Not having it explained by the TV is one huge thing you have to adapt to the first time you go to the track. Once you learn how to watch from the stands, you can actually see a lot more that’s going on. The TV tends to just follow the top few cars, but there’s usually exciting things going on all over the track, even when it appears the leader has just checked out and turned it into a snooze fest.
I went to a race at Texas a couple of years ago that was really exciting. When I got home to see the highlights on The Speed Report (RIP), I was shocked to find out everyone thought it was the most boring race of the season.
I don’t really root for a particular driver anymore, but I’m a Ford fan, so anyone in a Ford that is doing good that day usually gets my attention.