Daytona 500 Race 2/17/08 Is it worth going?

I would love to go there. I can go watch any racing though. Nascar, Indy, F1 I love them all. The crowd is not bad. I think it is better at the track than on tv. And this is the 50th anniversary of the Daytona 500 I believe.

 

It's a tough call.

I went years ago...just to experience it. Probably wont be back again.

I'm not sure I'd bring young kids. Lots of foul language, etc. It got kind of old havign to sit and listen to "f-you Gordon" every time he passed by...(250 times =)

The more expensive seats probably have less of that type of thing.

Biggest problem w/ Daytona is that it's so huge. Even if you sit up high at the start/finish, it's hard to see the backstretch, etc. I don't know if they now have jumbo screens, but it's certainly not like a Las Vegas or Homestead track where you clearly see the whole race.

Go once just to experience it if you can.

 

The crowd behavior depends on what your version of 'rough' is.....racing attracts a mixed-bag of people. I've seen 'rough' behavior at the ROLEX 24, at a Montreal F1 race....if your social status cannot tolerate rubbing elbows with the 'little people', you probably will not enjoy yourself at Daytona. NASCAR bills itself as populist racing entertainment for the 'Heartland Masses', after all.

 

Doesn't NASCAR have certain grandstands (one for families, ect.) at it's tracks?

 

I don't follow it enough to know.

 

P.S. If you want rough behavior, go to Sebring 12hrs =)

 

I went to Talladega with a buddy a few years ago after reluctantly saying yes. I had a surprisingly good time and it is a fun experience. It is definitely a slightly rougher crowd, but I think that makes the experience unique. I'm actually probably a bigger fan of the redneck crowd than i am the rich/elite crowd.

 

It's one of those events you have to go to ONCE in your life.

 

+1

Life is about experience...the 500 is one of those...do it.

 

I have a few silly things I want to do in my lifetime:

1) Camp out in the infield for 4-5 days during a big race weekend in Elkhart Lake. Just grill, drink, watch, and sleep.
2) See an Ivy League football game in-person - in the snow.
3) Visit Australia for about 6 weeks - and catch the F1 race.

Most all other 'big' sporting events I have already seen in-person.

PS - if you want to buy T-shirts and stuff at a nascar race, you MUST go on a friday - because they will
sell out of all 'special' sizes and items usually sometime on Saturday, leaving just 'normal' stuff for race day.

 

Have you been to the Brian Redman International Challenge @ RA?

If not, that would be perfect for your #1.

It's mid July and typically hot...Africa Hot.

Good luck

 

I'll be there. Daytona isn't the best spectator track, but it sure is a good experience to see the huge packs of cars zoom by and to hear the rumble of the V8s.

 

I've thought about it, there is a guy here in town that races in it every year.
I think EL is about 9 hours from me, not too bad.

 

Takes me 7 Hrs to get there...and I live in the same state....

The event is well worth the effort it takes to get there. I thought about camping years ago, but that time of year is hot as h#ll (day and night) & I'm ....(& my wife) is/are pansies, so pool and A/C are a must.

I called a couple of weeks ago to re-up our reservation at Victorian Village (Google it). We've stayed at both Vic Vill and the Osthoff... Vic Vill requires less vasoline....=), but the Osthoff is nice. It all depends on what your priorites/needs are, we're a little more low key and are there for the cars, drinks, people, sun, relaxation... overall, a bed is a bed =)

Anyway, Vic Vill still had some Hotel stytle rooms left (not much to write home about...app $220/night), and after the cars shows fri & sat it's nice to be able to walk home if you know what I mean....Seibkens rules!

I'd be happy to buy a whisky or two/three/ten, when the time comes....

Put it on your list of things to do before....well you know =)