The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have changed how we as a society celebrate Christmas and other holidays. Gone are the parties, the midnight mass and the gifts – as far as we know, at least. However, one of the most iconic attractions in the area – the Speedway – has kept on providing the Christmas novelty of being open during the pandemic.
Does this mean that next Christmas, the Christmas of 2021, will be like all the others before it? And, if so, will you still be able to enjoy your favourite tracks at the speedway? We took a look at the situation and whether or not you’ll be able to get your fill of speedway this holiday season.
Will The Speedway Be Open On Christmas Day 2021?
When it comes to Christmas, we at Hard Rock Cafe want to wish our customers, staff and community members a very happy holiday season. With many restrictions in place and many aspects of traditional Christmas parties gone, how can the spirit of the season be maintained?
One way is to continue to provide people with entertainment and diversion. Fortunately, speedway has done just that. Thanks to initiatives taken by Legends Racing and our friends at the Indy Eleven, the speedway has been able to stay afloat financially during these challenging times and continue to provide people with the nostalgia of motor racing delights. On this front, the speedway will be open as usual this Christmas.
In terms of what else will be open, we don’t know yet. However, according to the Legends Racing website, the following will be open:
- The shops
- The rest of the stadium
- The offices
- The weigh-in buildings
- The medical centre
- The hospitality units
- The press centre
- The paddock
- The garage
- The motorbikes
- The camping area
- The dugouts
- The grandstand
- The roofs
- The stands
Where Can I Sit In The Speedway Next Christmas?
The first question we encounter when planning to visit the speedway is, where can I sit?
At the moment, there is nowhere in particular where you can sit and make up your mind about a race. For the next few weeks, at least, the terrace bar and the media area behind it will be our best guess at the answer to the quest for the perfect place to sit and watch the races.
What About Food Delivery & Drinks At The Speedway?
One of the things that people have missed most about the old days is the anticipation of receiving a large food delivery just as the races were about to start. The meals were mostly eaten at the tracks, and the drivers would often mingle with the spectators after a long day of racing. It was an opportunity to socialise and meet new people while enjoying delicious food served by lovely waitresses. It would also be great if they could still deliver food and drinks to your seat as well.
The same goes for the hospitality unit. Next to the food, the drinks will be the other mainstay of the hospitality industry. Unfortunately, it seems that they have taken a dim view of alcohol in these times, and bringing drinks into the stands is now prohibited. However, we imagine that in a few weeks, things will return to normal, and people will be able to drink in the stands once more.
What Time Do The Races Start At The Speedway?
This is a common question, as you would want to know what time the race starts so you can plan your afternoon accordingly. Sadly, as far as we know, there is no set time for the races to start at the speedway. This means that you will need to check the schedule carefully or ask the organisers for help.
As for the commentary, it used to be the case that the commentator would begin his job just as the lights went out, and the drivers would then take the track. These days, the teams hold an orientation session before the start of the season, during which they go over the rules, the track and its various features. This means that, if you’ve never been to a NASCAR race before, you may not know what to look out for or what you’re supposed to be listening for.
Will Tickets Still Be Available For The Races?
This one is for all the NASCAR fans out there. The cost of a regular ticket for a concert or a play has ballooned, and it’s not just the cost of the ticket. The rise in VAT and transport costs, coupled with pandemic restrictions, have all contributed to this increase. However, one of the greatest things about going to a live performance is meeting people who share the same passion. It would be great if the lockdown days were gone, and we could all get back to feeling, and needing, socialising.
The good news is that, even though the pandemic is not over yet, there are signs that small businesses can be rebuilt and that people can get back to some sort of normality. This means that, eventually, the concerts and plays that have been put on hold due to the pandemic will go ahead. This will open up more opportunities for people who have been restricted due to the pandemic. The bad news is that, due to the lockdown restrictions, it will take some time before people are able to get back out there and about, to attend live performances and games.
When Is The Aftermath Of A NASCAR Race?
This is a tricky one. From a spectators’ point of view, you would want to know when you can leave the track and what to expect outside of the track. From a drivers’ point of view, you would want to know when you can stretch your legs and have a break before heading back out for another go. Sadly, this is something that the organizers do not provide us with. Fortunately, there is a way for you to find out easily enough. While the cars are being cleaned and packed up after the race, you can stroll over to the information booth and ask the volunteers for help.
After getting the schedule for the next race, you can find the information you need to know about leaving the track and getting to your destination. This is also where you can get the next race’s schedule. However, you will have to check in with the police or security at the gate to make sure that everything is okay outside of the track boundaries. Once this is done, you can go and have some fun. On your way back, the cleanup crew will be doing their thing, so be mindful of where you step. This is especially important if you’ve been sitting in the same place for a while. Even though the pandemic is over, there are still a lot of things to take care of, and a lot of work to be done.
As for the souvenirs, well, these things don’t really exist anymore. Sure, you can buy a few t-shirts and hats, with the iconic logo of the race or the sponsors on them. You could also pick up some magnets, posters or small trophies. This is as close as you will get to the authentic spirit of the season.