I love going to dirt tracks to watch races. Sprint cars - Winged or non-winged. Midgets. Late Models. Modifieds. Stock Cars. Whatever. While the experience attending a paved track race has similar features, there are a few distinct things to think about before hitting the (dirt) track.
Glasses: Not just for sunshine or better vision. Believe it or not, there are clear lens glasses that people wear at dirt tracks to keep the dust out. It's a good idea to either (1) take your sunglasses or (2) find a clear pair to buy, especially if you show up at the track and everyone is wearing a pair. This happened to me at Eldora, and believe me, it took only about 3 laps to figure out it wasn't just Buckeye Bad Vision that lead to all the glasses I saw.
Seat Cushion/ Chair: If you can, find out what the seating conditions are. Do you have backed grandstands? Can you bring a blanket or chair to sit in the turns or infield? Some tracks won't let you carry in a blanket to reserve seats, and others will not allow backed chairs. But the comfort from the chair back or the cushion is worth carrying it in.
Ear plugs: I confess I don't use ear plugs every often. I use a scanner at some tracks, and that helps. I cringe when I see young children running around without ear plugs, and I am surprised that the kids aren't complaining about their ears hurting.
Cooler: Some track promoters are generous and will let you carry in food and beverages. Others point out they are there to make a buck, so pony up at the snack bar. Find out before you arrive with Buds and no bucks. In any event, you can always tailgate in the parking lot.
Clothing: Think about what you will wear. Can you live with it potentially being ruined by mud? I have never lost any clothing due to dirt from a dirt track, but I'm not a girl to wear my best white capris to the race either. Most tracks open the pits after the races so you can meet and greet the drivers, mechanics and teams.
Shoes: If you plan on going into the pits after the race, take time to consider your footwear. Most dirt tracks are wet down, and slick up during the race. You don't want to be the one who slides and falls as you walk across the track. The surface is also uneven, so heels may be out (I know, this seems to go without saying). And I'm not sure flip-flops will protect your feet from flying lugnuts in the pits.
Shower: By all means go out after you've been to the track. Just go with other people who were at the track. Otherwise, the mudflecks on your face look ridiculous. Seriously. Or consider a stop at a shower before you go out.
Attitude: It can be easy to strike up a conversation with the people around you. Just remember they may all know each other as they've been coming to the track for years. This is great if you have lots of questions about the series, track, competitors, or the best place for the after race drink. Regardless, remember you're there to have fun!
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