Final weekend, in what’s changing into one thing of a Carroll household custom, we drove ten hours to hitch Peter Hughes at Watkins Glen for an IMSA race. We camped within the infield, survived a deluge, poked across the paddock, noticed some pals and frolicked among the many race automobiles. It was about as a lot enjoyable as I’ve had all yr. None of it required me to flash a special-access journalist card, both. You could possibly be having the very same enjoyable as me, just about.
I do know folks have fond recollections of IMSA within the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, and probably ‘90s. However I’m sure that sports activities automobile racing in America is best than it’s ever been. This — proper now — is its golden age. Have you ever seen the Cadillacs do the bump begin factor? Please, I implore you. Don’t miss this. No matter your age, you can be useless a lot before you assume. This period of IMSA will in all probability be useless before that. It’s referred to as ‘lightning in a bottle’ for a cause. If in any respect potential, get your ass to an IMSA race.
A few of you’ve already accomplished it. Daytona noticed report crowds for Rolex once more this yr, TV viewership was up. Laguna Seca reported its largest-ever development in ticket gross sales year-over-year. Lengthy Seashore bought out. Watkins Glen was packed to the rafters with campers and spectators all weekend. The grid was the biggest since 1984, comprised of 57 automobiles, many coming off probably the greatest ever runnings of the 24 Hours of LeMans.
A weekend’s price of entry goes to price you round 100 bucks and it’s much less in case you simply wish to catch the precise race. Quite a lot of tracks let you camp, which makes the weekend cheaper and so much easier from a logistical standpoint. Tenting additionally permits you higher entry to the paddock when the daytime crowds depart and it’s possible extra enjoyable for pals who’re much less into the entire, automobiles ripping round on a observe factor. General, the weekend ought to price about what parking close to an F1 circuit on a race weekend prices.
There are six races left on the schedule this yr. Seize tickets, fill a cooler, dig out your tent and go watch a number of the finest racing anybody’s ever seen.