Forum: HoseHeads Sprint Car General Forum (go)
Moderators: dirtonly  /  dmantx  /  hosehead

Hello Everyone-

My friend and I will be making our first trip to the Knoxville Nationals in August 2010. I am hoping to get some input from those of you who have been before. I will be writing this message in list form so as to make things as clear as possible.

1. Where to sit? We haven't gotten tickets yet but plan to purchase 4-day tickets in February or march at the latest. Where should we try to sit? Please give as accurate of a description as possible.

2. Where to stay? I have a physical disability. I will need an accessible hotel room during our stay at Knoxville. Do any you know of hotels in the surrounding areas that have barrier free showers and the like? After long days at the racetrack I am sure a hot shower will be both welcome and necessary. Any help with this issue would be greatly appreciated. We would not be opposed to driving a little distance for appropriate accommodations. Secondly, how soon do we need to book a hotel?

Please Note: You will notice that I have not mentioned anything about accessible seating at the racetrack. This is because 99% of the time I find that accessible seating, though available, to generally be positioned in a less than optimal location. That being said, I'd rather climb the stands and sit in a spot where I can have a good view of the race. If Knoxville happens to be one of those rare places that has decent accessible seating, please let me know!

Thanks to everyone for your help!

Joe in Southwest MI

2010 Knoxville Nationals seating suggestions and accessible hotel accommodations needed! Please help!

Almost every seat at Knoxville is good, with the possible exception of those high up on the frontstretch side which may be obscured by posts holding up the suites.

The frontstretch has an elevator which may be used by those needing handicap accessibility if they have a ticket. It stops at the top of the grandstands before heading to the suites. Or if you choose to sit lower, there are a couple of ramps that go up from the bottom of the grandstand.

If you don't mind spending a little extra money, my personal recommendation would be to book seats on the second floor of the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum. They are indoors and offer a great atmosphere.

Where to stay is a trickier question. I believe I would begin calling around now to hotels in Pella, Des Moines, Oskaloosa, etc. to see if they have rooms left and if they have what you need. There is a listing of area hotels at www.knoxvilleraceway.com in the Hospitality link.

The wife and I always stay in West Des Moines. It is clearly the most affluent part of town. There are lots of franchise restaurants and shops. Incredibly nice mall.

I can book 4 nights staying ( Hotwire, Expedia, etc.) at a Sheraton or Marriot for about $90 a night including the fees. It is, however, a rather lengthy drive back after the races. It usually takes about an hour from Knoxville to West Des Moines.

Wheelchair seating is available at the top of the frontstretch via an elevator. I'm sure when you call to get your tickets than fill you in on the details. You are covered by the suites above you and yes the steel beams slightly block your view. I'm sure if you go to steve hardin's website you can find pictures from this view. The Hall of Fame second floor is an option, but you are inclosed and can't hear the cars as well, but it is air conditioned.

There isn't really a bad seat at Knoxville. The backstretch is nice since it's all newer stadium seating so the sight lines are much better than the first 20 rows on the frontstretch.

Eric Arnold
Social Media Manager & Track Historian
Knoxville Raceway

I'd sit higher rather than lower during nats. way too much traffic up and down the stairs during the races and you can't see the track for the people.

ethel

Figured you spent all of your time in the pits Ethel. You actually sit among the common folks?????

I am lucky enough to work at one of the best tracks 
anywhere.

lol @ eagle. yepper!!

I hope you have a great time...there is room at the top of the stands for the disabled, I believe...if you are looking for a grandstand seat, you may not want to wait until February. Sales have been brisk, not only because of the 50th, but because of the probability of no Live TV...

