Pocono - August

[stewartfan]

Hey all...Who would like to get a group together to go to Pocono' s August race.
Yea I know the race is a little ....well....you know..

A group of us usually goes up on Friday for qualifying, and we say why don't we go for the whole weekend ?? I live less then one hour from the track in New Jersey.

Due to our work schedules I would like to come up on Friday afternoon (around 2PM) and leave on Sunday night (7-8ish).

So..where is a good spot to stay in? Infield? Outside the track? Cost? Do you also need to purchase a grandstand ticket?
Also is water available? From a spigot? (water trucks are to much $$).

Lets chat..

[JUNIORFAN88]

did the infield a couple years ago. DONT DO IT!!!! it was of money you pay for your entrane in and then for ever one with you pays. once your in you cant leave you have to buy pit paddock passes to get under the track to the sovunior trailors it was not an enjoyable weekend and you need tickets. oh and you cant leave until 3or4houurs after the race so 7-8ish out of the ?

[Ron48]

I havent been to a Pocona race yet either. It is close for me also, about 3 hours or less. Where to camp is my first question?

[Nascarcamping]

I had 6 spots on the infield fence line for last years race.....:D

[stewartfan]

I had 6 spots on the infield fence line for last years race.....:D

So is infield OK? JuniorFan88 doesn't think so.

With the infield do you need to purchase a grandstand ticket?
Price per camper? Person?

How is the crowd?

[wiggleyum]

Went to the races as well as camped in a 30 foot class C about 5 years ago. Wanted to stay in the trackside campground but by the time we got there on Friday (around 3pm) they had already filled up the area next (as in immediately) to the track. I pitched a fit cause I wanted to be right next to the track (though you couldn't see anything) but they placed us on the other side of Long Pond Road in the grassy parking lots.

In the long run, I'm glad they did as we weren't as cramped as we would've been in the trackside campground area. So we had more room, it seemed to us there were more portajohns (didn't have to fill the black tank as quickly) and it appeared to be cooler since the parking lot was surrounded by trees and we were on grass not gravel or asphalt. Yes, we had to walk a little bit further but it was all worth it when the weekend was finished. We were please and felt we were fortunate to be on the other side of Long Pond Road. Pocono's rules are they won't let RVs out of the lots until 2 hours after the race which was fine with us. It was fun watching the mass exodus.

Pocono is a big track, it usually rains sometime during race weekend. My experience has been there is a shroud of fog sometime during race weekend as well. So the point I'm trying to make is if you are in the infield, no doubt you won't see much due to its size or the inevitable fog.

[wiggleyum]

I forgot to mention if you are in the infield, you do have to buy an infield ticket which is about $50 not counting the cost for the RV ($50 to $500) depending on which spot one requests and when you arrive. You want a grandstand ticket, that's more $$ still.

[stewartfan]

I guess this is the reason I do not go to Pocono?
Maybe Martinsville would be better in the fall?

[JUNIORFAN88]

I guess this is the reason I do not go to Pocono?
Maybe Martinsville would be better in the fall?

Been doing Martinsville every Oct. for 4 years my favorite place to go nice quiet laid back weekend meet alot of new friends every time.and alot cheaper except the cost of gas is making me think twice about.Bristol in Aug. Richmond in Sept. and Martinsville in Oct. might get to be to much strain on the bank Acct. Do Martinsville you will defenitly enjoy the camping and the racing.

[stewartfan]

Been doing Martinsville every Oct. for 4 years my favorite place to go nice quiet laid back weekend meet alot of new friends every time.and alot cheaper except the cost of gas is making me think twice about.Bristol in Aug. Richmond in Sept. and Martinsville in Oct. might get to be to much strain on the bank Acct. Do Martinsville you will defenitly enjoy the camping and the racing.

Thanks a million for the reply.

Where do you stay at Martinsville?

[Ron48]

I am going to MArtinsville for the first time in March, camping in the North Lot. Looking forward to it. I hear its a good track to see drivers at, better chance of getting autographs and such

[JUNIORFAN88]

I am going to MArtinsville for the first time in March, camping in the North Lot. Looking forward to it. I hear its a good track to see drivers at, better chance of getting autographs and such

you will defiently see a lot of drivers just stand between the motorchoach lot and the tunnel turn 4 entrance during practices and qualifying you can get a lot of photos Autographs are tough now because they put a security railing up to keep you back you can definetly get photos of them on there golf carts though.

