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Forum: HoseHeads Sprint Car General Forum (go)
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Topic: Nationals first timer...
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chathamracefan1
April 24, 2017 at 12:41:41 PM
Joined: 08/03/2008
Posts: 241
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I just bought tix to Friday & Saturday of the Nationals this year.  It will be the first visit for my son and I.  Had a couple questions.

Is the parking in the vicinity of the track all reserved ahead of time or is there a fair amount of pay that day parking available?  Just wondering if I want to reserve ahead.  Don't mind walking a few blocks.  Just not across town.

What format is used on Friday night?  Do they use a points format like the first 2 nights (with inverted heats) or is it more of a heads up based on qualifying times.  I looked on the Knoxville website but couldn't find that answer.  Just curious about it.  

After this, I will have attended the 4 biggest dirt racing events outside the Chili Bowl.  I'm a late model guy so I have been to both of Eldora's big late model events & went to the Kings Royal last year.  Really looking forward to this.  May turn it into all 4 nights in future years.



Celebrate Church
April 24, 2017 at 12:58:02 PM
Joined: 07/08/2015
Posts: 20
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Celebrate Church has reserved parking for the week. Come and go as you please. We are located directly across the street from turns 1 and 2. For more information give us a call at 641-828-7603



revjimk
April 24, 2017 at 01:02:11 PM
Joined: 09/14/2010
Posts: 7594
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This message was edited on April 25, 2017 at 02:52:08 PM by revjimk

There is paid parking at some of the stores & restaurants nearby. 

Friday is great. Not sure of exact format, (I've been there but fergit...), but basically its a chance for anyone not locked into Sat. A-Main to start over. B Main guys can keep their postions (they usually do), or start over. Very competitive



chilly
April 24, 2017 at 01:46:25 PM
Joined: 12/01/2004
Posts: 975
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Reply to:
Posted By: chathamracefan1 on April 24 2017 at 12:41:41 PM

I just bought tix to Friday & Saturday of the Nationals this year.  It will be the first visit for my son and I.  Had a couple questions.

Is the parking in the vicinity of the track all reserved ahead of time or is there a fair amount of pay that day parking available?  Just wondering if I want to reserve ahead.  Don't mind walking a few blocks.  Just not across town.

What format is used on Friday night?  Do they use a points format like the first 2 nights (with inverted heats) or is it more of a heads up based on qualifying times.  I looked on the Knoxville website but couldn't find that answer.  Just curious about it.  

After this, I will have attended the 4 biggest dirt racing events outside the Chili Bowl.  I'm a late model guy so I have been to both of Eldora's big late model events & went to the Kings Royal last year.  Really looking forward to this.  May turn it into all 4 nights in future years.



Free parking can be had on the side streets E/NE of the track a few blocks from the track.  Obviously, the sooner you get to town, the closer you can park to the track.  I would recommend bringing bikes along, if possible.  It's quicker and easier to get around -- don't have to get to town quite as early.  I usually park just off of Larson St E/NE of the track and bike to the track or wherever I want to go.  If you don't want to mess with bikes and get there in plenty of time before the races, it's still not that far to walk.

The Friday format is completely diff than the first 2 nights.  The top 16 in pts from the first 2 nights are locked into the first 8 rows of the A on Sat.  The next 10 drivers in pts (17-26) can take a spot in the B on Sat (first 5 rows), or start over on Friday for a chance to get spots 17-20 in the A on Sat.  Most guys locked into the B have taken those spots.  I think Lasoski gave up a less than desirable spot in the B one year (9th or 10th), but then flipped on Friday.  I don't recall anybody giving up a spot in the B since then!  That leaves roughly 80 drivers running on Friday to fill spots 17-20 in the A on Sat, the back half of the B, and all of the C, D, and E.  

The last couple of years they have split the roughly 80 drivers racing on Fri into 2 groups for qualifying... 3 heats for each group (6 heats total) ... invert 4 in the heats, take 3 to the Fri A-Main.  There is a C and a couple of B's then for the guys that don't transfer.  The A is lined up straight up from qualifying, for the guys that ran top 3 in the heats.  It's fun to watch the battle for 4th in the A.  It's not a perfect format (none are), but different than what they used to do longer ago... makes things interesting.  



