Going to the Races; NASCAR in the Poconos

Poconos PA

July 22-24th 2023

OH WOW!!!!! NASCAR LIVE is like nothing I have ever experienced. Once again I was blessed to join Tulip on this trip this year. I was ever so grateful that the skies were over cast and we did not experience the heat that I had heard impacted previous trips to this event. So thankful. 

The first day we traveled and once we arrived we did some area shopping. The love for NASCAR is so insane, and these fans are loyal and CRAZY. Crazy good for sure. 

We had dinner at TIGF and of course that was yummy.

The following day we packed up and headed to the track. We had some tailgating plans before the race started. We ate sandwiches, salads and chips and talked all about the cars and drivers we love. I personally do not know anything about it, so I just smiled. 

One of the traditions that Tulip does is a winner lottery.  Everyone puts in a dollar or two and pick a number. The winner of the race, who has that number gets the pot. I do believe they break it down into 1st, 2nd 3d and maybe even 4th so there are lots of winners. I put my $ in and got #7 Cory something. I had to ask the guys if he was a good driver and had a chance. 

It wasn't all bad, but apparently no one was upset about me getting him. 

It was so crowed when we entered and the energy was pumped. We had great seats so that was a bonus. 

Soon, trucks were coming out with the drivers and the announcer would pump up the crowd as each racer came on to the track. A name announced and the fans would go crazy. 

I have no idea who these guys are, but the parade of trucks was pretty cool. 

Then things really got going. First, the cars go around in what is called a caution. This is when the cars are driving slowly. 

You can actually see the cars at this speed. It was loud, but there is nothing that can prepare you for the first full lap. The sounds engulf you as they speed by, its incredible! Exhilirating! We all had ear plugs, but I just had to take in the whole experience. I have to say, I get the allure. 

I never understood how the whole thing worked. Like how does anyone really come in first, when people are ahead then behind. It really just didn't make any sense to me. When the cars would rush into a pit stop, they were so fast getting things done and off again. We had a few bumps, no big crashes, which I was glad for. 

There was a time when my lottery number #7 was actually in the lead and I was really getting hopeful. But that didn't last long. Watching the cars trade placement was a rush, and things could happen so fast. 

Bathroom breaks were insane. The lines were so long. Food stands were long as well, but everyone was having a great time. The final winner was #11 and the crowd went bonkers with disgusted remarks. I don't really know why, but apparently he ran some one a someone people really like out of position. 

 The winner announced, and the fun ended, we started for the exits. I have never experienced anything like this. We were squished out the gates. I was terrified we'd loose someone. I had four guys with me and kept them close insisting that I hold two myself and the other two hold on to me. It was INSANE. Pushing and shuffeling we finally made it outside the gate. Not that we should have been in a hurry because once we got to the vans, we were stuck sitting in traffic for nearly 2 hours. What was fun upon exiting was we got to exit on the track and drove through the infield parties and after race fun. People yelled and screamed as we would pass. It had been a long long day, and I was grateful to have a nice dinner and be in the hotel for bed. At breakfast the next day we had the final lottery winners, I was not a winner. Oh well, maybe next time. We then made our way home. Super fun experience I would not have done on my own. TTFN