[JUNIORFAN88]

good place to maybe meet drivers fri and sat night its a nice little bar. i couple years ago the wife hung out with Sterling Marlin the night before the race (he wasn't feeling any pain either). Have been there in two years now that we have a 2year old.:):):)

[wiggleyum]

Martinsville used to be really easy for getting autographs as they only had one way into and out of the track - a gate located in turn 4. About 30 to 45 minutes after a race, Martinsville used to open the gates to allow the fans into the infield. It was great and if you missed your driver, he was most likely stuck in traffic with everyone else. Easy pickings for the autograph hounds. Haven't really stayed around after the race like that for past 9 or 10 years to see if they still do that (highly unlikely IMHO).

But now, you may catch a driver on a golf cart going from his rig to the track or the track to their helicopter but opportunities for autographs here are getting harder and harder. With the new roads and parking areas for drivers, you seldom see them nowadays.

You can run into various drivers and NASCAR personnel in area restaurants and if you approach them at the right moment, they'll sign an autograph or pose for a picture. Got Denny Hamlin's autograph last fall, Jamie McMurray's the year before. Where you ask? Why that's my little secret which I cannot divulge.

[Nascarcamping]

Ed keeping a secret from us is not going to get you any extra ribs or beer, and as a matter of fact the pig down in Texas has a set of chains I can hear rattling now.....:twisted:

[wiggleyum]

Well, I could be bribed but one secret I will divulge, if South Boston is having something featured on a Saturday night, you can beat there will be a NASCAR driver there. Over the years we've seen Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman, Elliott Sadler at South Boston the night before the Martinsville race.
.....certainly got off to a tangent related to Pocono, didn't we??

[Bignascarfan]

I went last august. I stayed in the family rv area outside of turn3. My wife daughter and I had a great time. I can't put down the infield too much, but I can tell you that when I woke up at 2 in the am one morning, they were still going strong!!! It is boondock style camping, so be sure you prepare for that. They do come around and empty and fill every day, but we found it cheaper to run into town. (Except on cup day, too much traffic.
I didn't get to read all of the posts here, but I will leave you the address of my pics on webshots.
If I can scratch together the cash, I want to go again this summer, but I am still paying for last year’s trip.
Here is the Link
http://thumb18.webshots.net/t/55/455/5/23/48/2183523480099009278eEdJBW_th.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/album/560351159ibIbOq) click on the picture.

[stewartfan]

Thanks Bignascarfan, So you stayed in turn three. I'm guessing you then also have grandstand seats?
How much is the "family" section? For the RV and person?

I'm waiting for Nascarcamping to chime in on where he stays?

[Nascarcamping]

I had a bunch on the fenceline but never used them last year......

[stewartfan]

Then I guess you don't know how they were/are ?

Have you been there before?
Any plans on going again?

[Nascarcamping]

no I never went, but I do know they do have that no in and out rule, which is extremely anti Chamber of Commerce.:evil:

[stewartfan]

Are you thinking of going this year? If so what race?

[my3chevys2]

I have gone to the second race the last 3 yrs. I have a fenceline pass in turn 3. We have had nothing but a great time. I'm about 3 hrs away so it's very close for the weekend. Last year was our first year buying pit passes. If your going to be there for friday quailfying it's worth the $50 bucks. Many drivers were out to sign if you wanted. They sent an offer to buy early so they were only $30 each. Our spot is reservered along the fence and costs $150 and then it's $50 per person. We will be back again this year. We aim a dish and what we don't see we watch on a tv on the roof of the motorhome.

[stewartfan]

I have gone to the second race the last 3 yrs. I have a fenceline pass in turn 3. We have had nothing but a great time. I'm about 3 hrs away so it's very close for the weekend. Last year was our first year buying pit passes. If your going to be there for friday quailfying it's worth the $50 bucks. Many drivers were out to sign if you wanted. They sent an offer to buy early so they were only $30 each. Our spot is reservered along the fence and costs $150 and then it's $50 per person. We will be back again this year. We aim a dish and what we don't see we watch on a tv on the roof of the motorhome.

Thanks My3chevys !!!!
OK I have some more questions.
So reserved fenceline is $150 for the camper and $50 per person..
Does fenceline mean right on the fence? Or can you be a couple of rows in? Can you choose what area you want to camp in?
When you are in the infield like that can you walk out?
Are there any water spigots available in the area for water or do you have to buy the water from the truck?

I went on Pocono's website and looked at all the different camping options, it's a little confusing.

Thanks a million for your help.

