How to Enjoy a Trip to Michigan International Speedway's NEXTEL Cup Race

The third weekends of June and August bring NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series racing to Michigan. Taking place at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn,Michigan. The NEXTEL Cup races are lots of fun for the whole family. However, to make your trip as enjoyable as possible, it's important to do some planning ahead of time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Decide what days of the race series you would like to attend. Each race weekend, there are practice and qualifying rounds open to the public on Friday and Saturday, with the big race on Sunday.
2. Book your overnight accommodations if you are coming from out of town. You need to book your accommodations before even buying the tickets. Whether you are staying at a hotel, bed and breakfast or campground, you need to get your reservations made as soon as you know you are going. Michigan International Speedway's website (see Resources) has a very good list of housing options.
3. Buy your tickets for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. You can purchase them online at Michigan International Speedway's website (see Resources), or by calling [phone].
4. Download Michigan International Speedway's Guest Guide. This booklet, available from their website is a free download and contains valuable information for making your trip enjoyable. There are rules, procedures, handicap accessibility information, directions, tips for planning your stay and other information. The guest guide is updated yearly.
5. Bring a chest cooler and try to eat some of your meals from your hotel room. Besides saving you a little money, it will save a lot of time and headache by avoiding the huge crowds at the restaurants. (Leave the cooler in your room since they are not allowed in the stands at the race.)
6. Check out some of the area's other attractions. There are many great public golf courses and museums in the area for you to enjoy. There is a huge Cabela's store in Dundee that has all kinds of outdoor sporting goods. Cascade Park in Jackson is fun, especially if you are bringing the kids along for the weekend. Michigan International Speedway's website has a listing of interesting attractions to check out by city/town, including addresses and phone numbers.

Tips & Warnings

• Hotels as far as 3 hours out will book up nearly a year in advance.
• Many hotels and campsites charge more than their normal rate on race weekends (sometimes as much as double their normal rate), so be prepared to pay more than you usually would for a room.