Nascar Nation
We took the family to Charlotte, North Carolina, to Lowe's Speedway to watch the Nextel All Star Challenge.
It was a blast, we saw a bunch of races, including the kids favorite, the "wreck race", ate a bunch of great tailgate food, saw the Chili Peppers play twice, and immeresed ourselves in Nascar.
Josh and I are hooked. We are going back. The girls are glad they went but aren't so sure about next time.
If you haven't been to Nascar, I recommend you try it. It's a lot of fun.
id strongly recommend the F1 USGP http://www.brickyard.com/usgp/
Posted by: anonymous | May 21, 2006 at 05:24 PM
I've never been to a NASCAR event, but I did get dragged (all puns intended) to a NHRA drag race at Englishtown. It was much like an AC/DC concert - just as loud, and the same crowd.
I think I'd like NASCAR better, NHRA is a bit boring after the first few runs.
Posted by: jackson | May 21, 2006 at 05:54 PM
I just got into NASCAR this year. I used to think 'How could a race where they drive in circles be interesting?'. Now, I try to watch every televised race. I am going to try and make a race this year, even though there isn't a race close by (Portland, OR). I may have to go down to California.
Posted by: Chris | May 21, 2006 at 09:16 PM
Nascar races are great. Thanks for the report.
The best tracks to visit are the short track/high bank types so that you can see the most action and still have passing. Atlanta, Richmond, Bristol (TN), and even New Hampshire and Michigan. Sit high in the stands!
Posted by: Rick | May 21, 2006 at 09:35 PM
I validated the NASCAR race thing a few years ago (Hooters 500 here in ATL) and tried to embrace it as my company got involved, but just can't get the velcro to stick. It's come a long way in such a short period of time since the Wintson sponsorship ended, but with college football as my main spectator sport, NASCAR just pails in comparison.
Looks like you and Josh had a balst. If You end up in ATL for a race let me know.
Posted by: Tony Alva | May 22, 2006 at 09:42 AM
In 2016 NASCAR will be virtual.
As oil peaks, role of virtuality and travel
http://communities-dominate.blogs.com/brands/2006/05/as_oil_peaks_ro.html
Posted by: Dimitar Vesselinov | May 22, 2006 at 04:41 PM
I may have to give NASCAR a second shot. I have always written it off because it seems soooooo boring. I am actually a huge fan of rally racing. In rally, you take real cars (plus safety equip of course) and race them as fast as you can down real roads against the clock. At the end of the weekend, whoever have the lowest time wins.
Rally is a blast because the roads are often dirt, the cars get sideways, the cars fly through the air over jumps, etc. The drivers have incredible skill. The World Rally Championship (http://www.wrc.com) is the main series and there is also a small US series (http://www.rally-america.com/) and even a race in NY (http://www.rallynewyork.com/). If you are interested in more just shoot me a note and I can point you toward some video to wet your appetite. :-)
Posted by: Eric Olson | May 24, 2006 at 10:38 AM
been hooked for years - been to a ton of races. my home track (loudon NH) is a great take - my father in law (to be) is a nsacar reporter, one day many years ago he took me as his photographer! if you are a foreigner like me and you want to see a great piece of true americana - go to a race!
Posted by: mark | May 27, 2006 at 06:13 PM