Keyboard Jockey
April 24, 2017 at 03:12:50 PM
Joined: 04/16/2014
Posts: 430
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Reply to:
Posted By: chathamracefan1 on April 24 2017 at 12:41:41 PM

I just bought tix to Friday & Saturday of the Nationals this year.  It will be the first visit for my son and I.  Had a couple questions.

Is the parking in the vicinity of the track all reserved ahead of time or is there a fair amount of pay that day parking available?  Just wondering if I want to reserve ahead.  Don't mind walking a few blocks.  Just not across town.

What format is used on Friday night?  Do they use a points format like the first 2 nights (with inverted heats) or is it more of a heads up based on qualifying times.  I looked on the Knoxville website but couldn't find that answer.  Just curious about it.  

After this, I will have attended the 4 biggest dirt racing events outside the Chili Bowl.  I'm a late model guy so I have been to both of Eldora's big late model events & went to the Kings Royal last year.  Really looking forward to this.  May turn it into all 4 nights in future years.



If it works into your schedule try to take in at least one of the prelim nights. If you like going into the pit area at races, its worth it for a night. The prelim nights are two of the most intense nights all year in sprint cars. 
There is a good ammount of pay parking spots the day of races. The church above is a great location to park if you are able to get something worked out with them. 



linbob
April 24, 2017 at 04:15:21 PM
Joined: 03/12/2011
Posts: 1649
Reply
Reply to:
Posted By: chathamracefan1 on April 24 2017 at 12:41:41 PM

I just bought tix to Friday & Saturday of the Nationals this year.  It will be the first visit for my son and I.  Had a couple questions.

Is the parking in the vicinity of the track all reserved ahead of time or is there a fair amount of pay that day parking available?  Just wondering if I want to reserve ahead.  Don't mind walking a few blocks.  Just not across town.

What format is used on Friday night?  Do they use a points format like the first 2 nights (with inverted heats) or is it more of a heads up based on qualifying times.  I looked on the Knoxville website but couldn't find that answer.  Just curious about it.  

After this, I will have attended the 4 biggest dirt racing events outside the Chili Bowl.  I'm a late model guy so I have been to both of Eldora's big late model events & went to the Kings Royal last year.  Really looking forward to this.  May turn it into all 4 nights in future years.



Friday night is really a good show.  It used to be sort of ho hum but a few years ago they changed it .  Some people get pit passes for say friday along with grandstands and look around in pits for couple hours, then head for grandstands just before races start.  Get to town early say by 2PM , park, go to museum, go to midway, eat good food and enjoy  yourself.



chathamracefan1
April 24, 2017 at 04:26:24 PM
Joined: 08/03/2008
Posts: 241
Reply

Is the pit pass just a nominal charge like Eldora does ($5 I think) if you already have grandstand tickets? 



Paintboss
MyWebsite
April 24, 2017 at 08:35:08 PM
Joined: 12/02/2004
Posts: 2098
Reply

Knoxville also has a free shuttle service that stops at key areas through town through out each day of the Nationals, Pick up and drop offs are pretty frequent, I'm gonna say a shuttle stops every 10-15 minutes. They make stops through out the day and up to 1-2 hours after the races at pre-designated areas in town. North Campgrounds, County Campgrounds, Walmart, they go down to the Town Square. so you could park at Walmart and shuttle up and then back after races. Like some of the others said, get to the track early and take it all in. You never know who your going to see there. Last year we were standing next to Danika Patrick & Ricky Stenhouse at BC's auction. The Museum is a must, they give tours up to the Suites. Good food is pretty much a rock throw in any direction, It might not be what the Dr ordered but it's pretty damn good. The tenderloins just West of the ticket office are bad to the bone. You will enjoy.... Too bad your not gonna hit Qualifying nights but it will still be fun.



drw40
April 24, 2017 at 08:54:24 PM
Joined: 03/21/2008
Posts: 183
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Reply to:
Posted By: chathamracefan1 on April 24 2017 at 04:26:24 PM

Is the pit pass just a nominal charge like Eldora does ($5 I think) if you already have grandstand tickets? 



No.  I tried it one year for Saturday night's A main.  Had to pay $50.00 for a pit pass.  I already had a reserved seat for the show, so I paid an extra $50 to get into the pits.  It was worth it.....once.  My opinion, if you already have a reserved seat for Saturday's show, do not get a pit pass.  Can see way more than you can from the pits.

BTW.....you and your son will LOVE Knoxville.  Have fun.



