April 28, 2014

The American Experience: NASCAR at RIR

"Gentlemen, start your engines...!!!"

On Friday I posited that it doesn't get much more stereotypically-American than experiencing a NASCAR race in all its glory and I still stand by that statement!  You'll get your fill of down-home, blue-blooded, patriotically cheerful people and atmosphere at a NASCAR race.  We came, we saw, we conquered - and then we spent all day Sunday recovering from the sunburn, walking, and headache from the roar of the cars.  But it was worth the price of admission.

Party hearty, folks!
(C) Thrifty Gypsy
When we arrived at 8:40a at Richmond International Raceway, I was shocked to see how many people were already there!  NASCAR fans are hard-core pros when it comes to their tailgating.  Come early, hit it hard, and stay late.  And their site set-ups were impressive: canopies, chairs, shirts, and corn-hole gear were all decked-out in their favorite driver's numbers and colors.  Although you will see representatives of all types at a race, you'll primarily see the good ol' boys and girls of the Southern stereotype, and country music is the anthem of the day.

The atmosphere is exciting; I mean, who wouldn't want to camp out in a huge field all day with 6,000 of your new best friends to soak up the sunshine and wash down some brats with a cold brew?!

The Master Chef
(c) Thrifty Gypsy
For being such relative newbs to the NASCAR tailgating scene, I was impressed that our group came together and had all the comforts required.  We even started out our day by cooking a deluxe eggs and bacon breakfast!  So long as you remember the five basics of tailgating (Beer, Burgers, Chairs, Canopy, and Radio) you'll be good to go.  Sunscreen and hearing protection are good additions, too!

I can't say that Saturday turned me into a die-hard NASCAR fan, but attending a race is much more enjoyable than watching it on tv.  And I can't rule out another NASCAR race in the future!  Here are some of my favorite pictures from the day:

Tailgatin' ...like a boss!
(C) Thrifty Gypsy

The Ladies
(c) Thrifty Gypsy

Jeff Gordon's ride
(c) Thrifty Gypsy

Don't tell Jimmie Johnson, but this is MY new ride now...
(c) Thrifty Gypsy

I suddenly developed a craving for M&Ms...
(c) Thrifty Gypsy
Making a Grand Old Flag kind of entrance
(c) Thrifty Gypsy
The flyover
(c) Thrifty Gypsy
"I wanna go FAST!!!" (c) Thrifty Gypsy

(c) Thrifty Gypsy
(c) Thrifty Gypsy

The Grand Finale
(c) Thrifty Gypsy

So have I convinced you yet?  What do you think about NASCAR?  Do you have a favorite driver?

~ Just a Thrifty Gypsy

6 comments:

  1. NASCAR is one of those events that I have to experience in my lifetime - not that I'm a big race car fan, but it's just one of those quintessential American experiences to have right along with the KY Derby. I haven't tailgated since college, but this looks like a lot of fun!

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    1. You're exactly right! The Derby is on my list of things to do, too.

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  2. Nice experience at Nascar...it sounds really fun... visiting from www.bayessence.com

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  3. This looks awesome! I Love my cars, and I've been to America a few times now, but it's not crossed my mind to go watch - until now! Thanks :D

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    1. It's quite the experience! Going for the race itself or to hang out and people-watch beforehand makes for an entertaining day!

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