From Tailgate To Trackside: NASCAR Gets Rowdy In Richmond

The Chevy Rock and Roll 400 is a race that we anxiously await each year. It's the race that makes or breaks a season for a handful of drivers. With the top four drivers already locked in, Saturday night proves to be a mathematician's dream as, eleven drivers compete for the remaining eight coveted Chase positions.

Many articles will be published breaking down the odds and speculating on how the chips will fall…this one ain’t one of them!

This week I invite you to get rowdy in Richmond with me as I report up close and personal from tailgate to trackside.

Richmond is my “go to,” my first love and the one that I will return to each and every year.

Welcome to my house!

Richmond International Raceway, then known as Strawberry Hill Speedway began as a half-mile dirt track in 1946. NASCAR’s partnership with the track began on April 19, 1953 as Grand National Series driver, Lee Petty took the checkered flag.

Over the years, the track has undergone three name changes, four configuration changes and one surface change, from dirt to asphalt. Lights were added to the track in 1991 making RIR the only tack on the circuit to hold all of it’s major events “under the lights.”

Today the .75 mile, D-shaped oval is one of the series most beloved tracks. It’s “racing perfection” as driver’s take the field one last time before to 10-race Chase for the Sprint Cup begins.

The September race in Richmond is one of the most exciting and anticipated races of the year.

Class dismissed, let’s get rowdy in Richmond!

Unlike other tracks with sprawling acres of beautiful countryside, Richmond International Raceway is located deep in the heart of downtown. While there are private campgrounds surrounding the outskirts of the track, backyard camping is where it’s at!

Twice yearly the friendly folks of Richmond open their arms and lawns to NASCAR fans. For a moderate fee you can park by the day or even camp by the week as many of the homes have been modified to include RV electrical and water hookups.

To spend a couple nights parked in someone else’s yard is lodging at its finest! Remember camping out in your own living room as a kid with your best friends under “forts” of blankets and furniture? It’s just like that, antics and all!

What the fans be grillin?

The night race allows for plenty of daylight tailgating, fans love to get to the track fast then take it slow!

A good southern breakfast on the grill is always a great start to any day. There’s nothing better than a perfect combination of bacon, eggs, grits, biscuits and sausage gravy combined a strong cup of fireside coffee to get you in the mood for a day of tailgating goodness.

It is not uncommon to pop open a beer at 9:00 in the morning as barbecue smokers everywhere begin firing up. The weekend chef has all day to perfect a delicious meal of baby-back ribs, seasoned pork shoulder, smoked brisket and roasted chicken. Definitely worth the wait!

At Richmond anything goes, including the drink of choice. Beers from the cheapest “Natty Light” are nestled in ice right next to the Sam Adams. Shots from whatever bottle is passed your way by a friend or total stranger must always be well received. We Southerners are known for our hospitality, so it would be rude to turn down an invitation from even the reddest of necks!

You’ve got a full day in store, make the most of it!

Kick it up at Scotts Party Zone with Kenny Wallace, Joey Logano, Brendan Gaughan, Jason Keller, and Sam Hornish on Friday afternoon.

On Saturday, join Martin Truex Jr., Kevin Harvick, Kurt Busch, Carl Edwards, and Michael Waltrip at the Scotts Miracle-Gro Green Fan Zone for a question and answer session before the race.

If chillin’ out in style is more your thing, make your reservations at the Torque Club. The air-conditioned lounge combines premiere suite amenities with the best outdoor seating.

For a $35 dollar donation, get your stroll on with Richard Petty, Bobby Labonte, Reed Sorenson, and A.J. Allmendinger by participating in the NASCAR Foundation’s Track Walk.

What would the Chevy Rock and Roll 400 be with a band? Catch the All-American Rejects on the frontstrech of the raceway as they kick-off the pre-race celebrations.

As we remember the tragedy of eight years ago, RIR will honor will honor the lives lost by flying the American flag that flew over Ground Zero, originally affixed to the “Last Column” of the World Trade Center.

The flag was raised at 2 pm on Thursday by Nationwide driver Benny Gordon, who’s car will feature a 9/11 memorial paint scheme, retired New York fireman Lt. Mickey Kross, and RIR president Doug Fritz, along with representatives from the Henrico County, Va., police and fire departments.

