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A Day at the Races
The NASCAR party rewards the well-prepared fan

So, you’ve decided to see firsthand why NASCAR is the world’s fastest-growing spectator sport. You’re intrigued by the barely harnessed horsepower and the bumper-to-bumper chess match between more than 40 competitors, all with nerves of steel. You’ve heard about the unabashed allegiance of fans to their favorite drivers and teams. Best yet, you like the idea of a fun-loving tailgate party before and after the big race. But a day at the track requires some serious preparation. Here’s what you’ll need, in addition to spare cash for colorful T-shirts, hats and other collectibles:

CAMPING GEAR. Serious race fans know that the party actually starts the day before the race, so they often bring full-size grills, tables, tents and furniture (inflatable and folding). The Coleman Company, which has a license agreement with NASCAR, even offers a line of generators to power up your tailgate party.

TWO WELL-STOCKED COOLERS. Food and beverages are the fuel you’ll need to keep your own motor running during a NASCAR outing. Keep raw meats in one cooler, and beverages, condiments, cheese, fruits, vegetables and other prepared foods in the second. Use ice packs to prevent food from getting soggy, and seal items in plastic bags and containers. You might even consider a third, smaller cooler to carry around with you at the track. Be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

SAFEGUARDS FROM MOTHER NATURE. Outdoor tracks provide little
protection from the elements. Even a cloudless day can spell trouble. Sunscreen is a necessity (if you’re fair-skinned, get SPF 30 or higher). Likewise, good sunglasses (polarized, with 100 percent UV protection, are best) will protect your eyes against the glare and the wind. A wide-brim hat or a nice baseball cap (like a stylish Kasey Kahne No. 9 model) will also shield your eyes. If the forecast is uncertain, bring an extra layer of clothing (such as fleece) for warmth, a decent windbreaker, gloves and rain gear.

PERSONAL ITEMS. Truth is, a NASCAR race can be an assault on your senses, especially for the uninitiated. If you’re seated near the oval, and the noise, consider earplugs (foam plugs are cheap, convenient and disposable). Otherwise, your eardrums will be ringing as they do at rock concerts. And even fans with excellent eyesight will benefit from a decent pair of binoculars when the cars are on the opposite side of the track. If you’re watching the action from the infield instead of the grandstand, bring a folding chair to give your back a break.

HIGH-TECH ELECTRONICS. Want to get even closer to the action? A first-rate scanner with at least 100 channels, headphones and race antenna will help you follow the chase from the pits and the driver’s seat. Don’t forget extra batteries. And for the correct frequency, buy an updated list of channels from a reputable track vendor the day of the race.

By Brion O’Connor