# How Many NASCAR Races Have You Been To? **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [May 23, 2014, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-nascar-races-have-you-been-to/689105 "2014-05-23T16:51:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Casey1505](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dc4da7/32.png) [@Casey1505](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Casey1505)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2014, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-nascar-races-have-you-been-to/689105/21 "2014-05-26T12:45:58Z")
Out of curiosity, if you have no apparent interest (“never been to one… wouldn’t go… isn’t my thing”), then why post this poll? ---
**Author:** ![HeyHomie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heyhomie/32/207_2.png) [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2014, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-nascar-races-have-you-been-to/689105/22 "2014-05-26T16:55:14Z")
> [@Casey1505](#): > > Out of curiosity, if you have no apparent interest (“never been to one… wouldn’t go… isn’t my thing”), then why post this poll? To hear from people who _have_, and to enjoy the conversation about it. ---
**Author:** ![tonyfop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/85f322/32.png) [@tonyfop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tonyfop)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2014, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-nascar-races-have-you-been-to/689105/23 "2014-05-27T20:36:24Z")
> [@cmkeller](#): > > I’ve thought about seeing an auto race, but there are no tracks anywhere near New York City. I think the closest one is in Dover, Delaware. I have ridden a lap on the tour bus on the Indy 500 Speedway track, though. Nope, Pocono Raceway, 2 hrs West of the GWB. My brother used to go to the infield there when he first moved to PA, said it was a helluva party. I have been to 2. California Speedway just after it opened, and the Coke 600 7 or 8 years ago. When I went to the Coke 600, I had pit passes, met some drivers, owners, pit crew members. It was really cool. I would suggest family camping in the infield for the Coke 600 weekend. For less than $400 you can drive into the infield, set up some tents in turn 1, and watch everything from qualifying to the race, and leave the next day. Just make sure to bring the earplugs… ---
**Author:** ![Hampshire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hampshire/32/4887_2.png) [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2014, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-nascar-races-have-you-been-to/689105/24 "2014-05-29T03:12:10Z")
I worked across the street from the Daytona speedway for 6 years but only saw one Rolex 24, one Daytona 200 (cycles), and one Daytona 500 (the one where Earnhardt Sr. died). All were free tickets. ---
**Author:** ![cmkeller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmkeller/32/118_2.png) [@cmkeller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmkeller)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2014, 4:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-nascar-races-have-you-been-to/689105/25 "2014-05-29T04:27:52Z")
tonyfop: > [@](#): > > Nope, Pocono Raceway, 2 hrs West of the GWB. Thanks, I’ll have to put it on my list of placed to go. ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2014, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-nascar-races-have-you-been-to/689105/26 "2014-05-29T13:19:19Z")
None, and it isn’t for lack of opportunity. Lived in Bristol for 5 years, and before that, I’d lived in Florence, SC (about 8 miles from Darlington) for 2 years. ---
**Author:** ![Sateryn76](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e4f/32.png) [@Sateryn76](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sateryn76)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2014, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-nascar-races-have-you-been-to/689105/27 "2014-05-29T13:26:47Z")
> [@cmkeller](#): > > tonyfop: > > Thanks, I’ll have to put it on my list of placed to go. Yes! Go to Poconos! But, don’t waste your time with trashy NASCAR - go for the IndyCar race. NASCAR is woo-hoo, rubbin’ bumpers, moonshine drinkin’ crap. If you prefer skill, class and speed, go see IndyCar. This year’s race is on July 6, and it’s a phenomenal track. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2014, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-nascar-races-have-you-been-to/689105/28 "2014-05-29T13:42:32Z")
> [@Gangster\_Octopus](#): > > I have been to zero NASCAR races but I have been to the Indy 500. Heh, I was going to answer “1” because I went to the Indy 500 once with a bunch of friends(free tickets, drunken debauchery). But after reading more I realize that the Indy 500 isn’t NASCAR. So zero. ---
**Author:** ![FordTaurusSHO94](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f07891/32.png) [@FordTaurusSHO94](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FordTaurusSHO94)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2014, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-nascar-races-have-you-been-to/689105/29 "2014-05-31T21:27:34Z")
> [@Sateryn76](#): > > But, don’t waste your time with trashy NASCAR - go for the IndyCar race. NASCAR is woo-hoo, rubbin’ bumpers, moonshine drinkin’ crap. If you prefer skill, class and speed, go see IndyCar. I’d argue, but, meh. ---
**Author:** ![Accidental\_Martyr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ce7236/32.png) [@Accidental\_Martyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Accidental_Martyr)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2014, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-nascar-races-have-you-been-to/689105/30 "2014-05-31T23:04:31Z")
> [@FordTaurusSHO94](#): > > I’d argue, but, meh. I agree. NASCAR racing is far superior to Indy Car. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2014, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-nascar-races-have-you-been-to/689105/31 "2014-06-01T01:47:42Z")
Never been. Car racing, when I’ve seen it on TV, bores me pretty quickly. ---
