Originally Posted by berks co:
After viewing USAC wingless sprint cars here in Pa, a friend of mine planned a vacation for us going to USAC speedweek shows at Lawrenceburg, gas city and kokomo. Any suggestions or info about the three tracks? Where to sit, can we camp, good food, and any ther information that will help us. Never been to any of the three tracks but i'm allready excited for this trip. Thanks in advance for all information.
berks co,
You are in for a treat no doubt about it. Sprint week in Indiana has no comparison in my opinion. The three tracks you have picked out are all different and exciting. Of course, the second week shows are no slouch either.
Question #1. Where to sit. Gas City's bleachers are extremely close to the racing surface so plan on getting a little Indiana dirt to wear. I would suggest any place close to the top of the bleachers that you can find. It won't matter who you sit next to, since you probably don't know anyone anyway. A great way to meet new friends.
Of course if you want to invest in a pit pass, the bleachers in the pits are in turns 3 & 4 but I personally don't care to be in the pits.
Lawrenceburg doesn't have a bad seat in the house. If you are down lower in the grandstands during hot laps and qualifying, you will definitely wear some track turds but you can really "feel" the racing. We usually sit in Section A with a whole group of IOW folks who are the best fans anywhere IMHO.
Kokomo has seating on both the front and back stretch so you might take a look at how the wind is blowing. Since the re-do of this facility, I personally haven't been on the back stretch so I can't comment much on that. I enjoy sitting in the bleachers on the turn 4 side of the speedway.
Question #2. Can you camp? Free camping at all three tracks. Lawrenceburg has some limited electrical hook ups but I am not sure if they charge for them or not. Otherwise, it is primitive camping with some of the best folks you will ever meet in your life.
Question #3. Good food. Lawrenceburg and Kokomo probably have the better selections since they are bigger cities than Gas City. The concessions at all three places are very good with a pretty good variety of things to eat. I would highly recommend the pork chop sandwich at Kokomo. It is really tasty.
Other things of interest. Lawrenceburg has the riverboat/casino across the street from the race track if you are into such things. Gas City is located near the James Dean museum in Fairmount, IN. A day trip to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway museum is always an interesting side light. We on the on other hand, grab a cold brew and sit outside the motor home enjoying the wonderful Indiana sights.
I would forewarn you that Indiana Sprint Week is contagious. Once you get it, you will never be the same. I would say that you might have to quit your job and move to our fair state as you will need a fix of traditional sprint car racing often. Good luck and hopefully this helps. I hope to see you at the races.