“Lt. Kross escaped from the North Tower of the World Trade Center as it collapsed. He spent many months helping with recovery efforts at Ground Zero and is currently working with the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

As part of the patriotic festivities, Lt. Kross, as a representative of the National September 11 Memorial, will lead the grandstands in the Pledge of Allegiance during Friday's pre-race festivities prior to the Virginia 529 College Savings 250.

Joe Daniels, the president of the September 11 Memorial, also will be a guest of Gordon's team at Friday night's Nationwide Series race. The flag will fly until Saturday after the Sprint Cup race.

The September 11 Memorial & Museum has launched a 'Text-to-Donate' program based around the Richmond race. Cellular users can text 'WTC' to 25383 to arrange a $5 donation to support the project.”

Please stop and take a moment to remember our fallen heroes.

Never Forget.

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

I’ll be checking in all weekend, so keep your eyes peeled for updates from the track as we rock on at Richmond!

Richmond Rewind: Trashy Tales of Memories and Misadventure

Remember as a kid, sitting around the campfire telling ghost stories? For emphasis you’d pull out the flashlight and aim it toward your face to create shadows to make yourself look extra creepy and create a spooky atmosphere for your fellow campers.

Scary stuff as a kid; but downright terrifying for a modern day adult!

Allow me to explain. While camping with some friends during this Spring's Richmond race getaway, nature called in the middle of the night. I shuffled out of the RV in my pajamas into the darkness with my trusty iPhone in hand; the vFlashlight application leading my way.

I approached the line of Porta-John’s that were stacked side by side for what seemed like half a mile. I chose one in the middle of the pack, figured it would be the least offensive, sucked in one last breath of freshness and entered.

So there I was, balancing myself in the “hover-nate” stance over that hole of unmentionables, still clutching the glowing iPhone tightly when it happened.

The door of the Porta-John flew open and suddenly my illuminated “spooky” face was looking into the eyes of a monster. I froze like a deer caught in the headlights, eyes opened wide and my mouth agape, forming the perfect “O” as I tried to make sense of what was happening.

As I heard the monster yell out, “Jesus Christ, you scared the hell out of me!” I realized that I had not locked the door and the monster was nothing more than a mere race fan.

Had I not already been over the bowl, I might have peed my pants out of sheer fright. Luckily I was in the right place at the wrong time.

In pure redneck fashion I hollered out a slew of fleeting obscenities as my new found acquaintance stood there staring at me.

An eternity passed as he stood there, clutching his chest and catching his breath when finally he said, “Damn girl, you really scared me!”

“SHUT THE DOOR!”

I could hear him muttering to himself as he took his place in the john adjacent to mine. “Should have locked that door, never would have happened if you had just locked the door.”

"Yeah, yeah…it was all my fault, get over it already," I bellowed as I pounded the wall that separated us.

I’m no stranger to NASCAR Porta-John mishaps.

Last year during the Fall race in Richmond I stepped into one that was not balanced properly and nearly rocked it forward on top of me. The crowd erupted in laughter as I held on, preparing to go down with the ship.

I don’t know if it was Dale Sr. himself looking down from above, but some higher power granted me a stay of execution. At the very last minute that Ol’ Johnny lurched back to the position from whence it came and I was spared the literal meaning of shit hitting the fan!

Porta-Johns are just one facet that make a NASCAR race so damn special.

People who need people.

A successful race weekend is one that brings together old friends and allows you to make some new ones. NASCAR fans are some of the best people I’ve ever known.

Sure there will be times that you'll get tired of looking at shirtless fat bodies and mullets, but don’t forget they need love too and help to make the weekend an awesome one.

That being said, there are exceptions to the rule.

There are those few rotten apples that give NASCAR fans a bad name. The ones who get entirely too intoxicated and try to feel you up or offer Mardi Gras “beads for boobs.”

I don’t think that NASCAR brings out the idiot in them, I’m convinced that they are dolts pretty much every day of their lives.

At a race years ago, my sister and I were sitting in front of one of the jolliest, shirtless bellies that I’d ever been witness to. It was blazing hot that day, so he was drinking heavily and sweating profusely.

The race stayed green for most of the day so there was no real need to stand up. The caution flag finally waved and everyone was on their feet. In his drunken upright haze, our fat friend fell forward onto my sister.

I watched in virtual slow motion as his gelatinous belly literally engulfed her entire head. I did what anyone else would do in this situation, I laughed my ass off!

Awesome Accomodations.

I've stayed in a variety of hotels over the years, but I must say the RV is the way to go.

