While Negative Camber is busy working on the F1B revamp / improvement, I’m busy receiving some great updates from our friends at NASCAR. More specifically, our NASCAR friends at the Daytona International Speedway.
And at the risk of upsetting our few NASCAR fans, I just can’t help but pass on this news. I mainly can’t help myself because of how it reinforces certain stereotypes, but mostly because with the hiccups we’re working through, well… this news sounds absolutely FAN-tastic!
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – As part of its ongoing effort to enhance the race day experience for fans, Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III today announced further enhancements to the speedway’s carry-in policy beginning in 2011.
One of the great traditions in NASCAR is the fans’ ability to bring their own food and beverages to enjoy while watching the races. Also, race fans tend to stay in the facility for longer periods of time than in other sports.
To help make the race day experience more enjoyable, fans may now carry in soft-sided coolers that measure no greater than 14 x 14 x 14 inches or 2,700 cubic inches – six times the size previously permitted. Coolers of this size typically have a removable plastic liner and are branded to hold 24 to 36 cans of Coca-Cola or other beverages. To ensure these items fit underneath grandstand seats and do not block walkways, coolers with telescoping handles and wheels will not be permitted.
OK, that’s gold, right? “Or other beverages”? Like, what? Maybe this?*
But it does get better. Here’s Chitwood:
“We continue to listen to fan feedback in order to provide our guests with the best possible experience during our events,†said Chitwood. “As part of this effort, and thanks to significant advancements in security technology and tactics, we’ve refined our guidelines on items fans may carry into our facilities. The ability for fans to bring in food and beverages sets the sport apart from other events and adds to the unique experience that is live NASCAR racing. It is also one of the great fan amenities to make the sport affordable for our race fans.â€
It is great to know that NASCAR heard the crowd chants: “Beer, beer, beer, beer!”
OK, so, joking aside, this does demonstrate once again that NASCAR actually listens to its fans, unlike a certain motorsport series that we all know and love.
But what fun is this without the jokes?
* If that reference makes no sense, congratulations! You must have graduated from college already. If so, read this.
