... And, We're Off – to the Races!
We're sports fans. Our kids play lots of sports and we attend large sporting events such as the KC Royals, or the Chiefs, but last weekend—courtesy of KC Parent magazine—we took in a new sport in a very different arena: the STP 400 Race at the Kansas Speedway! Fast and furious barely begins to describe the race; Matt Kenseth (#20) set a record averaging over 191 miles per hour in the 400-mile race. His victory spin and seeing famous drivers like Jeff Gordon, Danica Patrick, Jimmy Johnson, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. were definite highlights, but we learned more along the way:
Arrival: The entire area around Kansas Speedway becomes a mini-city! Racing flags, smoking grills, picnics, and games create an electric atmosphere.
Tips for the Best Day at the Kansas Speedway
- Arrive 1-1 ½ hours pre-race.
- Dress in layers with wind and sun protection in mind.
- Bring pre/post-race entertainment. Frisbees, soccer balls and horseshoes are popular. And, of course, pack food and drinks for both ends of the event.
- Stocked soft-sided cooler.
Other supplies:
- Sharpies to sign the track and for autographs
- Foam ear plugs (A MUST!)
- Binoculars
- Blankets
Photo Opps:
- Pre-race festivities and race flag displays.
- A panoramic view of the track's exterior makes a scrapbook-worthy souvenir.
Track Pass: gains you entry to the infield. If you can come by a set of these – it is a worthwhile experience.
A live band warms up an anxious crowd. We jostled our way to the front of a trackside viewing line and saw Jimmy Johnson's sleek black car (#48) roll onto the track.
Photo Opps:
- Signing the track.
- Drivers walk the track before their official introductions. Experienced fans call out names, wave tickets and memorabilia for autographs. Carl Edwards of Columbia, Missouri, signed our kids' tickets and shook some hands. Instant shadow box-worthy memento!
- Cars and crews, drivers and other VIPs.
- Drivers stroll across the stage, greeting officials, VIPs and fellow drivers.
Pre-Race Tip: Know the cars you want to follow before the race begins. The cars' speed and quick movements can make it difficult to follow.
Clear the Track:
Entertainment continues once you are in your seats. Announcers interact with the audience and talk up the race.
Photo Opps:
- The impressive national anthem ceremony. After a moment of silence for the Boston Marathon bombing, a moving soloist performed, accompanied by a military band, colorful fireworks and a flyover.
- Race cars lining up on the track.
Get Ready …
Adjust your ear plugs and hold onto your hats as the engines roar and the green flag is lowered. The sound and feeling of 40+ race cars taking off at once is unforgettable! We compared it to being near a moving train or a passing tornado.
Go!
Track your cars on the electronic pole that shows the top 15 racers and counts the laps (267 for the STP 400.)
Tips:
- Use binoculars to view the opposite side of the track and the turns.
- A yellow flag indicates caution and is when many cars will make a pit stop. Look for damage and how the crews lift an entire side of the car to make adjustments in a matter of seconds.
Photo Opps:
- Track infield
- Winner's victory pass
- Wrecks
- Your fans enjoying the race