Howdy all. Well, Wed night is going to be big. We all know that by now....but one of the things that hit me just today is that this is probably going to be the single biggest event the speedway has seen in all of its 58 years of existence...and damn I'm excited.
Was also thinking that due to a lot of the chatter on the message boards, that this might be the biggest number of the CRO faithful that have ever been at a single event at the same time....and it just happens to be in OUR barn. That's pretty cool.
So...I know lots of guys will be drifting in, likely at the last minute, and there will be lots of stuff to see and do. So I'm not gonna hold anyone to anything. But here's what I'm going to propose: I will make it a point to be in the vicinity of the MRA (Delaware Open Wheel Mod) display between 6:30 and 7...maybe 7:30. (Im not much of an autograph hound anyway)
For those who've never been, the MRA, when they aren't racing, is usually situated straight ahead and slightly to your left or right (it varies) when you walk in thru the main spectator entrance. That's the (sorta) tunnel like entrance that brings you in at the turn 1 end of the frontstretch. I say that's where they usually are but of course the night being as huge as it is, Delaware might have them situated someplace else.
Regardless of where the modifieds are set up, I will be in their area at the above mentioned time, and if you want to drop by and say howdy and meet some of the other guys.. whom you only know as an avatar on a message board, I formally invite you to do so!
A couple of tips for those of you who might have never been to Delaware before.
1. If you can, back into your spot or somehow park pointing nose out. Backing out is a bitch when theres lots of cars and everyone's leaving at the same time. And make sure you lock your car up good and put valuables under the seats and out of sight. Any huge public event like this, Delaware or otherwise, invites riff-raff roaming the parking lots looking for unlocked treasure.
2. If you're getting there later, I'd suggest bringing a blanket. The lawn chairs are great, but they always line up along the top and if there's enough of them, you might no be able to set up without somone in front of you. At least with the blanket you can spread it out on the grass and just sit on the lower parts of the hill that are a little steep for chairs. Cant got wrong in the grandstands either, but they're liable to be jammed.
3. There is no good end and bad end to sit. Fun stuff happens at either end, but to get the best sensation of speed, I like turn 1. They just seem to be going faster when they're going in rather than coming out.
4. Make sure you try a Delaware Dog.
5. You CAN listen to the announce team on FM radio. Maybe John can give us the frequency for that. Likewise, you can sometimes listen in on team frequencies if you have a scanner. Sometimes they're made available and sometimes they aren't. Not sure how Wed night will go...but the handouts usually go quickly from the souvenir booth when they have them.
6. If you want to eat away from the track, head up the road across the bridge north of the speedway toward Komoka...go about a mile or 2 and at the first lights look to the left. That's the Little Beaver Restaurant, and is one of those long-time local legend kind of places. No finer eating anywhere. Its a meatloaf, hot turkey sandwich, real burger, fresh cut fries and home-made pies kind of place...and you will not walk away hungry...or poor.
7. But really....try a Delaware Dog. Can't beat em'.
And thats it for now. If you have anything else you'd like to know, feel free to ask.
And let me be the first of the locals to welcome you to MY home away from home, and I hope you have an awesome time! Drop by the MRA display. I'd love to meet ya's.
Trev
I think it 88.1 FM if i remember correctly
The announcer channel is one up from that - - 89.1 FM. Much better reception this year. I'm going to post the Delaware FAQ for this event as well as our weekly series events. We look forward to having you all out.
All the best,
-John
What is this event?
The Delaware Speedway Summer Showdown presented by APC (Auto Parts Centres) is a special Wednesday event featuring NASCAR Super Stars Kyle Busch, David Reutimann, and Jason Leffler competing against our hometown drivers.
Will tickets be available at the door?
Currently there are tickets still available for sale at the door, however this may change if the presales continue at current strength. The only way to guarantee entry to the event is to purchase a ticket in advance. Tickets can be purchased at this link: https://www.vendini.com/ticket-software.html?e=28fbbc5ceb73158912b0f854f23fba5b&t=tix.
Are there seats available in the Reserved Seating area?
Reserved seating sold out during the first few weeks of ticket sales – - general admission tickets continue to be available.
Will I get to meet Kyle Busch, David Reutimann, or Jason Leffler?
