EDITED

Seeing as how there seems to be a lot of people coming on this subreddit that are saying they are new to sport, and enjoyed the 500, and want to go to a race, I figured it won't be a good chance to give some tips. Anyone else with experience that would like to add can.

1) Traffic can be rough getting in, be prepared to leave early to go. There are always a lot of pre-race activities going on keep you busy, so you want to get there a few hours before the race. Plan for a good 45 minutes of traffic.

2) When buying tickets I recommend row 15 or higher. I have been to Phoenix, Michigan, Chicagoland, Daytona, and Dover. Sitting to low can kind of hinder your view, and being up more will give you a better view. Especially the bigger tracks.

3) If you have never been to one, check your tracks carry in policy. It is not uncommon to be able to carry in a small cooler with snacks, water, soda, and even beer. Usually there are limits to the size of the cooler, and no glass. Also, seat cushions are nice.

4) Look into the prices for scanner rentals. It is cool to be able to hear the teams talk to one another. Some even come with microphones so you can daisy chain them and talk to your group during the race. This is very helpful at the smaller tracks where you don't get a break between cars and don't want to yell.

5) Be sure to bring a grill and food. We like to see everything at the track before the race, but leaving the track can be a nightmare. We always hang out after to grill, and let the traffic die down a bit. Also, sometimes there is a "backway" to get out, and taking time to keep an eye on traffic, you might spot a few cars that know where that is. Looking at parking before the race is also important.

6) Finally anyone that is close enough to Dover, I recommend it. Of the tracks I have been to, it is the best I have been to. The track is small enough to see everything without issue, and because of the banking they maintain a pretty good speed around so you do get that speed experience you need to see live.

7) Sunscreen, water, and very comfortable shoes are must. These are all day, into the evening events. Don't be dumb, and think you can take it because you are a tough guy, when 3 PM hits, the sun is up with clear skies and it is 90 degrees and you have had nothing but beer, it can be killer. My wife at the summer Dover race didn't have strong enough SPF, and even with the constant putting it on her, she had sun burn for MONTHS.

8) Hearing protection! These cars are load, and it is recommended no matter what. You can take them out for a few laps if you want the rush, but permanent hearing damage can be easy to get. If you want the plugs that is fine, by I prefer ear muffs, much more comfortable. If you get a scanner this will take care of that as well.

9) See if the track has some sort of insurance in case it rains. Pocono has a rain gurantee, which is nice. If you are traveling a long ways away, it doesn't hurt to make plans for a Monday race just in case. Most tracks usually have decent seats still available during the week of the race, so don't be afraid to wait.

10) Get some stadium seats as well. Makes it much more comfortable to sit for a couple of hours than sitting on steel.

11) Take pictures of where you park. Some of these lots can be confusing, and you may need easy reference.

12) Bring a portable charger for your phone. If you take a lot of pictures, they can die quickly! You want to make sure you get those pictures of Blaney doing victory donuts!

Sorry for the long post, but I hope this helps some people.