**Author:** ![Tiktaalik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7cd45c/32.png) [@Tiktaalik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tiktaalik)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2014, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-nascar-races-have-you-been-to/689105/32 "2014-06-02T15:03:21Z")
Once. Darlington. About 10 years ago. Got dragged there by a bunch of friends and camped near the track for the whole weekend. Went to all three races (the truck race, and both car races). Had an absolute blast. Admittedly, most of the fun was just being there with who I was with. But the races were exciting. Darlington is a tiny track - the sounds and the smell of fuel and rubber were intense. Lotta of lower socioeconomic sorts, but definitely a fun, crazy crowd. I thought is was more entertaining than the Indy 500 I went to (I loved that too - but NASCAR was just more fun to watch at Darlington). Again, part of it was probably who I was with, too. I’d go again, with the right group of friends. ---
**Author:** ![Xema](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/9de053/32.png) [@Xema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xema)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2014, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-nascar-races-have-you-been-to/689105/33 "2014-06-02T15:39:23Z")
I’ve been to just one NASCAR race. Not really my cup of tea, but definitely worthwhile as a cultural experience (sort of like a visit to Las Vegas). > [@WhyNot](#): > > I think my ears are still ringing. > (Seriously, it’s LOUD. Louder than that. No, still louder. There’s a reason they sell earplugs at the concession stand.) I’m not sure why you’re downplaying the noise level - it’s much worse than this. (Don’t go without serious hearing protection.) ---
**Author:** ![Southern\_Yankee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/southern_yankee/32/2800_2.png) [@Southern\_Yankee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Southern_Yankee)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2014, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-nascar-races-have-you-been-to/689105/34 "2014-06-02T15:46:05Z")
I live pretty close to the Charlotte Speedway. I went to the All-Star race a few years ago (free tickets.) It was a lot of fun, but I enjoyed the tailgating and pre-race festivities more than the race itself. ---
**Author:** ![Sir\_T-Cups](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ed655f/32.png) [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2014, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-nascar-races-have-you-been-to/689105/35 "2014-06-02T16:31:12Z")
None, and it kinda makes me mad. I have lived in Indiana (Indianapolis too for that matter) and now Charlotte (albeit for less than a year) and have never gone to any auto-racing event. Given how close I was I should have gone to AT LEAST one right?!?! ---
**Author:** ![Southern\_Yankee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/southern_yankee/32/2800_2.png) [@Southern\_Yankee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Southern_Yankee)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2014, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-nascar-races-have-you-been-to/689105/36 "2014-06-02T17:17:08Z")
> [@Sir\_T-Cups](#): > > None, and it kinda makes me mad. > > I have lived in Indiana (Indianapolis too for that matter) and now Charlotte (albeit for less than a year) and have never gone to any auto-racing event. > > Given how close I was I should have gone to AT LEAST one right?!?! If you want to go here in Charlotte i would recommend the drag races. ---
**Author:** ![racepug](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f1d935/32.png) [@racepug](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/racepug)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2014, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-nascar-races-have-you-been-to/689105/37 "2014-06-02T17:29:14Z")
I went to the Long Beach Grand Prix in the early '90s with a family acquaintance but I don’t think that’s a NASCAR-sponsored event. That’s the only motorsport event I’ve been to and if I have my way that will remain the case forever. I hate that kind of noise and motorsports are one of the few types of “sporting” events that exist that I dislike even more than baseball. I’d rather watch 10000000 baseball games than a single motorsport event. ---
**Author:** ![Apocalypso](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@Apocalypso](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Apocalypso)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2014, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-nascar-races-have-you-been-to/689105/38 "2014-06-02T17:40:05Z")
We live near Lernerville Speedway, if anyone’s heard of that. We’re close enough to it that my wife can hear it from our bedroom (with the TV on), but far enough away that I can’t hear it unless I’m outside, it’s really quiet and I’m really concentrating. But I have never watched auto racing of any kind, television or live, unless you count Top Gear. I’m sure there are all sorts of subtleties to it, they’re not just driving in a big circle. But I don’t have any NASCAR friends that could talk me through the finer points and tell me what’s actually happening. My wife’s ex was a big fan and she has watched races with him, but she stopped when they broke up so I don’t think she was that into it. She has said she will take me to Lernerville at some point for a race, just to experience it once. So we’ll see. Maybe I’ll become a big fan :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2014, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-nascar-races-have-you-been-to/689105/39 "2014-06-02T18:02:01Z")
> [@Apocalypso](#): > > We live near Lernerville Speedway, if anyone’s heard of that. If you like sushi, and ever eat it at Shanghai Tokyo in Sarver, maybe we’ve met? ---
**Author:** ![That\_Don\_Guy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/that_don_guy/32/538_2.png) [@That\_Don\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/That_Don_Guy)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2014, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-nascar-races-have-you-been-to/689105/40 "2014-06-02T19:33:28Z")
Zero, in part because the only NASCAR race anywhere near where I live is on the Sonoma road course, and in part because I enjoy having major sporting events “explained to me” by TV commentators rather than seeing them live. (The last major sporting event I remember seeing live was a 1984 Mets game at Shea Stadium, and even that was only because I was staying with friends in New York who were Mets fans.) Is it really worth going to a NASCAR race if you’re not rooting for a particular driver? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-nascar-races-have-you-been-to/689105.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-nascar-races-have-you-been-to/689105.md?page=3)