Take Me Out to the Race Track? Family Fun at Dover Speedway

Maybe you recall about three years ago when I spent a week in Charlotte learning the ins and outs of the NASCAR industry?

Totally kidding.

I know none of you were reading DudeMom back in the day when it was parenting BY dummies. Or even two months ago really. It’s cool. I get it. You’re here now, and that’s what matters.

Anyway, three years ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to have an immersive NASCAR experience. I got up close and personal with the hot drivers cars and learned the ins and outs of of professional racing.

I was right there when Joey Logano won his race that day.

The experience was so special for me because, not only was it educational and unlike any other I’d had to that point, it also gave me some insight into my own father.

I grew up avoiding NASCAR on Sundays. My Dad has always loved cars and racing and, in my youth, we spent every week during race season avoiding the family room where he set up shop to watch, “the only real sport”. Because watching cars drive around a track 500 hundred times was just NOT my idea of an awesome way to spend 4 hours on a Sunday.

But, like live rock bands and Kim Kardashian’s booty, seeing it live, in action, changes the game and opens your eyes and your mind to a new level of appreciation. That’s what happened to me in Charlotte. Listening to those who are passionate about racing talk about their hard work and dedication and then going out on the track to experience that paying off in the form of a win helped shed new light on the culture of NASCAR and it allowed me to get a small glimpse into what my Dad has always enjoyed so much about it.

This month I am going to get to share a racing experience with him.

As a Dover International Speedway ambassador, I am taking my family (two of The Dudes and my parents) to the FedEx 400 on May 31st.

I am so excited to be able to do this with my Dad and my sons. Three generations of our family will be able at the speedway to meet the drivers, go on the track to get an up close look at the cars, and have a mini family getaway that we can all enjoy.

For those considering a trip to Dover Speedway for the big event, here are some things you need to know.

• Dover International Speedway is family friendly and encourages families with children to come out to the track for a full day of fun. With the launch of their kids club, “Monster Mile Youth Nation,” visitors 14 and under have the opportunity to explore the sport of NASCAR. Annual membership is just $20 and includes a host of amenities designed to make bringing kids to the track fun and easy.
• Live music is an awesome part of the NASCAR racing experience. The May 31st event will feature concerts by Cassadee Pope, Thompson Square, and Jerrod Niemann.
• Spending time on the track is part of the fun. Getting up close and personal with the cars is an opportunity all race fans can take advantage of. Dover International Speedway invites fans to come early to enjoy Trackside Access where they can see the race teams prepping for the big event.
• You can even meet a driver! Jimmie Johnson has scheduled a fan Q&A for those who want to have their questions answered by a racing great. You can buy tickets for that event here: Meet Jimmie Johnson
• The FedEx 400 supports Autism. The race on May 31st will benefit Autism Speaks.
• Fans can win awesome ticket packages that include a garage tour and meet and greets with some of NASCAR’s most popular drivers. You can learn more here: Dover International Speedway Ticket Giveaway.

Disclosure: I participated in an Ambassador Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Dover International Speedway. I received complimentary tickets to facilitate my post and promotional item to thank me for my participation at the conclusion of the program.