The Thrifty Gypsy's Travels : 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: