Since I don't want to join another forum to ask one question and I figure there are a couple guys here that know the answer..

Are spectators allowed at NASA regional events? I guess I assumed they were, looking around the website I don't see any info on it though like if they are, cost per day, etc. Planning on going to the Road America event in October, I'd like to see an HPDE/Race day at least once before I take my car and try it!

Absolutely. As far as NASA is concerned, I believe spectators are free but most tracks charge something at the gate so you sometimes end up paying the track $10 or $15 to get in. Depends on the track though...many will let you in for free once you sign the standard waiver.

Most everyone in NASA loves it when spectators come out, especially those interested in maybe hitting the track themselves one day. My advice is to not only go and check it out but seek out people with cars like yours, hang out with them for a while, get a feel for the scene and if you feel comfortable, talk to a NASA official (they're usually all over the place and not hard to find) about getting a ride around the track with an instructor. Generally they're happy to let you go out as a passenger with one of the more experienced and trustworthy instructors for a few laps in a non-race session. Sometimes you can borrow one but it's best to bring your own helmet if you think you might want to go out as a passenger... Regardless, definitely go and check it out. You'll have a blast seeing and hearing all the cool stuff that goes on out there (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Greg,

Spectator status is kind of fuzzy. I've heard stories of guys showing up and not being allowed in cause they just said they were there to "Spectate". What you really need to do is just sign in as Crew. Go to the registration building, get in line, and sign the release. If they ask who you're crewing for say me. (I doubt they will.) At our regional events we don't have a limit on crew. You won't get in on the dinner/awards banquet that night unless you pay the ticket price. Yes this event is our last of the season and our awards banquet will be Saturday evening after the races. Sunday is a fun day but you'll see lots of racing Saturday as we have 2 races for the day.

Feel free to PM me or go to nasamidwest.com.

Sidney Franklin
CMC2 #64

This post has been edited by Sidney: Sep 8 2011, 01:37 AM

find another group to check out.

im bias, nobody should treat poeple like nasa does. I thought i had a family, but i still can t get that rusted spoon out of my back.

Wow...I guess it really varies by region more than I thought...

I've paid $10 or $12 bucks on a Sat. and gotten in for free on Sun. at Sears Point a few times. I don't recall anybody asking if I was crewing or not (not crewing).

This post has been edited by Chris: Sep 8 2011, 03:21 AM

NASA Texas used to charge spectators. Not sure of their policy now.

You can do exactly what Sidney said, and get in with no problems. I know for a fact that Road America allows spectators. I've run into locals from the area several times at Road America, and other tracks. They come to check out the racing. I don't think they charge.
Just simply say, "I'm here with NASA". If they ask, which I doubt they will, tell them your crewing. Use Sidney's name or mine.
If you do make it to the track, be sure to stop by and say hi. There are many guys on this board that race/drive with NASA and several of us in the Midwest. Look for the race group of Firebirds and hopefully one Camaro.
If you introduce yourself early enough, you likely can go for a ride on track, and /or drive on track at lunch. They also have a few introductory offers. Our regional director is Dave Royce dave@nasamidwest.com Send him an email and intoduce yourself. He will explain all the opportunities and make sure your taken care of. However, for the rest of this week, everyone is at Mid Ohio for the Nationals, so you wont hear from anyone until next week.

Good luck

Dave Algozine
#12 American Iron - Camaro

Thanks for the info, I'm planning on coming down on Saturday so I'll look for both of you Dave and Sidney (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Firehawkclone - Hopefully its better in the midwest than in CA! I've been to a couple scca events, they seem like a decent group too but I like the idea of the CMC/CMC2 class.

Greg,

I race in CMC2. PM me. See you at Road America!

Sidney
CMC2 #64

Seems to me it would benefit NASA to allow and encourage spectators. Sell a few programs, tshirts, hot dogs, whatever else to raise a few bucks for the sanction as well as giving people who may be interested in grass roots racing to see just how attainable participation really is.

-Tim

I used to race Karts at Mid Ohio, and we were not allowed to have it as a "spectator event". I think it was a liability issue - I'm guessing that NASA may have the same issues - especially being there this weekend.

That being said, it wasn't strictly enforced so all you had to do was sign the waiver and pay for the insurance pass.