On Wednesday, July 7th there will be a large number of fans on hand, many with hopes of personally meeting the NASCAR Stars. It will not be possible for all fans to be able to meet the drivers personally, however everyone will see the drivers around the facility, being interviewed on the front stretch, and most importantly: racing against our home track drivers!
How do I get an autograph from Kyle Busch, David Reutimann, or Jason Lefler?
Autographs are being granted on a first come, first served basis. 240 wrist bands will be issued when the gates open at 1:00 pm. To increase your odds of receiving a wristband to participate in the autograph session with the drivers later in the evening arrive early.
Can I get into the pits?
Pit restrictions at this special event are stronger then at other weekly racing events. The only way to gain entry to the infield is to be a crew member on a Late Model team who has filed an intent to compete at this link. Only crew members registered with an Late Model intent to compete will be admitted into the infield: No Exceptions.
Will there be additional handicap parking seating at this event?
We will be expanding the number of handicap parking spaces at the top of the hill to accommodate the additional number of people. Handicap and wheelchair spaces will be available in the facility in front of the broadcast tower and to the left of the fiberglass seating. The entire upper level of the facility is also available for wheelchair access.
What happens if it rains?
The rain date for the event is the next day, Thursday July 8th.
Event Itinerary (Subject to Change)
1:00 pm – Spectator Gates Open
1:00-3:00 pm – NASCAR Stars Private Practice Session
4:00 pm – Back gate opens for weekly competitors.
5:30 pm -6:00 pm Open Practice
6:10 – 6:30 – On-track Interviews with NASCAR Stars
6:40 pm – Time Trials
7:10 pm – Autograph Session (All Drivers)
8:30 pm – Racing Begins
Race Lineup:
• Time Trials (6:40 pm)
• Heat Races
• B-Feature / Last Chance Qualifier (25-Lap)
• Feature Race (50-Lap)
General FAQ:
Where should I sit?
Anywhere you like! Delaware Speedway has both grandstands and plenty of grass lawn chair seating. There is also a fully licensed beer patio with railings and standing room. Reserved seating is also available by contacting the speedway office.
Is there camping available?
Yes, there is free, unserviced camping located behind the back straightaway for your convenience. Campers can be found there on most race nights, but especially on two-day or 3-day race weekends. Bring the camper and do some bench racing this weekend!
What is the speedway’s policy on outside food and drink? Can I bring my cooler?
For the comfort and safety of our guests, Delaware Speedway has the following policies:
1.No Outside Alcohol is permitted anywhere on the Speedway Property including the parking area and Pits.
2.Only beverages in their original sealed containers (no glass) not exceeding 1 liter in size will be allowed to be brought into the speedway.
3.All open containers will be confiscated by track security. Please leave them in your car.
4.Thermos containers of any kind will no longer be allowed into the speedway.
5.Only personal size coolers will be permitted.
6.For the safety of all guests, all purses, bags, back packs and coolers are subject to search by Delaware Security Staff.
What about pets?
Sorry, absolutely no pets are allowed inside the race track. The only exception to this rule is for service animals.
Is there anything else I should bring?
Some things that might make your stay more enjoyable – binoculars, sunglasses, baseball hat, portable radio (89.1 FM is the track radio feed). On sunny afternoons be sure to bring some sunscreen.
What is there to eat at the track?
Delaware Speedway offers a full concession with many different food and beverage choices, including Maple Leaf hot dogs and hamburgers, Domino’s Pizza and Delaware Speedway’s famous French fries, among other things. Delaware Speedway proudly serves Coca-Cola beverages.
Is Delaware Speedway wheelchair accessible?
Yes, there are accessible parking spaces at the top of the hill by the front gate, and designated open space above the main grandstand. Companions should bring a lawn chair to use this space. Washrooms are also accessible. It is also worth noting that the entire upper level of the facility (spectator hill) is easily accessible and provides a great variety of possible views.
Is there parking on site?
There is plenty of free parking available on the grounds at Delaware Speedway.
Can I use my bank card or credit card to buy tickets at the track?
Yes – Delaware Speedway is pleased to offer debit and credit card service at the front gate.
Can I use my bank card or credit card to buy food at the track?
Yes – Delaware Speedway is pleased to offer debit and credit card purchases at the food concessions.
Man, they put the time trials right in my suggested meet up time. Anyway, i'll still be up by the Modified display at the time mentioned above.
Last time I heard, there WOULD be a mod display. If anyone knows otherwise let me know ASAP ok?