If you’ve never been to a NASCAR race, then here’s your chance to see an American racing phenomenon in person. You and a few friends can take in the excitement of a race at a fraction of the cost of traditional tickets. With the right planning and research, you can fill your social life with unforgettable memories while also experiencing the exhilaration of a NASCAR race. Here’s a breakdown of the costs involved.
Tickets
Getting tickets to a NASCAR race isn’t easy. They’re usually pretty pricey, even when bought in advance. For the average Joe, prices can range from $70 to $150, not including fees. Don’t expect to find cheaper tickets at the box office once the race starts; you’ll most likely be met with a line that stretches for kilometers before the gates open. The good news is that you can find discounted tickets if you look online. Be sure to buy them in advance so you won’t be disappointed when the time comes.
Accommodation
Accommodation at the track will cost you as well. Hotels, Airbnb, and other similar platforms will all have packages that include a motel room, with plans ranging from about $60 to $100 per night. You’ll also need to budget for food and drink, which will add up quickly if you’re on your own. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for dining and drinking that aren’t too expensive. You can find a lot of good restaurants in the area, as well as bars and brewpubs that are open to the public. If you need some inspiration, you can check out reviews of local hotels and restaurants on sites like Yelp.
Transportation
Getting to and from the track will cost you as well. You can take a trip to the local airport and connect with the NASCAR plane there, or you can take a bus or taxi. The airport is about a 30-minute drive from the center of town. You’ll need a car to get there, but it’s well worth it. There is also the option of taking a ride with a friend or family member. Biking to the airport will cost you about the same as driving there. You can connect with Uber or Lyft (or call an individual taxi) to get to your final destination more easily. Prices will range from $10 to $25, depending on the time of day and whether or not there are any special offers.
Activities
The activities surrounding the race itself are another expense to budget for. You won’t need to buy any tickets for these costs, but they are still considerable. You’ll have access to various attractions and museums before the race, during the week leading up to the event, and even after the race. Some of these costs include:
- Museum Passes – These range from $15 to $25 and allow you to access a variety of museums and cultural attractions. You’ll want to purchase these in advance so you can use them during your trip.
- Ballpark Passes – These are similar to Museum passes but allow you to access a specific ballpark. Prices range from $15 to $25 and are available for a variety of teams and games throughout the season.
- Racing Experience – This includes a variety of costs ranging from $10 to $20, which vary based on the level of excitement you want to experience. A less expensive option is the Backstretch Experience, which includes a pit pass and entry into the infield. The most expensive way to experience NASCAR is probably the VIP treatment, which includes everything from the parking pass to access to the luxury suites. The minimum age to legally purchase these passes is 21; if you’re under 21, you can still get some sort of discounted tickets or passes to the track.
- Entertainment – This includes costs ranging from $15 to $20 per day, depending on the entertainment option you choose. There are plenty of options, from movie and TV show tickets to concerts and sporting events. You’ll want to research which ones are most important to you so you can plan your budget accordingly.
- Food and Drink – This includes costs for eating out each day and buying drinks at the track. It’s no secret that food and drink at NASCAR races are expensive. Hotels, restaurants, and other similar food trucks and eateries at the track will all contribute to this cost, so make sure you plan your meals accordingly.
- Gas – This is probably the most important cost to consider. You’ll need this for both your trip to the track and getting around once you’re there. It’ll cost you about $4 to $6 per day, depending on the type of car you have.
Miscellaneous
There are a number of additional costs that aren’t included in any of the categories above. These costs range from parking to towel & gear fees. It’s important to remember that the price of parking will vary based on the time of day and whether or not there’s a fee. You won’t want to pay the standard rate for parking, as it could cost you a considerable amount of money. You’ll also want to purchase some race-appropriate gear, such as jerseys, hats, or t-shirts. You can find these items at various locations around the track, as well as the vendors that sell them at the track. Make sure you bring the items that you’ll need for the particular race you’re going to attend, as well as some extra shirts and hats in case you lose some during the race. You might also want to bring a small bag to hold your essentials, such as ID, credit card, etc.
The total cost for going to a NASCAR race, excluding the price of the ticket itself, will depend on how long you’re going for and how many days you’re there. It’ll cost you about $1,600 to $3,000, not including any discounts you might find online. If you want to have a good time but don’t want to spend a great deal of money, then a few NASCAR races are probably not for you. However, if you’re looking for a unique cultural experience, then go for it. You might just have fun.