Wednesday, September 23, 2009

From Tailgate To Trackside: NASCAR Lives It Up in Loudon


Let the Chase begin!

This week we return to Loudon, NH for the Sylvania 300, where the Chase for the Championship kicks off in full force. All eyes will no doubt be on the top 12 drivers as they battle for their place in NASCAR history.

The Sylvania 300 is one of the season’s hottest tickets around. At press time the track reported only a limited amount of single seats, standing-room and infield “trackside-view” tickets available for purchase, so expect a full house!

The New Hampshire Motor Speedway, often described as “Martinsville on steroids,” is a 1.058 mile oval speedway considered by many drivers to be one of the toughest to tackle on the circuit.

The track opened its doors on Jun. 5, 1990 and hosted its first NASCAR event the following month, the Budweiser 300 in the Nationwide Series. The Sprint Cup Series followed three years later, with Rusty Wallace taking the checkered flag in the Slick 50 300.

Loudon was the first superspeedway to be constructed in the United States since the late sixties, filling a void for NASCAR’s northeastern fans by offering a chance to catch live Sprint Cup racing twice a year.

In 2004, the speedway played host to the first race in the inaugural Chase for the Sprint Cup, a tradition that continues some five years later.

The Sprint Cup draws over 100,000 racing fanatics to NHMS on race day. By catering to fans from New England, New York and Canada, Loudon challenges stock car racing’s southern fried fan base, proving that this is not your father’s NASCAR.

History lesson over…class dismissed, let’s get a little lively!

The speedway offers on-site camping on a first come, first serve basis on the backstretch of the track.

“RV and camper parking is limited to ticket holders only. All drivers and their guests must have race day tickets in their possession before driving onto NHMS property. Anyone without race day tickets will not be allowed onto the property.”

"RVs and campers must be self-contained with bathroom and water facilities on board. The speedway does not have hookups or dumping facilities. Tents are not allowed. Keep in mind that the dumping of gray water and waste on speedway property is prohibited. Violation of this rule WILL RESULT in arrest, fines, and forfeiture of ticket renewal privileges."

I’m not going to pretend to know what gray water is, but I already know that I don’t like it!

Private camping is also available on the outskirts of the track with free shuttle service to and from the raceway.

What the fans be grillin?

New England is known for its exceptional seafood delicacies, so do it up right! Grilled Tequila Lobster tails, jumbo stuffed clams and deviled crab cakes served up with a side of Boston baked beans and Hasty pudding.

If you are anything like me and seafood is not your thing, how about a foot-long “grinder” filled with Italian meats, cheese, peppers, pickles, tomatoes and oil. Wash it all down with a good locally brewed lager or ale.

Making the most of your race day experience.

Loudon is known for its “Fans First” hospitality.

For the first time ever, NHMS fans will have the opportunity to be the ultimate insider at Sunday's SYLVANIA 300 with the new "Trackside Pass," offering fans “pre-race pit road access; the chance to attend the Town Meeting with speedway officials Bruton Smith, Jerry Gappens, and leaders in the world of motorsports and admission to the "Trackside Tent" and the turn one and two areas of the infield to watch the race.”

"Trackside Pass" guests are allowed to bring coolers (up to 14-inches), lawn chairs, and blankets into the infield. Passes are available for a limited time at $150 per person.

Do it up in style in the Magic Mile Club, not to be confused with the scurrilous “Mile High Club!” The Magic Mile Club offers fans the opportunity to experience a VIP Hospitality experience during NASCAR event weekends. For a $150 dollar membership fee, guests will enjoy access to a private fenced-in tent, food and beverage service, and entertainment.

On race day, other amenities include a catered Continental breakfast, catered luncheon, beverage service, a limited edition souvenir race program and a walking tour of pit road.

Check out these events and more at www.NHMS.com

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