If this post isn't results, stories or something c
constructive, it isn't me! 
@BillWMedia
www.OpenWheel101.com

I'd rather be in Knoxville.

backstretch - way less bullshit of people climbing over you, much quicker to take a bathroom break and grab some sauce

Lincoln 1845 ft/.35 mile T1=118MPH 
Eldora 2287 ft/.43mile T3=135MPH
Port 2716 ft/.51 mile T3=TBD
Grove 2792 ft/.53 mile T3=135MPH
Selinsgrove 2847 ft/.54 mile T1=136MPH
"I didn't move to PA from El Paso in search of better 
weather." Van May

We always sit up high in section D . Good view of whole track and finish line. We stay at one the Hotels by Des Moines Airport . 33 miles to Knoxville . I would book now . Love the Nationals RB

Good advice from everyone above. I'd add that you may want to get with the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce. They set up race fans with local homes and families that usually put up guests very reasonably. You can request non smoking, non drinking, no pets, ect. I'll bet they can even find you a place to meet any special concerns you might have. Our locals are very welcoming and helpful and can help you get around and let you know what to see while your in the area. Arleta and everyone in the ticket office are very helpful and will set you up with what you need. Have a great time!

Hi its also our 1st trip from England to Knoxville already received some great help and advice off here already thank you! we now got Tickets, flights and just about sorted hotel in Des Moines cannot wait! just a bit more help needed!

Is it easy to get pit passes at the nationals?

Also is it a easy drive from Chicago to Des moines/Knoxville? it says 330 miles on map?

And what attractions malls shops and nightlife etc are there in Des Moines?

Regards Ben

Nottingham England.

From Nottingham in England! long distance sprintcar 
fan!

Pit passes are OK; but pricey, probably $50/ night, and you'll have to stay in the non-competitors area in the pits, which means you'll see the cars, but you won't be able to approach them...

Easy drive from Chicago to Des Moines about 7-8 hours; Des Moines to Knoxville will take about 1 hour at most.

I wouldn't plan on too much night life in Des Moines after the races, you probably won't leave the track until after 11:30, and with an hour drive back to town, most of the night life in shuttered by then. Try Dingus's Lounge in Knoxville if you want to experience local nightlife; just have a designated driver. Dingus's is directly across the street from the track and has a great racer's atmosphere!

There are a few malls in Des Moines; but it depends on where your hotel is to determine if one is fairly close. And your hotel may have a bar that is used by racers/fans for post race activities.

Enjoy your trip - there's nothing like the first visit to the Knoxville Nationals! Mine was in 1975!

Chuck.....

BIG BEN,

Pit passes cost ~$50/ night (if you want to be down there during the races), however, you can go to the pits for free following hte races or mill about the grounds during the morning hours to mid-afternoon as 90% of the teams have their rigs on the grounds (Haulers aren't allowed in teh infied).

Chicago to DSM is a straight shot on I-80, yes, it's 330 miles, but once you hit I-80 on the outskirts of Chicago, you'r looking at 5 hours as the speed limit is 70 MPH in IA (which means most everyone drives around 79MPH). If you're just flying to the states for the Nationals, you might check into a connection onto to DSM from Chicago (it's 40 minutes from the DSM airport to the track).

Attractions in DSM,

Science Center of IA--Downtown DSM, very nice and new with IMAX theatre (kids love it)

Nightlife--Court Avenue--many bars, restaurants on on the same block--Downtown DSM

Iowa State Fair--on the East side of DSM--biggest State Fair in the United States (and voted the best by various publications), great for people watching and something to do during the day.

Jordan Creek Town Center (Mall) in West DesMoines--about 50 minutes from the racetrack located off of I-80/I-35 in West DesMoines.

National Hot Air Balloon Museum in Indianola (10 miles South of DesMoines)

Attractions in and around Knoxville:

Slideways Karting Center--Go Karts that are modeled after winged sprints on a short, slick paved oval, 2 miles north of the racetrack.

Historic Pella--Dutch Community that has a historic downtown

National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum--located outisde turn 2 of the raceway.

National Parade--Saturday morning before the Nationals Finale' in downtown Knoxville

Lake Red Rock--boating, fishing, camping, 8 miles outside of Knoxville between Knoxville and Pella

Hope you enjoy your trip!

Being from across the pond, you might like The Royal Mile, which is a bar near the aforementioned Court Ave district in downtown DSM. They have a website you can check out if you're around and interested.

I'd rather be in Knoxville.