If you’re planning on attending a NASCAR race, then you can probably look forward to spending a day at the track. There’s nothing worse than not being prepared for any outing, so consider a little checklist to make the day a fun-filled event.

• Be sure to wear comfortable shoes because you will be doing a lot of walking. On a typical day, fans can expect to be at the track for a minimum of five to six hours and depending on your seat location, there are stairs to climb and you’ll definitely want to have a comfortable pair of walking shoes.
• Always bring a small umbrella or rain poncho, just in case those storm clouds decide to show up during the race. If this happens, the race will likely be stopped until the rain has passed and the track has dried. You’ll want to stay dry while you wait for the race to resume. Buy the smallest umbrella possible and keep it in a bag or pocket. There is no need to carry a big and bulky umbrella all day, especially if it is not necessary in the end. As a race fan, you always hope for a sunny day, but it’s good to be prepared. If there’s chill in the air, bring a light jacket.
• Remember to bring plenty of drinking water. Bottled water is ideal, convenient, and really hits the spot on a hot summer day. Keep in mind that the racetracks are large and as mentioned above there is a lot of walking involved. From the moment you arrive, climb into the stands, and find your seat, fans expect a potential 30-minute walk or more. Avoid the temptation to impoverish the water over your head and save it for drinking.
• It’s always good to have a snack on hand on race day. Who wants to leave their seat when a hunger pain hits? Save time and pack a sandwich or candy bar from home. Don’t forget the hand sanitizer or soap too!
• Keeping in mind that attending a live event is different from a televised event is essential. Many of the luxuries of watching at home, on television, are absent at a live event. Sitting in the stands will leave you speechless, so consider a scanner and headphones. A driver frequency list is available at most tracks, allowing you to hear the spotter and driver communicating with each other during the race.
• Be sure to bring a camera and several rolls of film. If you’re using a digital camera, make sure you have several fresh backup batteries in case yours run out during the course of the day.

Before you close that suitcase, there are just a few more small items to remember. If you have a pit pass, take a small autograph notebook with you. Consider bringing some cash, but not too much, to visit the many souvenir trailers lined up off the track. A final check should reveal that you’ve packed a pair of sunglasses, and if you’re sitting high up in the stands, grab a pair of binoculars and zoom in on the action. After all, if a race isn’t close, what’s the point? Have fun.