JonR
April 24, 2017 at 08:58:09 PM
Joined: 05/28/2008
Posts: 872
Reply

One of my favorite things to do at Nationals is to the Parade on Saturday morning.   I already love parades, but a parade with a racing theme is great.   You also get to see small town americana at its best.  As others have said, get to the track early and you will have plenty of parking options that are not too far away.   The midway is amazing, and the museum is also a must do.   Finally, there are plenty of food options around the track that are really good.



J&J
April 24, 2017 at 10:27:06 PM
Joined: 08/17/2012
Posts: 289
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Reply to:
Posted By: Celebrate Church on April 24 2017 at 12:58:02 PM

Celebrate Church has reserved parking for the week. Come and go as you please. We are located directly across the street from turns 1 and 2. For more information give us a call at 641-828-7603



if you can get a spot at the church I highly recommend it. It's is directly across the street well lit also next to vendors and the only grocery store in town. Super nice people great clean air conditioned foyer and bathrooms too.



larryitis
April 24, 2017 at 10:45:46 PM
Joined: 12/21/2010
Posts: 840
Reply

As stated above, definitely try and make it for a Wednesday or Thursday in the future! Also, don't just sit on the front stretch, there are several great views there. My favorites being infield turns 3 & 4, and about 6 or so rows from the bottom in the middle of the backstretch. Parking isn't bad at all, and the walking you will do is fun. Lots to take in. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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vande77
April 25, 2017 at 09:33:17 AM
Joined: 01/20/2005
Posts: 2079
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Reply to:
Posted By: J&J on April 24 2017 at 10:27:06 PM

if you can get a spot at the church I highly recommend it. It's is directly across the street well lit also next to vendors and the only grocery store in town. Super nice people great clean air conditioned foyer and bathrooms too.



there are 2 grocery stores in town, HyVee just happens to be across the street from the Racetrack....

Fareway is at the south end of town on Highway 14 near Subway, DQ, Hardees, McDonald's and Wal-Mart.

For those that have come in the past, HyVee remodeled the store this past winter and the store looks nothing like the one you've experienced in year's past.

if Judd and the Church don't have a spot for you, message me and I will put you in contact with The Boy Scouts to see if they have any spots available at HyVee's lot.



MSPN
April 25, 2017 at 11:15:28 AM
Joined: 11/23/2004
Posts: 3943
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Wed and Thurs nights at the Nationals are the best two nights of the year as far as racing goes.  Not always the actual racing but what is at stake racing wise.  Qualifying and it's 200 points will be the most nervous 15 seconds a driver has all season and the inversion of 8 in the Heats make it very, very important to pass cars that are awful close to you time wise on a track that likely is not wide enough yet, more pressure.  A good Wed or Thurs and you may find yourself in the A-Main, a few surprises happen every year but in general the cream rises to the top, they just have to work harder than any of the time of the year to get there.....



shernernum
April 25, 2017 at 02:16:10 PM
Joined: 08/28/2014
Posts: 397
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Reply to:
Posted By: MSPN on April 25 2017 at 11:15:28 AM

Wed and Thurs nights at the Nationals are the best two nights of the year as far as racing goes.  Not always the actual racing but what is at stake racing wise.  Qualifying and it's 200 points will be the most nervous 15 seconds a driver has all season and the inversion of 8 in the Heats make it very, very important to pass cars that are awful close to you time wise on a track that likely is not wide enough yet, more pressure.  A good Wed or Thurs and you may find yourself in the A-Main, a few surprises happen every year but in general the cream rises to the top, they just have to work harder than any of the time of the year to get there.....



I know its 65 for the week, but I have been getting parking from the town of Knoxville at Young's Park the last couple of years.  Particularly, because we stay out near Des Moines and you can cut through the VA to get to the highway without having to go through the traffic light next to the track.



chilly
April 25, 2017 at 02:48:14 PM
Joined: 12/01/2004
Posts: 975
Reply
Reply to:
Posted By: MSPN on April 25 2017 at 11:15:28 AM

Wed and Thurs nights at the Nationals are the best two nights of the year as far as racing goes.  Not always the actual racing but what is at stake racing wise.  Qualifying and it's 200 points will be the most nervous 15 seconds a driver has all season and the inversion of 8 in the Heats make it very, very important to pass cars that are awful close to you time wise on a track that likely is not wide enough yet, more pressure.  A good Wed or Thurs and you may find yourself in the A-Main, a few surprises happen every year but in general the cream rises to the top, they just have to work harder than any of the time of the year to get there.....