The good thing about staying in an RV is that you can come and go as you please without agenda. No need to wear a watch, when the crowd starts rolling toward the track, you know it’s show time. That is when you grab your soft-sided coolers, scanners and clear backpacks and head into the Grandstands.

The downside to staying in an RV falls on the shoulders of those you are camping with. I recommend ear plugs to drown out the snores and flatulence that come from within those four walls and a sling shot for the sounds that come from right outside your rig.

This Spring we were parked next to "The Cackler,” a woman with hands down the worst laugh ever.

I am convinced that night owl stood right next to my open window telling herself jokes until the sun came up. I gave her the hairy eyeball numerous times, didn’t help that it was pitch dark outside and she couldn’t see me. I think that she was married to the Porta-John peeping Tom.

Richmond International Raceway is so dear to my heart. I've spent nearly a decade of racedays there with good friends and family, each year brings a new experience.

I wrote my first Bleacher Report article right after last season's Richmond race. I've come full circle as I gear up for the upcoming weekend and once again look forward to what adventure I will find myself in the middle of.

Join me as I hit the road to Richmond on Friday for an event filled weekend as I report from tailgate to trackside.

Confessions Of a Moonlighter: What Lies Beneath a Sportswriter's Surface

Work as a moonlighting "sportswriter" here at Bleacher Report has been good to me. I have enjoyed just about every minute of it.

New doors have been opened and it has given me an outlet to challenge my creative side by writing about something that I love, something that is so far removed from my everyday existence.

Sure there are the occasional hecklers and trolls who will try to bring me down, but believe me when I say there ain’t nothing you can do or say that will ever bring me down.

I’ve seen the very worst of it in my “other” profession, words on a computer screen don’t even come close to touching that level of indecency.

I put my heart into my writing, but my soul belongs to emergency medicine. Rarely do these intertwine. As a rule, I can shift effortlessly between the two.

This week was the exception to that rule.

While my heart begged to write something clever and eloquent, my soul required some unexpected one-on-one time. I was reminded of just how fragile the human spirit truly is.

Resilience is a virtue. A gift tied up with a brightly colored bow that I unwrap every day.

I compare life to shelves and shelves of glass jars. Big, small, decorative and plain. Some are incredibly ornate, those are the ones that hold the good things like happiness, dreams and hopes. They are the ones that we display proudly and try to keep dust free every day.

Some are dark and dreary, they are the ones that we push to the back hoping to infinitely store them away, happy to never see them again. They are filled with concoctions of fear and sickness and life’s unspoken unpleasantries.

They are tiny vials of potent poison, all it takes is a single drop from one of them and the rest of the jars come crashing down into a million tiny little pieces.

Life. It is what it is, filled with delicious highs and bitter lows. The joyous delights and the ugliness that lies beneath. It is a sickeningly sweet oxymoron.

We are subjected to all that’s ugly to remind us of what the true meaning of compassion is all about.

I am subjected to these things at work. Terrible things, horrible things. At times it's like starring directly into the sun. You want to bask in the glory of it despite knowing that it could damage you in the process.

I knew what I was getting into when I accepted the position.

Life.

Caring.

Nurturing.

Helping.

Healing.

Joy.

Sorrow.

Pain.

Death.

Disease.

Trauma.

It is exactly what I signed up for and I would not have it any other way.

Every morning I come home and slough off the exterior hardships from the night before. I’m bright and shiny and from the outside look as good as new. It’s the interior that never fully comes clean.

Weeks go by where there is nothing but goodness. I leave the hospital proud that I’ve made some kind of difference and tuck it neatly away in one of those beautiful jars.

But on occasion, drops from that ugly little vial filled with vulgarity and cruelty get mixed up in the potion of good, leaving me tattered and torn.

Everything falters from it, for I am not the kind of person who has become jaded and hardened just so I can tolerate life’s imperfections.

I am affected by it. No matter how gut wrenching it may be, I want to always feel it. It grounds me and serves as a reminder as to why I do what I do.

At work it brings out the best in me but in life the very worst. At times it renders me powerless. I have to step back remember to breath and decompress from it all.

I never welcome a “Bye-Week” when it comes to NASCAR, but for me it could not have come at a better time. As this week comes to a close I look forward to starting anew in the morning. All of the wounds will have healed as time has thankfully allowed.

I will be bright and shiny and from the outside look as good as new.

