Eldora Speedweek is one of the biggest racetracks in North America. It is located in the US state of Ohio, and is considered to be a part of the legendary ‘Strip’ – the stretch of highway that runs through most American towns and cities. The fans and participants come from all over the United States and Canada, and beyond to witness the spectacle that is NASCAR. Since 1923 when Barney Oldfield first raced there, the event has grown in popularity and now attracts up to 250,000 people each year.
The track’s toilet facilities are quite basic, and do not offer the visitors much convenience. There is no separate drinking fountains for men and women, and it is impossible to freshen up while at the venue. This, however, did not stop people from going to the bathroom before, during, and after the racing events. The need for a water-drinking solution became so urgent, that in 2013 a group of fans set out to change things, and make the experience of using the toilet a little more pleasant. They came up with a unique idea that turned into a practical application: a drink cart that serves as a water fountain. Here’s how they did it.
The Solution
The water fountain that serves as a drink cart is the brainchild of Jim Karchik and Jimmy McKenzie. They came up with the idea after noticing how inconvenient and cramped the standard bathroom facilities were at Eldora Speedway. It is made up of three parts: a water dispenser, a fountain, and a storage bin for all the empty water bottles (up to six).
The goal of the project was to provide a clean and safe drinking experience for everyone at the track without having to go to the far end of the property to find a place to dispose of the beverage cans and plastic bottles that come with the sport. Not only is this far from a pleasant experience, it is also illegal. The drink carts are also a great way to raise brand awareness and attract new fans to the track. The brand logo is laser-etched into the top of each fountain, and the project’s official Twitter handle, @makeELDROARaceway, helps spread the word about the invention.
Where Can I Buy One?
If you are interested in buying one of these drink carts, you need to first decide whether to get the model with or without a cooler. The latter is cheaper, but you will have to store the water at room temperature, thus making it less suitable for drinking. The former has a built-in ice chest, which keeps the water cool for up to three hours. This, in turn, provides visitors with a much more satisfying experience when quenching their thirst.
The best way to find out which one to get is by contacting the manufacturer directly. They can also provide you with the complete owner’s guide, which includes useful tips on how to use the drink cart and best practices for maintaining its cleanliness. Just make sure that you follow the guidelines in the guide, or you might end up with a contaminated drink cart.
How Does It Work?
After you have determined that you want to purchase a drink cart, the next step is to figure out how much space you have available for it. Most of the models come with a 30-gallon tank, which is large enough for most homes. Once you have made this decision, it’s time to gear up for the installation. First, you will need to remove the toilet paper dispenser from the wall, as it could interfere with the smooth operation of the water fountain. Next, you need to remove the wall separating the toilet and the shower, as this will allow you to enjoy the convenience of having both areas in one. Remember: the installation of a drink cart is not as difficult as it seems, but it requires a lot of preparation and forethought. Make sure that you follow the instructions carefully, so that you do not end up with a malfunctioning unit.
Is It Worth It?
After you have invested the time to prepare for the installation, it is finally time to reap the benefits. Once the cart is in place, you need to spend some time familiarizing yourself with how to use it successfully. This involves learning how to operate and maintain the unit correctly. Once you have done this, you will wonder why you did not implement this type of system earlier in your home or office. The advantages are numerous and can greatly improve your quality of life. The brand’s website even goes so far as to say that a drink cart is equivalent to having a personal assistant with you at all times.
The converse is also true. If you have a problem with hydration or are looking for a sustainable way to get your daily water, then these drink carts provide a viable and cost-effective solution. Just remember to keep the cold drinks to a minimum, as the internal temperature of the water cannot exceed seventy degrees Fahrenheit. Otherwise, it could seriously damage your health. This is why most water fountain designs do not allow for this. The internal temperature of the water should always be between fifty and sixty degrees Fahrenheit.
The bottom line is this. If you live in a place where drinking water is not readily available, then this is the type of product that you need to purchase. Remember, a good rule of thumb is to consult with your family physician before purchasing any kind of fountain equipment, especially if you are taking any medications. He or she will be able to give you a medical opinion on whether or not the product is safe for you to use.
In closing, make sure to try out the product that you buy if it is brand new. Use it for a few days, or weeks if you buy the most expensive model, to ensure that it is functioning correctly. If you have any questions about how to use it or otherwise maintain its cleanliness, then don’t hesitate to consult the instruction manual that comes with the product or contact the manufacturer directly.