Very true... well said!



anyone but
April 25, 2017 at 02:57:04 PM
Joined: 08/19/2014
Posts: 2
Reply

We park about a block east of the rib shack in a locals yard.  5 or 10 depending on the yard.  Easy in and easy out.  You always have a good time during the nationals.



revjimk
April 25, 2017 at 03:01:36 PM
Joined: 09/14/2010
Posts: 7594
Reply
Reply to:
Posted By: chilly on April 24 2017 at 01:46:25 PM

Free parking can be had on the side streets E/NE of the track a few blocks from the track.  Obviously, the sooner you get to town, the closer you can park to the track.  I would recommend bringing bikes along, if possible.  It's quicker and easier to get around -- don't have to get to town quite as early.  I usually park just off of Larson St E/NE of the track and bike to the track or wherever I want to go.  If you don't want to mess with bikes and get there in plenty of time before the races, it's still not that far to walk.

The Friday format is completely diff than the first 2 nights.  The top 16 in pts from the first 2 nights are locked into the first 8 rows of the A on Sat.  The next 10 drivers in pts (17-26) can take a spot in the B on Sat (first 5 rows), or start over on Friday for a chance to get spots 17-20 in the A on Sat.  Most guys locked into the B have taken those spots.  I think Lasoski gave up a less than desirable spot in the B one year (9th or 10th), but then flipped on Friday.  I don't recall anybody giving up a spot in the B since then!  That leaves roughly 80 drivers running on Friday to fill spots 17-20 in the A on Sat, the back half of the B, and all of the C, D, and E.  

The last couple of years they have split the roughly 80 drivers racing on Fri into 2 groups for qualifying... 3 heats for each group (6 heats total) ... invert 4 in the heats, take 3 to the Fri A-Main.  There is a C and a couple of B's then for the guys that don't transfer.  The A is lined up straight up from qualifying, for the guys that ran top 3 in the heats.  It's fun to watch the battle for 4th in the A.  It's not a perfect format (none are), but different than what they used to do longer ago... makes things interesting.  



The first year with the new Friday format, I thought it was the best racing all week. Highly competitive, everybody's got their "back to the wall".....

 



revjimk
April 25, 2017 at 03:05:27 PM
Joined: 09/14/2010
Posts: 7594
Reply
Reply to:
Posted By: MSPN on April 25 2017 at 11:15:28 AM

Wed and Thurs nights at the Nationals are the best two nights of the year as far as racing goes.  Not always the actual racing but what is at stake racing wise.  Qualifying and it's 200 points will be the most nervous 15 seconds a driver has all season and the inversion of 8 in the Heats make it very, very important to pass cars that are awful close to you time wise on a track that likely is not wide enough yet, more pressure.  A good Wed or Thurs and you may find yourself in the A-Main, a few surprises happen every year but in general the cream rises to the top, they just have to work harder than any of the time of the year to get there.....



He's got a point.... don't know about schedule for your "real life". but not too late to get Wed/Th. tix!



revjimk
April 25, 2017 at 03:15:16 PM
Joined: 09/14/2010
Posts: 7594
Reply
Reply to:
Posted By: Paintboss on April 24 2017 at 08:35:08 PM

Knoxville also has a free shuttle service that stops at key areas through town through out each day of the Nationals, Pick up and drop offs are pretty frequent, I'm gonna say a shuttle stops every 10-15 minutes. They make stops through out the day and up to 1-2 hours after the races at pre-designated areas in town. North Campgrounds, County Campgrounds, Walmart, they go down to the Town Square. so you could park at Walmart and shuttle up and then back after races. Like some of the others said, get to the track early and take it all in. You never know who your going to see there. Last year we were standing next to Danika Patrick & Ricky Stenhouse at BC's auction. The Museum is a must, they give tours up to the Suites. Good food is pretty much a rock throw in any direction, It might not be what the Dr ordered but it's pretty damn good. The tenderloins just West of the ticket office are bad to the bone. You will enjoy.... Too bad your not gonna hit Qualifying nights but it will still be fun.



Tenderloins are really good, but Hawaian chicken & Cattlemen's tent steaks & corn on the cob are also killa...

If you need exercise, you can swim at local Rec center (or take showers) shoot hoops, lift, for reasonable fee



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