From Tailgate To Trackside: NASCAR Buckles Up, It's Bristol Baby!

"Don't give us none of your aggravation,

We had it with your discipline.

Saturday night's alright for fighting,

Get a little action in."

-Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting) Elton John

Oh yes, Saturday night’s alright for fighting and no better arena for the Sharpie 500, than Bristol Motor Speedway.

Driver patience is often as short as the track itself as the mighty 43 swap paint for 500 white-knuckled laps. Cramped quarters combined with the sheer horsepower of the cars has been likened to "flying fighter jets in a gymnasium."

Bristol knows how to brawl!

The idea for “world’s fastest half-mile” came to be in 1960 after track builders Larry Carrier and Carl Moore attended a race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Hoping to create a smaller version of CMS with a more intimate setting, the pair, along with R.G Pope sketched out plans for the Northeastern Tennessee track on the back of envelopes and brown paper bags.

Ground was broken on 100 acres of dairy farm in early 1960 and took approximately one year to complete.

Bristol International Speedway was a perfect half-mile, measuring 60 feet wide on the straightaways, 75 feet wide in the turns and the turns were banked at 22 degrees.

NASCAR held its first race at BMS on July 27, 1961 to a sold-out crowd of 18,000. Jack Smith won the inaugural “Volunteer 500” despite not being in the driver’s seat to take the checkered flag. Smith drove the first 290 laps while his relief driver, Johnny Allen took over to complete the remaining 210 laps. The two drivers shared the $3225 purse.

BMS has gone through many changes, identities and owners over the years. In 1969, it was reshaped and re-measured. The turns were banked at 36 degrees and it became a 0.533-mile oval.

In 1976 after the season ended, the track was sold to Lanny Hester and Gary Baker. The track was renamed Bristol International Raceway in 1978 and in August of that same year, the first night race was held. The hot August night race in Bristol quickly became one of the most anticipated and popular races on NASCAR’s Sprint Cup series calendar.

Warner Hodgdon purchased BMS in 1983 and named former track builder Larry Carrier as its general manager. In 1985, Hodgdon filed for bankruptcy allowing Carrier to formally take possession of the speedway and cover all outstanding debts.

In the face of its popularity, Bristol was far from perfect. For years, teams were unable to park their transporters inside the infield. Nor did the track have any significant garage area. Team transporters were parked in a lot outside of the track.

During racing periods, crews and participants were landlocked by the track, and thus, unable to return to the transporters for spare parts, repairs, or rest.

"In the early 1990s, the infield was reconfigured, and completely paved. Teams began parking the transporters in an orchestrated, extremely tight arrangement that takes several hours, and highly skilled drivers, to accomplish. Teams are now able to work out of their transporters in the same fashion as other facilities."

In 1992, the track was overhauled once again, abandoning its asphalt surface for the now famous concrete veneer.

Carrier sold the track to Speedway Motorsports, Inc in 1996 for $26 million dollars. Later that year, the name was changed once again to Bristol Motor Speedway and seating capacity grew to 86,000.

Today, BMS can hold more than 160,000 rabid race fans.

School's out and it's time to begin the beguine in Bristol!

While BMS owns several campgrounds surrounding the track, it does not offer the same kind of infield camping luxury that many of the other tracks do. As far as tailgating goes, you got to get a little creative!

The BMS properties generally sell out quickly, so if you are thinking about a Bristol getaway in 2010, get your reservations in now!

These campgrounds offer reserved spaces for the entire NASCAR race season starting at $860 with electric, sewer and water hookups. Spaces without hook-ups start at $99 per race event.

Prices include unlimited use of the shower facility, dump stations and water. BMS shuttles will offer transportation to the shower house as well as the grandstands on event days.

There are several privately owned campgrounds near the speedway that cater to race fans that are worth looking into as well and of course race day parking is available on a first come, first serve basis.

Parking on BMS grounds is by permit only. BMS also operates two free parking areas on St. Rt. 394. "Speedway Parking" and "Multi-Purpose" parking areas offer free shuttle service to and from the track.

Allow plenty of travel time as the tiny town of Bristol will play host to over 650,000 vehicles during a typical race weekend.

What the fans be grillin?

Looking for authentic tasty Tennessee treats to tantalize your tailgating taste buds?

You can’t go wrong with grilling some barbequed ribs or fresh catfish, but if you want to do it up right southern style pack your Fry Daddy!

