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What better person to figure out the best NASCAR Cup Series camping tips than from someone who works at the race track. We caught up with Kym Singmaster a Sr. Office Manager at Kansas Speedway, and she gives some tips and tricks about things fans may not think about when camping at the race track.
- This article is geared towards the things that fans may not think about when camping at a race track. Fans who pay attention to these tips are sure to be ready to camp on race day.
- These will include ways that fans can prepare to enter the race track, services available at the race track and things to keep in mind when leaving the race track. Camping at the track is unlike anything else you can do at a race track, so, it’s good to have tips on what to do.
- Fans love camping at the race track, but, new campers may not know everything in advance. This gives fans a good framework for what to expect when camping.
Before the Weekend: Buy Everything in Advance
Preparation is key to RVing at a NASCAR race. The first thing Singmaster mentioned when camping at a race track is to make sure everything is purchased in advance so that fans can get their weekend going as soon as possible.
Purchase everything in advance. From tickets, to scanners, to infield or terrace admissions, wherever you are camping at. That way, when you go through RV check in, you don’t have to wait in line to purchase additional things. That way you can get your weekend started.
Kym Singmaster
Singmaster also mentioned things like delivering water or a temporary toilet to an RV/camper can all be purchased in advance. Kansas Speedway has a “Campers Corner” available on their website, which has information fans need. This includes water, shower hours, and general rules for the campgrounds.
This site also has a weekend schedule for campers. This includes the on-track activity schedule and the campgrounds schedule for the weekend including available activities. Schedules are always subject to change, so, it’s important to check the track’s website frequently for the latest updates.
Watching the website for any changes in the schedule, and things that will be going on in the area. Whether it’s a concert in the infield, or maybe they’re rescheduling something.
Kym Singmaster
Singmaster notes that there is a Walmart near the track that fans can go to for groceries. She also adds that fans should pack for all types of weather for a race weekend.
How Do I Watch The Race?
Fans head to the race track to watch and enjoy the sights and sounds of live NASCAR. The easiest way to watch the race is to buy tickets in the grandstands, but, there are options for fans who stay in the camper. Singmaster notes that many fans who camp in the infield at Kansas have a unique way to watch the race.
Most people at Kansas to watch the race, because of the way the track is designed, most people stand on the roof of their RV. Some people don’t like that idea. We’ve always stood on ours without any issue. You do have to be careful up there.
Kym Singmaster
For a more immersive viewing experience, she further recommends buying or renting a scanner. Which, again, should be done in advance. It’s also worth noting that not every track is small enough for fans to see all of it from the roof of their camper or RV.
Singmaster also notes that fans will bring satellite dishes and cable boxes with them to watch the race on TV. This may come in handy at campsites without a direct view of the race track, but, Singmaster also notes that connecting to the Internet could be a hassle in a track campground.
Have Fun, But Be Mindful
Camping at a race track is a fun experience for everyone involved, and it’s often a place where fans can bond over their love of racing and having a good time. Singmaster notes how common of a sight it is for fans to play lawn games with their camper neighbors at the race track.
There’s a lot of people that play games. Everybody brings cornhole, used to be ladder golf, but, it’s cornhole now. Everybody walks around and makes friends with each other.
Kym Singmaster
However, it’s also important to keep in mind the neighbors around you. This includes being respectful of space, which, as Kym notes, can get tricky as modern RVs and campers are wider than older ones.
One thing she emphasized was keeping neighbors in mind when running a generator. Kansas Speedway allows fans to use a “Quiet” generator, but, not every track does. Not only is the noise a factor according to Singmaster, but so is the emissions of the generator.
Try to keep [the generator] out from somebody elses window because of not only [the noise], but the fumes can go up there.
Kym Singmaster
She adds that it’s important for fans to make sure carbon monoxide alarms and smoke detectors are working in the camper just in case.
After the Race: Dont be in a Rush to Leave
Getting out of the race track with an RV or a camper takes a while. The track has to get multiple vehicles out of the track and infield at a time, so, Singmaster recommends fans not to rush out of the track when things are done.
You’ve gotta figure all of those haulers want to get out of the garage so they can get to the next race. Yeah, you’re excited to go home, but, give it a while. Number one, a lot of people have been drinking alcohol all day long while watching the race, and we don’t want anyone getting hurt leaving.
Kym Singmaster
Singmaster adds that at Kansas, they allow fans to stay an extra night and leave Monday morning instead of Sunday night. If fans have that flexibility, they can spend one last night at the race track.
When fans do have to leave, Singmaster calls on fans to keep their campsite clean. Don’t leave a bunch of trash or belongings around, and don’t dump sewage at campsites.
When packing up, make sure you’re respectful of the property.
Kym Singmaster
Singmaster further notes that fans at Kansas Speedway can call a company to empty black and grey sewage tanks for them. While it costs extra money, she recommends it for convenience.
It’s important to check each race track’s camping rules and websites to see what their exact policies are. However, Singmaster gives some good general pointers about camping at the race track.