Kansas Speedway Family Outing
We're pretty big sports fans. Watching our two kids play sports and viewing events like the recent World Cup and the Super Bowl are a regular part of our family time. But, a while ago we had the opportunity to take in a new sport in a very different arena: the STP 400 Race at the Kansas Speedway. We're glad we accepted the invitation; it was a memorable family outing.
Fast and furious barely begin to describe the race; Matt Kenseth (#20) set a record, averaging over 191 miles per hour in the 400-mile race. Watching his victory spin and seeing famous drivers like Jeff Gordon, Danika Patrick, Jimmy Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. were highlights, but we enjoyed a whole lot more.
The Kansas Speedway provides plenty of pre- and post-race entertainment, so it's a full day event. The area around the speedway becomes a mini-city! Racing flags, smoking grills, picnics and games create an electric atmosphere. Arrive 1-1 ½ hours pre-race so you can enjoy some tailgating. Many fans played Frisbee, soccer and horseshoes while their barbecue cooked and again waiting for post-race traffic to clear.
Recommendation: Get a track pass if possible and bring a camera. The passes gain you pre-race access to the infield. Bringing a soft-sided cooler with drinks and snacks can offset this expense.
We enjoyed signing the track (bring a Sharpie), greeting drivers and their families and watching cars pull out onto the track. Wave your tickets or other memorabilia and ask for autographs. Carl Edwards of Columbia, MO, signed our kids' tickets and shook some hands. That experience made an instant shadow box-worthy memento!
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. Next, a soloist performed a moving rendition of the national anthem, accompanied by a military band, colorful fireworks and a flyover.
Take Your Seats
Entertainment continues once you are in your seats. Announcers interact with the audience and talk up the race. Know the cars you want to follow before the race begins. The cars' speed and quick movements can make them difficult to follow. Adjust your earplugs and hold onto your hats as the engines roar and the checkered flag is lowered. The sound and feeling of more than 40 racecars taking off at once is comparable to being near a moving train or a passing tornado.
Track your cars on the electronic pole that shows the top 15 racers and counts the laps. Binoculars help to view the opposite side of the track and the tricky turns. Keep your eyes on the pit crews, too. A yellow flag indicates caution and many cars will make a pit stop then. Watch the crews lift an entire side of the car to make adjustments in a matter of seconds.
The sights and sounds kept all of us engaged throughout the race, but it's worthwhile to stretch your legs by walking through the arena, viewing displays, food stands and the crowd. Just make sure not to miss the final race lap and, of course, the victory lap.