There is something incredibly thrilling about watching two cars fight for top position while driving over 150mph. When you can be close enough to smell the tyres as they corner or hear the crews scrambling in the pits, it excites the mind and senses.
Those sensations are why racing events like NASCAR, IndyCar, Formula 1, IMSA, drag racing, rally, autocross, and plenty of others are growing in popularity. That doesn’t mean you need to spend thousands of dollars on merchandise and season tickets. You can easily turn auto racing into a hobby by simply taking the first step toward an event and learning as you go.
Your First Trip to the Track Starts with Simple Expectations
When you decide to buy tickets for a regional event, don’t treat your first motorsport experience as a test of how much you’ll enjoy racing overall. You never know what can happen from race to race. Don’t feel pressure to memorise each driver, team, rule, or standing.
Sure, a major NASCAR weekend offers plenty of stock car spectacles, but it also has food stalls, entertainment venues, and a culture that attracts as many fans as the cars themselves. That’s why it’s a good idea to start small. Visit a local Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) event. That creates something more accessible without feeling overwhelmed.
You’ll likely spend around $20 to $30 at the gate and should have about the same if you want snacks or food during the visit. That lets you dip your toe into motorsports without committing more time, money, or headspace.
Which Type of Motorsport Should You Watch First?
| Motorsport Type | What You’ll Experience | Good Choice If You Like |
|---|---|---|
| NASCAR | Close stock-car racing, ovals and road courses | Big crowds and sustained racing |
| IndyCar | Open-wheel cars on ovals, streets and road courses | Speed and technical racing |
| IMSA | Multiple vehicle classes and endurance events | Variety and longer race days |
| Drag Racing | Extremely fast head-to-head acceleration | Short bursts of intense action |
| Dirt/Short Track | Compact tracks and frequent racing | Close views and local atmosphere |
| Rally/RallyCross | Cars competing on dirt or mixed surfaces | Loose-surface driving and car control |
| Autocross | Timed runs around cone courses | Accessible grassroots motorsport |
You don’t have to worry about finding the “best” series to visit right away. If it helps, go online to TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram Reels and look at clips and highlights from several motorsports races. Just scroll around and let inspiration hit you naturally. You may suddenly get into 500-mile oval races and want to check out a live event next.
What Should You Know Before Attending Your First Race?
A racetrack isn’t like a baseball stadium or football game. The facilities are massive. You’ll likely end up parking much further from the seats than you might imagine. Race weekends are also busy. No single event takes up the whole day. Qualifying rounds, support races, demonstrations, fan areas, tailgating, and other activities will fill the day.
NASCAR recommends arriving about two to three hours before the green flag is flown, but check the venue you’re hitting for any policies on coolers, parking, cameras, chairs, and umbrellas. If this is your first car racing event, you may want to bring:
- Hearing protection
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Hat
- Refillable water bottle if permitted
- Portable phone charger
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Tickets and parking information
- Track map and event schedule
- Small permitted bag or backpack
Never skimp on the ear protection or sunscreen. A NASCAR auto racing event can easily reach volumes over 130 dB. You want to stay protected.
Learn the Track Before Trying to Learn Everything Else
An easy way to enter the world of motorsports is to learn the circuit. Find the start/finish line, the pits, and identify any major corners or braking zones. If you see a bunch of spectators moving from one viewing area to another, pick up on the patterns.
For example, race cars may brake extremely late into one corner but carry a ton of speed through another. There could be a section where you see the most overtaking. Another may be more about drafting.
The strategy of car racing is thrilling and adds another level to the sport. That’s when you start to appreciate when cars pit, what tires they use, and what happens after a caution flag flies. Again, you don’t need to know it all before you go. Just that there is a lot to learn as you experience the season.
Get Closer to the Cars When Your Ticket Allows It
If you have extra money to spend, go ahead and look at paddock, garage, grid, pit walk, or other special access tickets. Many ticket packages offer plenty of access that may be all you need to get into the sport.
The paddock is a wise choice. You’ll get a unique perspective on motorsports because cars will be prepared instead of just flashing past you at breakneck speeds. That’s when you can see mechanics checking components, custom vehicles arriving in enclosed shipping trucks, teams moving specialised equipment, and drivers preparing for sessions using rituals you will never hear about otherwise.
What If Watching Motorsport Makes You Want to Drive?
Motorsports gets really interesting when you want to drive just as fast. Some opportunities let fans jump in a car or ride along on certain race days. It’ll likely cost quite a bit, but it may be just what tips the scales on your enjoyment.
The autocross circuit is good for this type of activity. Drivers can run through a temporary course with cones for car control. RallyCross is also the same. The difference is that you’ll be on unpaved surfaces. Some of these opportunities will include helmets and safety gear, but always ask ahead of time because without them, you can be exposed to some rough gravitational forces.
When Motorsport Starts Becoming a Bigger Hobby
If you do catch the motorsports bug, expect to go on a lot of road trips. Major circuits can span entire countries and even the globe. You may want to volunteer at local events or join a car club before buying a project car or committing to an entire season.
If you do turn motorsports into a travel hobby, consider shipping your car ahead of your trip. Having your personal vehicle available to load up with tailgating supplies, gear, and multiple types of weather-related clothing really helps you stay comfortable while you watch.
Professional car transport companies work with plenty of racers and fans to ship a vehicle from one state to another. It’s a good way to attend distant events without competing with fans for a rental.
Motorsport Is More Accessible Than It Looks
Don’t fall victim to the misconception that motorsport isn’t popular. You may already be a “car person” in the making, but just haven’t ever attended an event. Go and watch a race. Pick out a favourite driver. Get some background access. Talk to other fans.
Take the time to really enjoy the atmosphere and culture around motorsports. Maybe you love road rallies. Perhaps it’s Formula 1 at an international level. You could be a massive NASCAR enthusiast already in the making after one decent tailgating burger and feeling the thrilling ebb and flow of the crowd as the checkered flag falls.
