NASCAR Fans Brake for Rising Costs

[Shirley]

By GARY GRAVES,
USA Today
Posted: 2008-04-24 13:10:05
A soft economy and record gas prices have NASCAR fans weighing the wisdom of fueling their cars and campers to watch other vehicles race.
TV ratings for the Sprint Cup Series, down the last two years, are up 2% this season while attendance at the tracks has dropped or remained flat. Many who attend seem to decide at the last minute, unable or unwilling to shell out for rising gas prices and average hotel room rates of $200 with three- or four-night minimums.

That might also explain a spike in demand for camp sites at places such as Talladega Superspeedway, site of Sunday's Aaron's 499 Cup race. Operators of the Alabama track, mindful fans travel an average of 300 miles to the race, have opened more space for campers and expanded free parking.
Read More (http://money.aol.com/news/articles/_a/nascar-fans-brake-for-rising-costs/20080424112309990001)

[madfinnhockey]

Just wondering, do any of the tracks out there charge for parking? I only go to the races at NHIS, now NHMS, and parking there is free, but they do charge $100 for camping.

But, now that B. Smith has bought it, who knows. Do they charge for parking at any of his other tracks??????

[Shirley]

Yes, Texas has alot of VIP Parking and they do charge for those. And they do have some others that I think they charge $10.00:confused: to park there. Charlotte also has VIP Parking up close. Gateway you pay to park.

[Atl_tim]

Of the tracks I've parked at recently, Atlanta, Richmond, and Darlington have free parking. I think they also have VIP lots that are closer to the track that you can pay for access to.

[Shirley]

Texas also has free parking but, you have to walk 1/2 mile to get to your sets.