How to Tailgate at a NASCAR Event

NASCAR is the fastest growing sport in America. One of the attractions to the sport is the tailgating that happens before every race. Tailgating is a huge outdoor party and barbeque. While fun and games are great, there are unwritten rules to tailgating. Following these rules greatly enhances the NASCAR tailgating experience.

Things You'll Need

  • Food
  • Plenty of adult beverages
  • Trash bags
  • Donation jar or box
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Instructions

    • 1

      Call the specific venue for each NASCAR event. Each raceway has their own rules regarding tailgating.

    • 2

      Get there early and stay late. If a NASCAR fan is not out tailgating at the crack of dawn, they can find themselves stuck in traffic or worse finding no place to park. Staying late helps as well, rather than getting stuck in traffic leaving the venue, the NASCAR fan can be celebrating the big victory or bemoaning a close loss.

    • 3

      Locate camping spots near the racing venue. There are usually places to camp overnight that are very close to the racetrack. This makes the commute to the tailgate much easier and can add to the overall tailgating experience.

    • 4

      Make sure that there are plenty of supplies. Make a checklist and have friends look over the checklist for omissions or mistakes. It is a real pain to run out of beer or food during the middle of a tailgate.

    • 5

      Bring a jar for donations. If hosting the tailgate, be certain that patrons that did not chip in for food or beer have an unobtrusive way to give back to the host. Donation jars are far better than having to ask a person to chip in. People are very generous for the most part and will give according to what they consume.

    • 6

      Beware of freeloaders. These people refuse to donate to a tailgate but will eat everything that is not nailed down. Now while the purpose of a tailgate is not profit, freeloaders can be a drain. Ask the person very politely if they could chip in for the food and drink. Do not let a few bad apples ruin the experience. If they will not pay just let it go. A few dollars is not worth ruining the tailgate with a confrontation.

    • 7

      Always keep a trashcan available and make sure everyone know where it is. Having people put their own trash away as the day goes on makes the post tailgate clean-up much easier.

    • 8

      Keep any valuable under lock and key. Put any valuables in the cab of a truck and keep it locked. If a safe place is not available, leave as much as possible in the hotel or back at home.