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Topic: First Trip to Knoxville
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July 03, 2013 at
02:24:00 PM
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Hello all! I mostly read the board; don't do a lot of posting.
I've never been to Knoxville and have always wanted to see the Nationals. I may be fortunate enough to be able to attend this year on Friday and Saturday. Business is taking my to Kansas City, MO and I'd like to make a run up there that weekend to catch what I can of the show.
For those who have been been there, how high up would you recommend sitting in order to see the whole track?
I'd also need a place to stay Friday night....how far out am I looking for a reasonably priced hotel? I'd be going alone, so it doesn't have to be fancy....just safe.
Any other tips and recommendations would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!
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July 03, 2013 at
02:45:25 PM
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anything over 14 rows I think is fine, I would rough it and take a tent so you can enjoy more time there, sleep is over rated if it is your first trip there
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July 03, 2013 at
05:42:42 PM
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Reply to:
Posted By: lake_carl on July 03 2013 at 02:45:25 PM
anything over 14 rows I think is fine, I would rough it and take a tent so you can enjoy more time there, sleep is over rated if it is your first trip there
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+1
Member of this message board since 1997
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July 03, 2013 at
07:16:58 PM
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Reply to:
Posted By: lake_carl on July 03 2013 at 02:45:25 PM
anything over 14 rows I think is fine, I would rough it and take a tent so you can enjoy more time there, sleep is over rated if it is your first trip there
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he's right! it's so much better sleeping right near the track. My first time was 2 years ago, & I camped. I don't think I'd ever get a hotel room.
Follow me on the social medias! ; twitter -
larryitis Facebook - Michael Collins
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July 03, 2013 at
08:36:17 PM
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Any way you go you will not be disappointed.
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July 03, 2013 at
09:31:35 PM
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Sleep in the car and shower for $2 at the YMCA or the Jr High School....THE best experience!
Member of this message board since 1997
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July 03, 2013 at
10:20:19 PM
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Give the casino in Osceola and the new Prairie Meadows casino hotel in Altoona a try. If you really want budget, motel 6 in Ankeny. All will with about a 45 minute drive.
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July 03, 2013 at
10:35:27 PM
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Last year the only room my brother and I could find was a Motel 6 in west Des Moines and it was going for $205. So we drove up from KC on Saturday morning and drove back after the races. Rolled in about 3:30, but totally worth it : )
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July 03, 2013 at
10:40:26 PM
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Reply to:
Posted By: Hawker on July 03 2013 at 09:31:35 PM
Sleep in the car and shower for $2 at the YMCA or the Jr High School....THE best experience!
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Went to Knoxville nineteen times. It was fun back in the 1970's and early 80's when you could stay in Newton. Then motel greed hit. You have to take three days, it's a special weekend, blah , blah , blah. The really last best time was when I stayed in an old mom and pop at the edge of Newton. It was like $30. Great to sleep and shower. Now that the greeders have taken over, give it your best frugal fight. And if they just voted in a new sheriff and flood the place with officers, be respectful and smile. In fact, you can't help but smile wondering why so many? And don't speed. Smile and drive slowly. You'll have a great time. Not as much as we used to have but a great time just the same. That's your assignment Mr. Phelps. See that almost all of you money is spent on racing. Last went in 2006. But if I was going to be close, I'd be there. At the Honda Motel.
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July 03, 2013 at
11:19:38 PM
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Reply to:
Posted By: dbbd022 on July 03 2013 at 02:24:00 PM
Hello all! I mostly read the board; don't do a lot of posting.
I've never been to Knoxville and have always wanted to see the Nationals. I may be fortunate enough to be able to attend this year on Friday and Saturday. Business is taking my to Kansas City, MO and I'd like to make a run up there that weekend to catch what I can of the show.
For those who have been been there, how high up would you recommend sitting in order to see the whole track?
I'd also need a place to stay Friday night....how far out am I looking for a reasonably priced hotel? I'd be going alone, so it doesn't have to be fancy....just safe.
Any other tips and recommendations would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!
