We went to Bizarre Bazaar at the raceway - guided parking, lots of parking, lots of people - very... read more
We went to Bizarre Bazaar at the raceway - guided parking, lots of parking, lots of people - very... read more
The traffic control outside of the stadium was organized but confusing. Once we got to the correct... read more
This is a great venue for a race. There are good options for food and drink and everything is compact. The parking is plentiful. The only drawback is that because the race track is in the city, traffic into and out of the speedway parking in heavy. Allow plenty of time and be patient.
We try to take in a Nascar race each year while incorporating our annual vacation and include with area site seeing. This was, by far, the best racing venue we've attended to date! It was crazy! with acres and acres of RVs and camping for pre-race activities. The local police did a good job with traffic controls making getting in [a little time consuming] to getting out [very easy and quick]. Lots of fun activities, shows, give aways, meet and greet with drivers and food options for fans! Speaking of the fans -- very nice, polite,highly enthusiastic but well behaved. Started our day at 11 am and had plenty to do before the 7pm race. It was fun walking in the pit area, walking around a very steep track and writing a message to our favorite drivers on the white finish line [Go Dale, Jr and Denny Hamlin!]. Was up front during driver interviews with Greg Biffle, Dale Earnhardt, Jr and Kasey Kahne which was fun! Was in the audience during Race Day show...love John Roberts and Kyle Petty!! Crazy race and very eventual ending...and the controversy continues!!
First, the track itself and the racing at RIR are fantastic! Our seats couldn't have been better for viewing the race.
That said, everything else about the track was not so much. On Friday, when the crowd is lightest, it is difficult to find food and beverage stands open in some areas of the grandstands. At one point, I had to go down five stories to find something to eat, then wait a long time for the elevator to go back to our seats. This was better on Saturday, when the track is busiest, but the variety available above the ground level was seriously lacking.
Traffic at any track is difficult. The worst part, and what took the longest (over an hour on Saturday night) was just getting out of the parking lot. This was not handled well at all. Other tracks do much better on that aspect of traffic control. Once outside the track itself, the city handled traffic extremely well. Roads were set up as one-way near the track (after the race) and the people got moved away quickly.
We were there for the September races, what an excellent track! The staff is friendly and helpful, and I have never seen better organization for traffic control! The City of Richmond really deserves Kudos for their police dept, they kept everything and everyone flowing smoothly.
We went for the last race before the chase and decided to try camping. It was our first time and had no idea what to expect, thus we over packed. There are plenty of places to buy anything you might need within 3 or 4 miles so don't worry about what you might forget and they don't try to gouge you. Worried what to do before the race, no need Richmond has more than enough to keep you occupied if you want to do more than NASCAR, but be warned traffic does get heavy as the start time nears.
We arrived after dark on Thursday and found the tent camp area nice and level and the spots (20x40) well marked on freshly mowed grass. We found our site and simply unloaded and set our tent up. I was worried I might have a problem, but the few other campers that had already set up are ready to lend a hand if you need. We then had a great nights sleep.
Friday I made a wonderful breakfast and then we took a trolly tour of Richmond. We returned to the track around 3 and traffic was not bad. Set up the rest of the site and began to mingle with the other campers. Some went to the Fri. night race, but we remained on site simply comparing notes, eating, a bit of drinking, or playing games.
Saturday, the big day. Another fine breakfast then hopped on the tram to the Midway. I was amazed at how large it was so be sure to bring your walking shoes. Plenty to see and do and it's free. They even have a 'kid zone' to keep the little ones occupied if you like, but even in there other areas there is much they would enjoy. You can bring your own food and beverage or purchase it at one of the venders. You may even run into some of the drivers or team members.
If interested you can upgrade to see the pits, tour the track, etc.but that's not required to have a good time.
After spending over 6 hours at the free trackside activities we took tram back to the camping area, unloaded a restocked with our race gear (scanner, seat cushion, and cooler).,
Yes you can even bring your own food in. After getting off the tram we were directed to customer services for a golf cart ride for those in need to our entrance gate. We directed to our seats and found them to be quite wide. They also offer a family section if you like and all seats are non-smoking. There is not a bad seat in the house.
The fans were great and after the race we chose to remain another 15 minutes for the crowds to dwindle. We then went to customer service for our return trip to our campsite. You can walk it if you want it's maybe a mile on a pedestrian friendly path.
To sum it up...the track is very nice...good for families who may want the trill of a race, the adventure of the outdoors...something all will enjoy...and a vacation that doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg. We will be back.
We spent the day at the races and have a wonderful time, from the lot attendants to the folks keeping the rest rooms clean. Everyone was friendly helpful and in great spirits-the hospitality was great-Nice job RIR!!