Burn Baby, Burn
09/07
No one disputes when tailgating began in car racing. It’s been happening since day one.
Unlike the football community, Formula One, Indy, NASCAR and other racing tailgaters are not limited to fans alone. NASCAR Drivers and their families are among the crowd and fans can usually score a couple of photos and autographs before the race.
While both tailgating communities are busting at the seams with passion, NASCAR and Indy fans tend to tailgate quite a bit longer at each race than football fans.
Over 70 percent of NASCAR tailgaters spend more than three days camped out at races before the first engine is even revived up. An ATA study also revealed that up to 65 % of NASCAR tailgaters won’t even go into the race, but tailgate the entire stay, opting to watch the game on television or keep track via radio.
Pretty amazing numbers, to say the least and they speak volumes about the quality of the tailgating experience.
NASCAR tailgating is also the most lucrative genre because these tailgaters spend more time which requires more supplies to keep the party going longer.
Aware of the popularity and importance tailgating has among its fans, NASCAR has even added a special tailgating section to its official website.
Special contributing writer, Jo Ann Hlavac’s primary job is to provide fans with tips for each race destination. Not only does she note what makes each location unique for tailgaters, but she provides them with directions to the track, tips on what to bring and what to expect in camping and parking sections.
Collegiate and professional football tailgaters cannot access such resourceful information on official websites, but instead have to turn to independent sources or other tailgaters for such valuable tips and clues.
Football and NASCAR tailgaters are not from entirely different planets, (they’re all about sharing, bragging and showing off their latest set-up). The primary difference that separates the two is that football tailgaters do not tend to camp as much as NASCAR. NASCAR parking lots literally transform into camp grounds before race day.
Although NASCAR’s official website offers some good information on these campsites, fans can go to nascarcamping.com to discover information and links on each race track along with forums and blogs for fans to share their experiences and the latest campsite news.
NASCAR tailgaters get to know each other on a much more intimate level than other genres due to longer stays and closer proximities. A couple of tips to keep in mind while camping would be much appreciated by all within the parking lot.
Sharing is great. Sharing is encouraged. But remember, it goes both ways. No matter if it’s your best buddy or someone you just met, you should always maintain a balance. Whether you borrowed supplies or tried a burger or two, be sure to repay your neighbor by helping clean or offering something in return.
Remember the parking lot is a community
While you’re entitled to your own opinion and racer allegiance, Tailgaters while ardent sports enthusiasts are most of all, “good sports”. When our favorite driver is not having his best day on the track, the focus turns to the tailgating experience.
Also keep in mind that this is a family community and children can be found in any neighborhood, so while it’s nice to have a good time it’s an even better idea to make sure you’re not disrupting anyone else’s.Tailgate responsibly.
Obviously the drivers and race cars are the primary focus of each race, however tailgaters should also donate attention to what kind of car they are heading out to the race in.
According to the editors at Cars.com, manufacturers are conscious of the rapid growth of the tailgating industry and are now catering to fans with automobiles designed with special features for parking lot parties.
“Manufacturers are trying to stand out and win over fans with features that make it easier than ever to carry the grill, entertain friends before the game and clean up your car when the game is over,” says Managing Editor Patrick Olsen.
Such features include extra storage space under the floor, two-pronged household power outlets, stain-resistant seats, built in cooler for trucks, washable cargo floors and more.
Car manufacturers aren’t the only manufacturers eager to entice tailgaters with new products. In hopes of cashing in on the rapidly growing industry, tailgaters can find products ranging anywhere from portable satellite TVs to seat cushions that can hold hot and cold beverages.
Tailgating of any kind will always revolve around the latest gadgets and technology to show off with other tailgaters. But tailgating isn’t just about the food and tools, it’s about the experience.
Whether you are a NASCAR fan or football fan, the goal of tailgating is the same. Not only do these loyal fans share their food, TVs and space with one another, they share a common passion.
So pull up a lawn chair, grab a burger and enjoy being a part of a community who truly appreciates the company of a good neighbor.