In spite of its negative health benefits, submerging food in hot oil is so wrong that it’s right! EVERYTHING tastes better fried!

Virtually anything can be deep fried, from the usual suspects (french fries, onion rings, corn dogs) to the deliciously unexpected (Twinkies, pickles, cheesecake).

Heck, someone even found a way to deep fry a Coca-Cola!

So fry it up baby! Breakfast, lunch and dinner never tasted so good! Justify a weekend of unhealthy living knowing that you will walk it off in the mountains of Bristol as you make your way along the steep inclines to the track.

Tennessee is home to the famous Jack Daniel’s distillery, so whiskey-a-go-go it up in style with some race day cocktails. Recipes can found at www.jackdaniels.com.

Jack Daniel’s also offers a variety of paradise in a bottle with its Country Cocktails selections. You can’t go wrong with a Downhome Punch or a Black Jack Cola, just load up the cooler and you are good to go!

Jack Daniel’s, sponsor of Casey Mear’s No. 07 Chevrolet, promotes responsible drinking, so be sure to “Obey the caution flag and pace yourself!”

Looking to make your Bristol experience more eventful?

Check out Food City’s Family Race Night on Thursday, Aug. 20 for appearances from your favorite drivers and sponsors.

Get the VIP treatment all weekend long in the Amp Energy Club at BMS. Club members will be treated to great food, drinks, fun and exclusive benefits. For just $180 you’ll celebrate the race day atmosphere with a pre-race track tour and driver appearances.

Membership Includes:

• Entrance into Bristol Motor Speedway's exclusive Hospitality Village
  
• Great meals with non-alcohol beverages (Cash bar available)
  
• Exclusive "member's-only" gift pack with souvenir program
  
• Track tour (Sprint Cup day only)
  
• NASCAR driver appearances
  
• Entertainment, door prizes & music
  

• Access to NASCAR driver Q & A session:
  

• Friday, August 21 -Bobby Allison (4:00 p.m)
  
• Saturday, August 22 - Rusty Wallace (3:00 p.m), Matt Kenseth - (3:30 p.m.). Kasey Kahne - (4:10 p.m), Dale Earnhardt Jr. - (4:30 p.m.), Junior Johnson - (5:00 p.m.)
  

Information about these events, camping, parking and more can be found at www.bristolmotorspeedway.com.

So races fans, let’s buckle up, it's Bristol baby and Saturday night’s the night we like, Saturday night’s alright! See you next weekend when we get Amp-ed up in Atlanta!

From Tailgate To Trackside: NASCAR Gets Manky In Michigan

Looking to rock n’ roll all night and party every day? Then Michigan International Speedway is the place for you!

Located just 67 miles southwest of Detroit Rock City, it’s time to get a little Irish in the hills of Brooklyn.

Michigan, “the birthplace of the automobile” celebrates its 41st year of great racing by hosting this week’s Carfax 400.

MIS opened its grandstands, overlooking the two mile D-shaped oval to 12,000 eager race fans in 1968. As racing in all forms grew, so did the speedway.

Today the track holds 132,000 seats and plays host to the state’s largest, single-day paid admission sporting event.

In 1973, when the nation’s oil crisis and climbing gas prices threatened racing as a whole, Roger Penske purchased the track from the steps of the Lenawee county courthouse for a estimated two million dollars.

Penske envisioned turning the speedway into one of America’s premier motorsport arenas by adding more than 100,000 seats, three garages, 26 pit terrace suites, a sign shop, concessions, an infield hospital entertainment facilities and countless new buildings and warehouses.

In 1999, Penske’s reign came to an end as Penske Motorsports Inc. merged with NASCAR founder, Bill France’s International Speedway Corporation.

MIS is still considered one of the Nation’s premeire tracks to this very day.

Class dismissed, it’s time to get a little manky in Michigan!

MIS offers some of the best camping money can buy. For the swankiest of fans, you can reserve a spot in the private Pit Road Motorcoach RV Campground for a mere $2100 per couple and an additional $250 per additional person.

This exclusive area is home to only the finest of Class A motorhomes.

The grounds feature:

• Water and 50-amp electrical hook-up
• Portable restrooms
• Access to dump station and fresh water
• Private camping area
• Special enter/exit privileges

"Regular Joe" infield overnight camping is extremely limited and is on a first come first serve basis and costs between $150 and $200 per vehicle.