[my3chevys2]

With reserved fenceline you have a site number asigned to you. The fenceline spots are the only ones reserved in the infield unless you go into the reserved infield which is an area between turns 2 and 3. They are more money but you need a pass in and out of that section. I think it's a little more family friendly. Look at the website for the track. The fenceline sites are right on the fence. They are tight but thats trackside camping. The rest of the infield is first come first serve. When went reserved because we don't come in until friday morning. I think alot of people who are in those spots (unreserved) move to the other side of the infield sunday morning when the one day side opens to get a fence spot. It was a full house last year on saturday night but thinned out by race time that's why I think they move. I have never found any free water. There are bathrooms and showers (for a fee). The water and honeywagon trucks come around. Someone said about being charged to use the tunnel to get over to the trailers. That isn't true anymore. Saturday afternoon they now allow you to cross over and shop if you want to. Like I said we always have a great time. We bring bikes and ride around the infield. They are not going to let your dogs in. Did you look at the Pocono pictures on the site here? Most of them I sent in. Give Pocono a call. They will help you out. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Scott

[stewartfan]

Thanks for the information. We don't bring the dogs to the track ever..thanks.

I would be able to be there on Friday afternoon (around 2PM).
It would be nice to have a bunch of people who kind of know each other next to one another.

Do you know if you can reserve a specific site?

[jaysteph08]

Went to the Aug. race last year for the first time and stayed in the family campground in turn 3. Very nice lots and I think the cost was around $100. You can reserve a spot but that just guarantees you a camping spot. Hope it helps. My wife and I are going back this Aug.

[my3chevys2]

I would suggest if you were doing a pit pass to get in on Friday morning so you can get set up and be on pit road for the start of qualifying. I don't think you can request a site. I renew the same one every year. You would have to call Pocono and see what's available. I'll be in spot 28 in turn 3. Hope to see you around.

[stewartfan]

First off ...thank you all for the information.

I called today, fenceline reserved is sold out.

Reserved infield still has some spots available. It's $150 for the camper & $ 50 per person.
They allow you to leave the infield (walk) on Saturday afternoon (she said around 2ish), this way you can shop at the concession trailers. Pre-Race Pit/Paddock Pass is $50 per person for the weekend.

Family RV section is outside the track. It's $150 for the camper and each person must have a Sunday grandstand ticket.

So with that said, we might be doing the reserved infield for the August race. I just need to talk to our crew a little more.

Again thanks for your help..

[Both2Retired]

DW & I are going to Pocono (again) in August. It will be our first time with the camper. We're arriving Thursday and leaving Monday. We've ordered our tickets and made a reservation in the RV Family Grandstand ($150). It's located outside the track, along the fence, between 2nd and 3rd turns. Sites are unreserved. Vehicles must park as directed by staff. I understand they do have vendors who come around and, for a price, will provide "fresh" water, pump out your tanks (hopefully using different tankers ;)), & sell ice. I assume there are porta potties and hopefully nearby showers. It will be a new experience for us and we're looking forward to it. :)

[Racechase1]

I have gone to the second race the last 3 yrs. I have a fenceline pass in turn 3. We have had nothing but a great time. I'm about 3 hrs away so it's very close for the weekend. Last year was our first year buying pit passes. If your going to be there for friday quailfying it's worth the $50 bucks. Many drivers were out to sign if you wanted. They sent an offer to buy early so they were only $30 each. Our spot is reservered along the fence and costs $150 and then it's $50 per person. We will be back again this year. We aim a dish and what we don't see we watch on a tv on the roof of the motorhome.

We will be returning to Pocono in August for the first time since 1999. We used to camp with a large group but we found Dover to be a much more friendly track to do business with. Since we lost our lot in Dover a few years ago we have all since split up. We figured we can try Pocono again and see if the improvements that they have made over the years will be worthwhile. I was put on a waiting list and I received a call in Decmember that a fenceline site just outside of the fenced in family section is available. We hope to have a good time and we should try to get a small group together in August.

[steiny]

We'll be going to Pocono this year also...after about a 10 year absence. We've got a spot in "Resrved Infield, row C". Hope to see you all there.

Hey both2retired,
Small world huh....we're just south of you in Selinsgrove.

[Bignascarfan]

Wnet in 2007 August race. Might be going again this year. Check out my Pics click on the one below.
http://thumb18.webshots.net/t/55/455/5/23/48/2183523480099009278eEdJBW_th.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/album/560351159ibIbOq)

Infield if you don't want ANY sleep. FAmily RV unreserved outside of turn 3, is where we were and it was Great. No hook ups what so ever any where on the trac. By the 2 gallon bottled water befor you get there, and it is still cheaper then that stuf they give you. I wouldn't drink the water they suply.
You need to get there on Thursday, if you get there any later, you will probobly be accros the street.
They book says they don't stage, but we got there at 8:30am, and they were stageing us. It paid off too. We were 100 feet from the grandstand gate.

I hope to go again this year if the tax return is enough. and soon enough.

[Bignascarfan]

Well I might not go this year, the wife wants to try the glen.