which format do you really think can sell more tickets?  Share your "Opinion" of the NASCAR Chase format here.

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.

© Photos by Patti Buchanan

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.

© Photos by Melanie Milne

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.  

Setting up the pit box for the NNS race.
© Photos by Paul Wilkinson.

Jeff Gordon's Crew takes the 24 back to the garage for some adjustments.
© Photos by Patti Buchanan

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