A weekend pass will set you back $100 and $40 for general admission Sunday afternoon walk-ups.

Set up camp as early as 4 p.m. on Thursday afternoon and stay through until noon on Monday morning.

Infield amenities include showers, restrooms, dump stations, fresh water and Buddy’s Convenience Store.

Strapped for cash or don’t fancy yourself a full weekend warrior? That’s okay. MIS welcomes all forms of free tailgating from the exterior lots that surround the track.

What the fans be grillin?

Despite its name, “The Coney Dog” is a quintessential Detroit delicacy. Recreate the historic hot dog at the track by smothering it with beanless chili, raw onions and yellow mustard.

If pizza is more your thing, then pick up a few pies on your way to the track. Served up square, and paired nicely with an antipasto salad, Detroit’s version on the deep dish boasts a crispy crunchy crust piled high with your favorite toppings.

We are headed to the Irish hills, so what could be better than at good Guiness Stout to compliment your meal? Pack a few bottles of Bailey’s Irish Cream and Jameson’s Irish whiskey and you’ll be getting a little Irish in no time.

Since fans will leave the driving to the professionals on race day, kick up your tailgating experience by replacing your favorite light beer with “Irish Car Bombs” in an Erin Go Bragh round of beer pong.

Pour a ½ pint of chilled Guiness into a cup, fill a shot glass with ½ ounce of whiskey and ½ ounce of irish cream. Drop the shot glass into the Guiness and start chugging!

Pace yourself or you’ll be as useful as a cigarette lighter on a motorbike in no time!

Looking to rev up you race day experience?

Tour the pits to see how racing looks from the inside out. The pit area will be available when admission to the track opens and will close one and one half hours before the start of the race, so get there early to enjoy all of the festivities. Pre-race pit passes can be purchased for $50 at any MIS ticket office.

Wanna see paradise by the dashboard lights? Join fellow fans at the Trackside Club. Located in the Terrace Suites directly above Pit Lane, you’ll be able to see and feel the action on the track, then sit back and enjoy resort-quality food service.

The Trackside Club also provides a rooftop deck that puts you atop of all the action. Purchase an August weekend package for $500.

Each package includes:

• Trackside Club Admission
• Pre-Race Pit Pass
  
• Continental Breakfast and Catered Lunch
  
• Commemorative Event Gift
• Unlimited Beverages
• Souvenir Event Program (Sunday only)
  
• Roof-Top Viewing Deck
  
• Paddock Parking Pass
• Pre-Race Driver Introduction
  

Access MIS offers a new hospitality option for fans and company gatherings at Acceleration, “an inclusive resort at the track.”

Entertain and relax throughout the day and remain one hour after the conclusion of the race.

Each package includes:

• Hospitality credentials
• Pre-race pit access
  
• Buffet style breakfast and lunch
  
• Unlimited Beverages Coke Products
  
• Six (6) drink tickets per guest Budwieser products and wine
• Post-race snack (Sunday only)
  
• Entertainment
  
• Closed circuit color television
  
• Company name displayed on reserved table
  
• Souvenir programs
• Event gifts
  
• Special Guest Speakers (June Speakers: Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Kasey Kahne, Robby Gordon)
  
• Complimentary scanner rental
• Lot 11 parking pass
  

Check out these packages and more at www.mispeedway.com.

Let the Michigan melee begin and buckle up as we head into Bristol next weekend.

kara martin - bleacher report

NASCAR's Female Fans: We're Just Like You Only Prettier!

Late last week, I got an e-mail from NASCAR.com entitled “Fast and Fabulous: NASCAR lifestyle, insight and recipes for the female fan.”

C'mon, really?

It was filled with links to great recipe ideas and a full page spread about “NASCAR’s most eligible bachelor” Tony Stewart.

I am betting with 100 percent certainty that the male fans of NASCAR were not privy to this type of absurdity.

The more I thought about it, the more laughable it seemed. Just who does NASCAR think they are, trying to buy me with their pink baby-doll driver tees and glittery tank tops?

Sure there will always be women at the track donning ill fitting t-shirts with iron-on messages like “Mrs. Lil E” or “Driver Butts Drive Me Nuts,” but for the majority of female fans, we’re just like the rest of you, only prettier!

Statistics show that NASCAR’s female fanbase is nearing 50 percent, but the sport itself is still perceived by many as a “boys club.”

Being a knowledgeable female fan at the track is much like being a lone mare in the middle of a stud farm.

