I'm not exactly a NASCAR fan, but when the opportunity came to go see a race, I was outnumbered by all the boys in my house. They were all so excited to go, so how could I say no to that? On Saturday we drove down to
Virginia International Raceway, which is almost two hours south of us.
When we arrived, I was pleasantly surprised by how nice it was. The racetrack is spread out all over, and you can walk around wherever you want. We were told the only place we couldn't go was in the pits. But we were able to walk around the paddocks and everywhere else. The VIR is a resort, so there are many places to explore.
It was neat for the boys to be able to check out all the excitement close up. See the truck to the right with the Krispy Kreme driver? He was 15 years old, and did very well during the race, placing 5th. Hard to imagine, since he can't even legally hold a driver's license!
There were plenty of dining options. We didn't buy any food there, but I did treat the boys to some cotton candy. It was the first time Cort and Reid tried it. Needless to say, it went over very well.
There were also several free bouncy houses set up for kids, and our three put them to good use. Then it was time for the race to start. The race was the Biscuitville 125 K and N Pro Series East race.
The course was curvy and long, so we were able to view the race from different places as we wandered about. There is even a lodge, which looked very nice. Because the course is so long, they have gazebos scattered throughout so that drivers can see caution flags when they're up.
This car ran into a bit of trouble around this curve, and spun out. Luck was with #37 and shortly it was right back on the track.
There were plenty of places to take a break and drive matchbox cars in your own race along the course. Shady spots with tree roots for driving on were ample. Really, this was the ideal spot for watching a race with kids. I loved that we weren't crammed into bleachers with a bunch of rowdy people.
In the end, Dylan Kwasniewski, #98, who had led the field for a large part of the race, took the win. The boys had such a fun time - and I found that I enjoyed it myself - really it was more like a walk in the park (with car racing) and this made it such a better experience than I expected. Plus, I confess it was so fun to take pictures of the race cars - I took over 100 pictures total!
Readers, have you ever been to a car race?
Disclaimer: I received tickets to the race for review purposes. The opinions above are my own.
That's a nice track and a good attempt to expand true racing in the US. That track requires real racing skills, not the same as the ovals where they just go in circles. One of my dreams is to attend the Monaco Grand Prix.....but I need free tickets....
ReplyDeleteMy wife's step brother used to race there but we never went to see it. I'm sure the boys had fun watching the fast cars, a little more interesting than just going in a circle.
ReplyDeleteI have never been to one. This looks great place to watch one. Having so many places for kids to play sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteNever been to a car race, but I have watched a couple local bicycle races. I also used to be a Formula 1 race fan, back in the days of Ayrton Senna.
ReplyDeleteI have never been to a race. I would love to see one. It looks like you had a pleasant day. I am glad you did not have to sit in a crowded bleacher.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to a car track and seen racing since my school years and I remember that it was VERY noisy and back then no one had anything to muffle the noise other than cupping their hands over their ears. I don't recall that it was a 'kid friendly' place either, so nice to hear that the VIR was. xox
ReplyDeleteHow nice for you to go with all your boys :)
ReplyDeleteI would have sent them off with dad and had a day to myself ;)
Looks like a great time.
i've been to one held in downtown dallas years ago. i'm not a fan of noise and wasting fuel and rubber. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect way to entertain boys (and girls). The matchbox cars were a true enhancement.
ReplyDeleteI'd like the option of not having to sit in the bleachers too.
ReplyDeleteIt does sound like a nice day out.
And they're first time tasting cotton candy? That's big time! :)
Love the pictures, Lisa!
ReplyDeleteI've not been to a big track, but used to go and watch at a place here where I had friends who raced every weekend.
xoxo
I've never been to one. I don't think I could stand the noise. The VIR raceway sounds a lot better than those places where you have to sit in the bleachers and just watch cars go around and around. I'm glad you and your boys had a good time!
ReplyDeleteIt DOES look like a really beautiful and luxurious race place. At first when I saw the horse statue and all the lovely setting, I thought it was the HORSE races! Thanks for showing us the first cotton candy experience, it is so cute!!! The closest I have ever come to watching a race is Go Karts and Tractor Pulls!
ReplyDeleteI see you had a lot of good pics to take....no I have not been to a race
ReplyDeleteA 15 year old driver? That's crazy! I didn't know that was permitted. But sounds like he's pretty good. I've never been to a race but it would be interesting to see.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun post Lisa! It brought back memories from my childhood of Cotton Candy. I've never been to a race, despite my love of cars. Good to see the hearing protection--very important. I'm sure the boys will ask you to return next year!
ReplyDeleteOh I LOVE your photos I can see fun was had by all. B
ReplyDeleteMy son is seriously going to be that 15 year old driver. I swear to it! He's obsessed with cars and racing. We go to a drag strip on occasion and we go to the dirt track every now and then. We did go to Bristol last year and took our oldest daughter. It was fun but very loud and very cramped! I'm a Jimmie Johnson fan though so I enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteI've never been to a race BUT my 91 yr old friend Lillie recently told me about attending a car race when she was a newlywed - that just shocked me!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you all had a good time.
We used to go to races when I was a child. But, we had to sit in seats the whole time! lol Nice to see that the boys could walk around. The facility looks nice.
ReplyDeleteGlad it was a walk in the park. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat photos!
I've never been to a huge car race but I have been to a local one. It was so loud!
ReplyDeleteI've been to a motorcycle speed race, but never a car race. Looks like the boys had a ball. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun day for the boys!!! :-)
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