advice for 1st time f-1 race?

I'm finally going to make to the Indy F-1 race this year. Is there some advice you could give as to decent seats, and any other extras? I don't have the budget for the "Paddock Club" or anything, but would like to get as up close and personal as possible. Any information is greatly appreciated. Thank You for taking the time to help...Sincerely; Jeff

 

Jeff, I'll be the first to chime in. There have been several posts regarding this if you're in the mood to search. But here is some useful info:

For Friday and Saturday, they sell a $25 ticket that's good for both days. Seating on those days is general admission, and you're allowed to leave and re-enter the track. That's good since there is a large merchandise setup across the street if that's what you're into.

The most desirable seats are in H, high up, so you can see a lot of that infield. However, there are a lot of good vantage points which are rather evident from the track map. Don't buy seats on the main straight just to see the action in the pits. You can get your fill of that in 10 minutes on one of the practice days. Also, there are some built-up grassy areas (aka. "knolls") along the back of the track, near the double hairpins, that are good for viewing. Again, general admission.

Do you know where you're staying? Hotels are obviously over-priced, but if you stuff 4 to a room, the cost is offset nicely. We prefer staying downtown and doing just that, which in my opinion beats staying 45 minutes away to save a couple bucks. If you're a camper, the lots across from the stadium couldn't be more convenient. But pack your own party since not much goes on around there.

 

I wouldn't waste money on the Pit Lane walkabouts. Most of the cars are behind screens. You'll be lucky if you see 1 driver and even luckier if they stop to pass the time of day with you, the paying public! Take earmuffs if you're sitting near the start. You've no idea how loud these things are in real life.

 

Practice Days - make sure you get to walk around and see all the various views, especially at the end of the front straight before heading into turn 1.

There's a museum in the infield, along with all the speedgear/f1 merchandise. The museum is 6 bucks IIRC, and worth checking out.

Bring a cooler or other lunch bag with you to the speedway. While they do serve food there, you can also bring your own. The first year, back in 2000, they were not too prepared for the impact of people from a far and even farther, who did not bring their own food. It wasn't starvation alley, but not everything was plentiful. It's cheaper if you bring your own food/sandwiches anyway.

Hats from speedgear and shirts alike will be $5 more than the list prices on their website. Same vendor, just $5 more. So, that $30 hat will be $35 at the speedway. Just a word of caution there.

 

The FCA had some great seats in its package for this year which includes the dinners/parties/track events of the FCA Nationals as well.

 

The museum has some great old Ferraris.....definately a 'must see'..

Just stay 'heads up' for opportunities, man.

I helped some guys thru the crowd with a golf cart (Challenge Team) and the next thing you know I'm hanging in the pits!

"Hey Micheal! How are ya Ruebens? Can I have this pear, I'm hungry???"

Shared my tickets with three nice babes too, but their husbands came along and took them back to Mercedes.........

 

Stay mobile, walk around during practice for various views...cars are slowest in the infield turns (for photos)........

 

Thank You Everyone! I appreciate your viewpoints. I can hardly wait to get there and see all the pomp and circumstance!

 

Earplugs. No kidding. I know this seems like a sin but you will see by the end of the first day (if not much sooner). You will LOVE it in the beginning but after the first couple of hours it will split your head open. You can always take them in and out as needed.

 

Yeah, thanks everybody. I am pretty new to this too but have tickets to this year's Canadian Grand Prix for all three days and I will use all the advice offered.

I caught the 2003 Ferrari F-1 car at the Monterey Historics last year and it was the loudest car I've ever heard so ear protection is a good idea.

Cheers,
Rick

 

Wow you took the words right out of my mouth, I'm going to the Canadian Grand Prix for the first time as well! Thanks for the advice guys!

 

Have Fun! Its one of the best experiences to see a Ferrari 1 - 2!!!
Take lots of pictures.

 

Are they still going to have the 360 Challenge race(s) this year if the F430 is comming out?
And what else is there racing besides those and the F1 cars on the weekend??

 

for the USGP the support races last year were the Porsche SuperCup and formula BMW. The PSC races were OK the F-BMW were as exciting as a sleeping pill JMHO