Men have it pretty darn easy when it comes to attending a race—throw on some shoes, pants, and an optional shirt and you’re good to go. The fairer sex has to worry about all of the sugar and spice and everything nice that goes along with being a woman.

There are countless websites out there that cater to the female fan, providing tips for your day at the track. They answer the burning questions, like what the best waterproof mascara is to wear to the track to prevent your “eyes” from melting down your face in the summer sun, or just how many tampons to bring to the track.

Hey guys, have you ever thought about packing some antibacterial wipes to clean the toilet seats with before sitting down on it or adding your “in case of emergency” number into your cell phone just in case you meet with certain danger.

Seriously, how many of you have carried a small bottle of hairspray on your person so that you can “fluff up your hair” when the hat comes off or some antiperspirant so that you can “freshen up” during caution flags?

This is what women are fed all the time, “a girl has always gotta look good!” Give me jeans, a t-shirt, flip flops, and a baseball cap any day. It’s a stock car race for God sake, not a freaking fashion show!

There will always be that girl who makes the rest of us look bad, you know the one. She’s had way too much to drink and during a caution will stand up and flash the entire race day community.

The instant gratification is astounding as people will take notice. There will be a lot of cat calling and a handful of “hell yeahs,” but ultimately in the end it is her drunk ass who gets escorted out in a shiny pair of designer handcuffs.

Way to represent ladies!

Yes at times being a girl at the race is like being that sweet little black feline who is stalked by smelly ol’ Pepe Le Pew.

"Ze arms of Pepe are upon you, I am ze captain, and you are ze first mate. Promotions will follow quickly!"

One year during the spring race in Richmond I was caught in a crowd with two of the drunkest souls I’ve ever had the pleasure of sharing company with. They both had foot long hot dogs and as they bumped up next to a lucky lady they would ask the question that we all long to hear. “Wanna see my wee-nah?”

While I found it oddly amusing, all fun and games came to a screeching halt when one of them disrespected me by reaching out and grabbing a handful of my left breast!

He was like the redneck version of “Arthur.” Instead of introducing himself in proper British fashion he slurred, “I’m from Salisbury Merle-and,” as if it were a proper handshake.

I leaned into him and whispered something that is not fit to print, but lets just say it was a fair warning about what was going to happen if he didn’t remove that hand post haste!

“Hey mah bad, mah bad, it’s all good,” he replied as he raised both hands up into my line of vision, right before he high fived his buddy for making the play!

Got to give him props for trying, he made it to first base without even buying me the obligatory cocktail.

Fast forward years later to this year’s spring race in Richmond and I am still getting no respect! I mentioned to a fellow writer and seasoned media center veteran that I had obtained press credentials, his response…

"Just what NASCAR needs...another media babe in the garage area, you rock it, baby! (hehehehe...could rock me :-p ). Yeah...you groupie you!”

Are you freaking kidding me!?

While it could not be farther from the truth, it is still the perception of some NASCAR Neanderthals.

While NASCAR Dads delight in the fact that they can share the racing experience with their brand loyal spouses through sponsors like Little Debbie and Betty Crocker, there are many female fans who consider themselves true gearheads.

They are the ones who will challenge even the most seasoned good ol' boys to a hardcore lesson in NASCAR trivia. She'll spout out team stats and qualifying lap times without blinking a made up eye.

Sure some might be dazzled by the feminine exterior, but get to know the inside before assuming that we female fans are only at the track to get hit on or lost in the baby blue eyes of Kasey Kahne.

Forty million female NASCAR fans can't be wrong!

kara martin - bleacher report

From Tailgate To Trackside: NASCAR Gets It On At The Glen

This week we head to Watkins Glen where we’ll crown another King of the road course as NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series takes on some twisty turns.

Road course racing in the village of Watkins Glen, New York became reality in 1948 after law student Cameron Argetinger’s dream of bringing European style competition materialized. Argetinger drew up a course that encompassed asphalt, cement and dirt roads in and around the village and on Oct 2, the top names in American sports car racing were welcomed by huge crowds in the first post-World War II road race in the United States.

The Glen, as it’s come to be known as, has changed tremendously over the years. Racing moved to a temporary course in 1953 and in 1956 a permanent 2.3-mile was built. One year later the speedway hosted its first race, a NASCAR event won by Buck Baker.

