When getting ready to go to a NASCAR race, it’s important to know what to bring. Fans may be surprised at what types of things can be brought into a NASCAR race track, so, we have the definitive NASCAR race packing list right here for you.
Many NASCAR fans have fun tailgating before a race. It’s a great way to both socialize with friends and eat some good food before heading to the race track. There are plenty of items that go into a good tailgate.
Having a grill and all of the proper food is a must. It’s also good to have an awning or tent along with some chairs to eat the food in. To make things more fun, backyard games like cornhole or even a Bluetooth speaker for music are great to add. Many of these things cannot be brought into the track, but, they are great for fans to have fun before heading in.
Many NASCAR races take place during the hottest months of the year. Many times, the grandstands have little to no shade as well. Even if the stands have shade, walking around outside of the track or tailgating in the hot sun makes sunscreen a must.
Most tracks allow sunscreen to be brought into the track. It’s important to have throughout the day, especially during the summertime.
NASCAR races are notoriously loud. Many longtime fans love the noise at NASCAR races, but, new fans may not be accustomed to it. Ear plugs or ear muffs are a must for fans who are sensitive to loud noises.
Oftentimes, fans get used to the noise at races as time goes on, so, these may not be necessary for seasoned fans. They are great for newer fans and kids as well.
Most NASCAR tracks have metal bleachers for seating, or stadium seats in some cases. Regardless, seats at the track may be hard and uncomfortable. A great thing to bring to the track is a seat cushion, but, there can be no metal components on the seat cushion.
Seat cushions with metal components are typically not allowed at NASCAR tracks. Typically, plastic blow-up or foam seat cushions are perfect for fans at the track.
Again, this policy varies some from track to track, but, many NASCAR tracks allow fans to bring in soft-sided coolers. This is a perfect place to store drinks or even food if you want to save some on concessions at the race tracks.
It can be especially convenient on hot days when drinking water becomes very important. Oftentimes, water bottles can be very expensive at the race track, so, bringing a cooler with water could save some money.
If fans know where to go, they can find places to get autographs from drivers. Usually, driver appearances happen in the midway behind the grandstands before a race. It’s good to bring a permanent marker plus something to sign like a hat for these moments.
If fans get onto the track before a race, it’s popular to sign the start-finish line or retaining walls before a race. A permanent market is great for this as well.
Umbrellas are not allowed at many NASCAR tracks, so, if there is rain in the forecast, bring a rain poncho. This can be especially handy on road courses where NASCAR may race in a light rain. If fans do not want to miss the race, bringing a poncho can keep them from getting wet.
It can also come in handy under the grandstands as well. Oftentimes, water will seep through the metal grandstands on a rainy day, and fans under the stands may still get wet as a result.
NASCAR races require a lot of walking. Sure, there are often tram services to take fans to other parts of the track, but, there is still a lot of walking. Fans must bring comfortable walking shoes every time they go to a NASCAR race.
Parking lots may also be muddy or dusty, so, it’s a good idea to bring more worn-out shoes to the race. Fans do not want to get their brand-new shoes ruined at a race track.
These are just a few things to bring to a race track when going to a NASCAR race. Bringing these things can increase fan comfort, and they can make the experience just a little bit more fun.
As the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season gets underway, The Daily Downforce is once again tracking how fans feel about race broadcasts throughout the year, just as we did last year. This ratings tracker exists to capture fan feedback in a clear, consistent way across the entire season for each TV partner.
After each Cup Series race weekend, we will post a fan poll asking one simple question: “How would you rate this weekend’s Cup Series broadcast?” And fans can vote and comment based on their overall viewing experience. This article will be updated weekly with the most recent race’s numbers added to the tracker.
Participation is quick and open to everyone.
| Week | Network | Race | Votes | Good | Average | Bad | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FOX | Bowman Gray Clash | 368 | 16% | 43% | 42% | Check the Poll HERE |
| 2 | FOX | Daytona 500 | 989 | 42% | 46% | 12% | Check the Poll HERE |
Remember to follow The Daily Downforce on X to catch each weekly poll, share your thoughts, and be part of the conversation.
A new trailer revealed that NASCAR will be a part of The Crew Motorfest’s upcoming free season 9 update.
Will you be playing The Crew for this new update? Let us know your opinion on Discord or X. Don’t forget that you can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Denny Hamlin defends Riley Herbst, Brad Keselowski is furious, and Kyle Busch leaves everyone debating what it means to truly compete for a Daytona 500. The final lap at Daytona International Speedway sparked multiple completely different controversies that say a lot about modern superspeedway racing.
At superspeedways, instinct rules everything. Herbst reacted late, Keselowski paid the price, and Hamlin backed his guy. Meanwhile, Busch lifted from 25th, avoided the wreck, and gained ten spots, a move that looks smart in hindsight but could have backfired badly. In a new points-heavy format, are drivers thinking differently? We break down both moments, what they really mean, and whether everyone involved might actually have a point. Plus, early Cup Series power rankings to wrap it up.
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