[cleatziff]

When I was younger my dad and I would often go in the pits after the races. I went many years without being able to attend any races and I was wondering if the pits are still open to spectators after the races. I always enjoyed getting to go around and see the cars up close and meet the drivers.

[racerfanx2]

Depends on the track and the insurance. Most will open the pits once all races are over.

[cleatziff]

Thank you very much. Since this can still be done at most tracks I think I will defenitly be making some trips to the pits after the races are over!

[cecil98]

the only problem you have nowadays is that most tracks run several support classes after the "featured" classes such as late models or sprints. that being the case, the late models and sprinters are often loaded up and heading down the road before the support classes are finished racing. another problem is the enclosed trailers. shortly after their feature is over, they roll the cars in the trailer and shut the door. the fans just don't get to see as much in the pits, after the races, as they used to. to really get to see the cars and meet people you almost have to spring for a pit pass.

[GFMMInc]

I totally agree. I miss the old times of open trailers and drivers staying to sign autographs and sell t-shirts.

[illinisprintfan]

Originally Posted by cecil98 the only problem you have nowadays is that most tracks run several support classes after the "featured" classes such as late models or sprints. that being the case, the late models and sprinters are often loaded up and heading down the road before the support classes are finished racing. another problem is the enclosed trailers. shortly after their feature is over, they roll the cars in the trailer and shut the door. the fans just don't get to see as much in the pits, after the races, as they used to. to really get to see the cars and meet people you almost have to spring for a pit pass.

I agree about having to buy a pit pass, but what do you do if you bring a kid that is too young to go to the pits? I think one of the reasons that my kids are not as crazy about racing as I am is due to not being able to go into the pits after the races and meet the drivers. There are some that stay afterwards, and bravo to them for staying, but there are not too many. When I was growing up it was my favorite part of the evening. Meeting the drivers and looking at the cars was a big deal, and if I got asked if I wanted to sit in one, it was a REALLY big deal!!

[Poorboyjocko]

At Gas City, in 2008 they let anyone into the pits for two hours befor the program started if you bought a 50/50 ticket for a dollar. I think this was 4pm to 6pm and worked on a honor system. When hot laps started you had be out of the pits. This would let fans talk to their favort driver and get a racing shirt. They have a new prometer this yr, so that policy could change.

[Motormasher]

The best part about racing IS getting to meet the drivers, see the cars up close and crew members in the pits. Thats what seperates dirt track racing from other professional sports. Every car and its paint scheme, driver, and even the number on the car mean something to the fans.

We have to be carefull not to destroy that relationship with the fans by closing up the trailers and leaving early.

[cecil98]

Originally Posted by illinisprintfan I agree about having to buy a pit pass, but what do you do if you bring a kid that is too young to go to the pits? I think one of the reasons that my kids are not as crazy about racing as I am is due to not being able to go into the pits after the races and meet the drivers. There are some that stay afterwards, and bravo to them for staying, but there are not too many. When I was growing up it was my favorite part of the evening. Meeting the drivers and looking at the cars was a big deal, and if I got asked if I wanted to sit in one, it was a REALLY big deal!!

most tracks don't have an age limit any more. if you pay the "FEE" you can bring an infant into the pits.

[cecil98]

Originally Posted by Poorboyjocko At Gas City, in 2008 they let anyone into the pits for two hours befor the program started if you bought a 50/50 ticket for a dollar. I think this was 4pm to 6pm and worked on a honor system. When hot laps started you had be out of the pits. This would let fans talk to their favort driver and get a racing shirt. They have a new prometer this yr, so that policy could change.

that is a great idea!! the cost of buying pit passes for you and your kids is prohibitive for most people. that is a great way to create some new fans without raping them for a pit pass. Dave Rudisell, give this some thought!