The Glen played host to virtually every style of road racing, but in the early eighties the track fell into disrepair after a bankruptcy forced the track to close.

After being purchased in early 1983 by a subsidiary of Corning Glass Works, the renovated track reopened on July 7, 1984.

Watkins Glen and NASCAR rekindled their relationship on Aug 9. 1986 where fans witnessed Tim Richmond take the checked flag.

OK class, history lesson over, let's get it on!

At The Glen it seems that anything goes, unlike camping restrictions at Pocono, feel free to bring your pets, scaffolding, non-metallic flagpoles, BBQ grills, heck you can even bring your personal weed whackers and furniture, just as long as you don’t leave it behind. Clean toilets and hot showers are available for $3, a small price to pay cleanliness!

You can camp virtually anywhere at The Glen. Reserve your spot in the infield or near one of one of the tracks numerous Jumbotrons, so that you don’t miss a second of the action. For those less structured of planners, unreserved camping is located on a first come, first serve basis at gates one and seven.

The Glen kicks tailgating up a notch this weekend as the newly formed National Tailgating League, (The NTL) announced that it’s first stop in New York will kick off an officially sanctioned cornhole tournament in conjuction with the Heluva Good Sour Cream Dips at The Glen.

Cornhole is a game similar to horseshoes in which participants take turns tossing corn bags at wooden boxes in an attempt to get the bag through a hole in the top, or at least land the bag on the top of the box. The game is also known as bags, corn toss, bean bag, bean toss, soft horseshoes or Indiana Horseshoes.

The Aug. 9 main event will offer a $2,500 cash prize. Top finishers in the two Aug. 8 amateur cornhole tournaments will receive race-related awards such as suite passes, pace car rides, driver meet-and-greets and private pit tours.

What the fans be grillin?

Dip served with chips, crackers or vegetables are always a perfect race day munchies.

With Heluva Good sponsoring the event, you can’t go wrong with any one of their tasty treats. Check out their website for recipes that incorporate their products into race day main dishes like French Onion marinated chicken breast , white cheddar and bacon infused burgers or grilled tomatoes with onion basil topping.

Watkins Glen is home to over 70 wineries, it’s been said that drinking wine in moderation has its health benefits, so harness your inner Sommelier and let’s get bottle-shocked!

Pair any of their suggestions with a good beer or wine and you have the makings of one great weekend!

Looking for an extra twist or turn?

Fans will have unprecedented access to their favorite drivers during the race weekend.

August 6: Hang out with Bobby Labonte in the Winner’s Lounge at Tioga Down Casino from 5:00-7:00 PM.

Joey Logano, along with crew chief Greg Zippadelli will be signing autographs for the first 700 wristbanded fans from the Painted Post Home Depot.

Reed Sorensen will be at the Corning, NY McDonald’s from 6:00-7:30 signing autographs for the first 200 guests. Kurt Busch will also be in Corning for the Race Fever festival where he will make an appearance and sign autographs.

August 7: An all-driver autograph session for the stars of Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series will take place from 2:00-3:00 PM in the Grand-Am paddock at the track.

Ryan Miller, goaltender for NHL’s Buffalo Sabres and Grand Marshal of Friday night’s Crown Royal 200 will make an appearance at The Pyramid at Watkins Glen International from 5:00-6:00 PM.

Kasey Kahne will be at the Horseheads NY McDonald’s from 6:00-7:30 PM to sign autographs for the first 200 fans.

August 8: NASCAR artist Sam Bass will be making three appearances at the Zippo display at the track along the Fan Midway. Appearances are scheduled at 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, and 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM.

Reed Sorensen will make two appearances from the McDonald’s Family Zone at the track to sign autographs for the first 75 fans. The appearances are schedulde for 11:00 AM – 11:25 AM and 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM.

August 9: Leading up to the race on Sunday morning, drivers and NASCAR personalities, including Kasey Kahne and Richard Petty will be available for autographs as well as question and answers.

Want to test out your own road racing skills? Sign up for a Thunder Road Tour. For just $25 you can “follow the pace car down the FrontStretch into the Ninety, twist, climb and claw your way up through the Esses and onto the BackStretch, braking as you hit the Inner Loop and navigate the Carousel turn, then drop off the face of the earth into the depths of the turn-heavy Boot, climb your way out into Turn Ten, regain your senses and make a run for the finish line!”

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

Have a “Heluva Good” time this weekend and see you next weekend as we melee in Michigan!