Man, yer close enough for any number of tracks. I'd say give Darlington a shot, but it all depends on what type of racing you want to see.
Here's the rub...the more you do, the more it will cost you and we aren't talking peanuts here. But, if money isn't a problem, here's what you want to do. First off, know that the earlier you get there, the closer you will be able to park for the date. If you want to camp, you should make reservations as soon as you can. The same for a hotel if that's your choice, but remember, most rooms are booked well in advance, so don't waste you time deciding where and when. You could end up well over a 100 miles from the track. Try getting your tickets through a ticket seller if you want the best seats, but remember, almost always on race day, you can get tickets from a scalper. Here's something to think about buying tickets at the track from a scalper...if you don't mind missing the beginning of the race, you can get tickets much cheaper. If you've been watching qualifying on TV and enjoy that, then by all means get yourself to the track for qualifying on Friday. The tickets for that normally are fairly cheap. Be prepared to walk and walk and walk around souvineer haulers. There's lots to buy, so build up your limit on your credit card. If you camp near the track, you'll be able to tailgate and meet lots of people. Be prepared for anything though. Take to the track all that you can take. Be sure and check the track web site for what you can and can't take into the track. There's a limit of things you can take these days and what types of bags you can use. If it's hot, be sure and bring plenty of cold drinks, but you can always put out the wazoo for eats and drinks at the track. If you happen to choose Martinsville for your pleasure, all you can get hot there are hot dogs. But they are mighty good hot dogs. If you've got a scanner, by all means bring it. If you don't have a frequency chart, they sell them at the track for around five bucks.
The perfect race weekend is just being there and not having any problems. But all the races I've attended, that's never happened, but nothing really bad. Just one thing or another. And the last thing to remember, leaving the track will be hectic to say the least. Some tracks are worse than others, but as long as you aren't in a hurry, you can just take in the sights and hope that you can get a glimpse of one of the drivers.
Oh, and one last thing to remember. Never, never ever have your headphones on when the light those motors up. You don't want to miss those goose bumps you get when they fire them up.
Just have a good time and you'll remember your first race for the rest of your life.
