If you plan to attend a NASCAR race, there is a lot to consider. What race should I attend and where should I buy tickets? Which seats are the best and how do I choose?

It has been called the NASCAR Super Bowl and takes place at the beginning of the season. All the drivers hope to win it and the fans are eager to see it. Since 1959, Daytona International Speedway has hosted the Daytona 500, which draws the largest crowd in motorsports. This 2.5-mile tri-oval superspeed is located in Daytona, Florida and is a must see for racing fans.

It may be one of the shortest tracks on the circuit, but when it comes to Bristol Motor Speedway, the thrills are intense. Just over ½ mile away, this oval track combines the highest bank with a spectacular night run in the fall. Starting late at night, the annual Bristol Night Race features everything a race should be. Bristol Motor Speedway is located in Bristol, Tennessee.
Home of the Brickyard 500, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a 2.5-mile oval with plenty of fan appeal. Jeff Gordon won the inaugural Brickyard 400, in 1994, as he became the first to see the checkered flag in what is now an annual gift for drivers and fans. This circuit, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, also has a museum.

It is said to be the largest, fastest and most competitive motorsports facility in the world. This 2.66-mile tri-oval is known as the Talladega Superspeedway and is located in Talladega, Alabama. With the capacity to accommodate more than 143,000 seated fans, Talladega is the site where many racing records have been set. Every year, drivers come to Talladega with hope, fear, and maybe even some hard feelings. There is always an unspoken fear, for every driver, of being involved in a major accident at Talladega. It happens every year and the only question is which cars will claim the track and who will be lucky enough to avoid it.

Another must-see in every racing fan’s guide should include Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, North Carolina. This track has appeal for many reasons, including the proximity to a large number of driver’s garages and racing shops. This race track is also located near the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame in Mooresville, where fans can purchase used racing memorabilia, including tires from their favorite driver’s race car. Lowe’s Motor Speedway hosts an annual night race in the summer and an afternoon race in the fall.

When purchasing your ticket, consider where you want to sit before ordering. If you like being close to the action, a seat close to the track may be your choice. A word of caution for those sitting in the front rows: be prepared to hold up your hat, literally, when drivers are heading your way. It’s loud and it’s close, but that’s a race. If you prefer a view of the entire race track, a seat in one of the highest rows would be your best option. The higher you sit, the more you can see of the actual race. If you want a good view of the pit area, be sure to ask for a seat near the finish line.

For a complete list of track information, including official track websites, visit: http://www.nascar.com/races/tracks/. Tickets can be purchased directly at each racetrack and, in many cases, pit passes can also be requested. A pit pass gives fans the opportunity, as the name implies, to get a closer look at the pit area. Highlights for pit pass holders will include meeting some of the drivers and crew members just before the race starts. If possible, request tickets directly through the desired race track. They offer good packages and if you have questions about the seats, they know how to answer them. Don’t be afraid to ask which seats are better than others. A recommended alternative ticketing center is: http://www.ticketmaster.com.