Rain, Rain, Go Away: Things to do during a Rain Delay

Originally Posted on April 30, 2006 on Foxsports.com

Last night, my dirt track race was rained out.  Then today, the Cup race was rained out at Talladega, and is scheduled to run tomorrow.  Any guesses as to how many people call in sick?

Things to do During a Rain Delay at the Track

7.  Watch the crews scramble to cover the cars, throw stuff into the pit box/trailer, and throw down a cover for the pit box (paved tracks only).  And you thought the pit stops were fast.

6.  Listen to the crews or officials talk on the scanner.  Figure out what the inside joke is this week for your favorite team.  If you are truly devoted, they may note the "crazy fan" still sitting in the stands with last year's T-shirt on.

5.  Go buy a hot dog or soda and eat it under the grandstand.  Soggy hot dog buns are not my idea of gourmet food.   Neither is rained downed soda.  Plan ahead - your seat will be wet when you get back.  

4.  Go souvenir shopping.  Where was the Hoosier trailer?

3.  Talk to the people sitting around you.  Refrain from heckling them for their choice in driver.  Unless they start it first...

2.. Run for cover (downpours only please).  I've found this is a great way at a dirt track to meet the drivers.  For some reason, they all end up under the grandstand. 

1.  (My favorite!)  Watch people try to walk into or out of the pit area at a dirt track - the wet track/mud acts like ice.  Count number of falls. Clap those that look the worst. Equally as fun is to watch the women who have on dress shoes and try the same thing - the heels give traction but sink in a bit further...

Things to do During a Rain Delay At Home:

3.  Watch the coverage on TV.  The networks usually drag every driver out of his trailer/ garage to talk.  In my opinion, these can be the best interviews of the year once they get beyond the typical questions (and they will get there because they have hours potentially to fill).

2.  Channel surf.  Usually there is something on TV somewhere.  Today, I was not so lucky (and I refuse to watch coverage of the NFL draft).

1.  Surf the web.  Take time to look at your driver's web page, the owner's web page, the sponsor's web page or industry pages.  Join a chat room, message board or read blogs to connect to other fans.