What are the best NASCAR races to go to?
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Answer by Lisa Borodkin, Covered NASCAR on LAist
Understand that the top level of NASCAR racing is the Cup series, currently sponsored by Sprint. The next level down, currently sponsored by Nationwide, is considered a developmental series, although many Cup series drivers race the Nationwide races to get a feel for the track and stay sharp. The next NASCAR level is the Truck series, probably of less interest to those looking for a classic NASCAR experience.
For pure track excitement, arguably the consensus among NASCAR fans is the Bristol night race because of the steep bank, the large capacity, and the lights. This race was replicated in one of the night montage sequences in "Cars" establishing Lightning McQueen as a superstar. There is limited lodging in the Bristol, Tennessee area and the race sells out.
The most famous event on the calendar is historically the Daytona 500, which kicks off the official Cup season. Along with Talladega Superspeedway, Daytona is a restrictor-plate track.The restrictor-plate races have completely different race dynamics, requiring alliances and team drafting, because the cars cannot accelerate and decelerate as easily as at other tracks. There is bump drafting and side drafting, which is interesting from an aerodynamic perspective. The Daytona 500 is one of the million-dollar races.
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The other million-dollar race and another highlight of the Cup season is the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte, deep in the heart of NASCAR's home in North Carolina. The race teams are all based around North Carolina, so this is the social event of the race season. The 600 is the longest race on the Cup calendar.
Homestead in Miami closes out the season. However, because of NASCAR's Chase format, the Cup championship may be virtually locked up by the time of Homestead. This means potentially conservative racing by the points leader, as he may have clinched the championship as long as he doesn't wreck out.
Not recommended for novice race-goers are the road courses, Sonoma (pictured above) and Watkins Glen. While they are important and require different driving skills, the whole courses cannot be viewed well in person and there is less of the head-to-head racing generally associated with NASCAR oval-track racing (There is, however, excellent wine tasting in and around the Sonoma track).
Pocono is a long, strange triangular track with a reputation for rain delays. It is popular for camping but one of the less popular tracks for drivers.
The best seats are considered the high-up seats at the top of the grandstand or in the towers. The low, close, noisy seats near the track base are affectionately called "chicken bone" seats.
Air quality is generally horrible, and earplugs are a must.
To maximize spectator understanding and enjoyment, rent an official Sprint Fanview hand-held scanner. It has video of the race, graphical real-time statistics, and you can listen to the official race call or the radio of your favorite race team.