Here’s What It’s Like Pitside At A NASCAR Race

Last August we were invited by Toyota Racing to partake in an experience like no other. Chad and I went to Watkins Glen International to see the Cheez-It 355.

Watkins Glen is an interesting course. To us racing fans, we know it well, but as far as famous NASCAR tracks is barely moves the needle. Tracks like Daytona, Talladega, and Charlotte are much more known. Even among the road courses Watkins Glen doesn’t get the same respect that a Sears Point does. And that’s a shame.

But when we were invited we jumped at the opportunity known what kind of amazing history this track has. Personally, I used to go up there as a kid and camp on the back straight. Waking up at 7 am to IMSA GT Championship cars is the best alarm clock ever. So I decided to film some of the experience to share with you. Here’s what I came up with.

I learned a lot that day about how NASCAR operates behind the scenes. It’s incredible what they have to do week in and week out just to get the cars ready for the race. To then have to pack it all up and do it again in a week or two? It is beyond belief. But there was one thing I learned from this weekend in upstate New York that resonated above all else. NASCAR needs to race road courses WAY more often. It was infinitely more entertaining that the big ovals.