Even diehard NASCAR fans might be tempted to stay in and watch the big race on TV. However, many fans might be looking for an exciting experience and the opportunity to get up close and personal with the superstitions and traditions of racing. For those fans, there is a way to score some great tickets from the comfort of your home.
Although it might be tempting to buy group tickets in advance for the big race, it is highly recommended to purchase them at the same time as you would for a concert or sporting event. Why? Because the seats at the track might not be as good as you think. It is better to purchase them at the venue, especially if you are planning on using an agency. This way, you can rest assured that you are getting what you paid for.
Chicagoland Speedway
Chicagoland Speedway is one of the more traditional tracks in the NASCAR circuit. It is located in Chicago and was first paved in 1920. The current track length is 1.25 miles. It has 24 degrees of banking in total with nine stands. The capacity of the grandstand is 41,000.
Since the early 1950s, the track has had an annual car show and swap meet called the Chevy Open. The event features over 20,000 cars and over 170 vendors. This is one of the biggest car shows in North America and it is open to the public, although tickets to the event are highly advised.
Getting In
Getting into Chicagoland Speedway is quite easy too. The best way to get into the event is to walk or drive in from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. If you are driving, you can use our Chicago airport directions to easily find the entrance to the track. There is ample parking space available and it’s free.
There are several ways to get tickets for Chicagoland Speedway. The best place to start is the website. They offer a full range of tickets that are good for all tracks, except for the Talladega Superspeedway. Here are some of the available ticket options at chicagolandspeedway.com:
- Front Row Club
- Gold Circle
- Field Box
- Infield Box
- Loge Box
- New For 2019! Terrace Club
- Paddock Club
- President’s Box
- Reserve Grandstand
- Reserve Seats
- Rookie’s View
- Sunshine Club
- Terrace Club
- Terrace Box
- Terrace Terrace
- Winston Cup Series
- Xfinity Series
- Camping
- Day Ticket
- General Admission
- Grandstand Only
- Loge Box
- Paddock Club
The catch with buying tickets from the website is that you might want to visit the site at least a few days in advance, as some of the packages sell out especially fast. What is more, some of the packages are available in limited quantities and there is typically a waiting list. It might also be a good idea to call the phone number provided on the site for VIP assistance, as there is usually a queue there too.
Other Tracks
If you are looking for more traditional tracks, there are plenty of options as well. You can get tickets for the Milwaukee Mile (Milwaukee, WI), Martinsville Speedway (Martinsville, VA) and others. The best way to find out what tickets are available for these or any other track is to contact the ticket agency. Many agencies represent tracks and get season tickets sold for them. Call the agency and ask about the availability of tickets for a particular event.
You need to keep in mind however that the seats at the more traditional tracks might not be as good as you’d expect. As with all sports and entertainment venues, the closer you sit to the action, the better. Getting a good view of the field is vital too.
Good Agencies
If you are planning to go to one of the more popular tracks, it might be advisable to look for tickets through a good agency. We recommend calling the agency and setting up an appointment to speak with a sales representative. This way, you can find out about any specials and get a feel for the vibe of the place.
Most agencies sell both tickets and schedule appointments for customers. You might come in and speak with a representative right away or you might have to wait until another person is available. Either way, you’ll likely leave with a good feel for what to expect.
What is great about agencies is that they might help you find the best seats too. Sometimes, it is hard to find a good spot in the stands. What is more, they can also help you find the perfect packages for your needs. They might even be able to get you a couple of passes to use on the day of the event, to maximize your enjoyment. This way, you can rest assured that you are getting your money’s worth and that the tickets are good. You won’t have to worry about whether or not they are going to be honored at the gate.
Keep in mind that the above information is correct as of early 2019. However, like all major sporting events and concerts, there are always going to be seats that are better than others. What is great about this guide is that it gives you all the necessary information to get the best possible experience at your favorite track.