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I just gave up 2 rooms at the super 8 in Chariton Iowa, 25 miles south of Knoxville last Sunday. It's not the Hilton, but has always been a clean place to stay. This is only the 2nd time I've had to miss in the last 22 years, so sucks, but what do you do? My oldest brother just found out in May he has stage 4 bone cancer and wants to do the USA Nationals at Cedar Lake the weekend before. No way to take off that many days, so going to spend it with him. Hope you find a room and have a great time!! Spend as much time in Knoxville as you can and take it all in, just a great time for all.
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July 05, 2013 at
09:27:34 AM
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There are a bunch of hotels by the airport in des Moines. Never had an issue finding a room, but the fair being around the same time might drive prices up a bit.
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July 05, 2013 at
10:58:14 AM
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Reply to:
Posted By: dbbd022 on July 03 2013 at 02:24:00 PM
Hello all! I mostly read the board; don't do a lot of posting.
I've never been to Knoxville and have always wanted to see the Nationals. I may be fortunate enough to be able to attend this year on Friday and Saturday. Business is taking my to Kansas City, MO and I'd like to make a run up there that weekend to catch what I can of the show.
For those who have been been there, how high up would you recommend sitting in order to see the whole track?
I'd also need a place to stay Friday night....how far out am I looking for a reasonably priced hotel? I'd be going alone, so it doesn't have to be fancy....just safe.
Any other tips and recommendations would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!
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I like to sit in the upper 20's or low 30's, but like lake_carl said anything over 14 should be ok.
Unless you have better self control than I do, plan on buying a few T-Shirts. Many of the drivers have their shirt trailers, tents etc... as well as some generic Knoxville shirts. Eat at least a few meals at and around the track, there are some great food vendors.
And most of all, plan on coming back next year, and the year after, and the year after... You have been warned :-D
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July 05, 2013 at
03:41:08 PM
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Thanks to everyone for the helpful information. Sleeping in the car and/or pitching a small tent is a viable option. How far is the school or showers away from the track. I can get by on a few hours sleep...but have to clean up afgter Friday. Does it cost anything to camp on the speedway grounds if I don't have a camper or tent??..thanks again!
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July 05, 2013 at
09:16:16 PM
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12/21/2010
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840
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Reply to:
Posted By: dbbd022 on July 05 2013 at 03:41:08 PM
Thanks to everyone for the helpful information. Sleeping in the car and/or pitching a small tent is a viable option. How far is the school or showers away from the track. I can get by on a few hours sleep...but have to clean up afgter Friday. Does it cost anything to camp on the speedway grounds if I don't have a camper or tent??..thanks again!
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I believe the man in charge of camping is named John. He took great care of me my one trip there. private message me for more info. I don't want everybody knowing my particulars! there are showers under the grandstand available. they were adequate for me. you don't sound too fussy, so I do think this is your best choice. I would have hated to have been away from the track at all when I went there. there's stuff to do & people hanging out 24/7 those 4 nights. then on sunday, poof! ghost town.
Follow me on the social medias! ; twitter -
larryitis Facebook - Michael Collins
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July 05, 2013 at
09:16:44 PM
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oh whoops, almost forgot this. Knoxville Raceway
1000 N. Lincoln St (641) 842-5431 For Knoxville 410 Nationals - $160 for 4-nights.- Season camping - $600 April-September. Weekends Only! Living on Site - $600 for Season plus $250 a month Season nightly - $20.00 - 1st come - 1st served
Follow me on the social medias! ; twitter -
larryitis Facebook - Michael Collins
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July 06, 2013 at
08:42:43 AM
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Reply to:
Posted By: dsc1600 on July 05 2013 at 09:27:34 AM
There are a bunch of hotels by the airport in des Moines. Never had an issue finding a room, but the fair being around the same time might drive prices up a bit.
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I always stay near the airport as well. Never have had an issue getting a room. I even was able to go with less than a week of planning.
As far as things to do. Sprint car hall of fame. Nationals parade. Spend some time going through all of the souvenir trailers. I have not been, but the kickball game gets a lot of hype.
I live in KC and the drive up is easy.
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