NASCAR: A Showcase of Modern Southern Culture
American culture is somewhat hard to define, qualities such as being straightforward and proud are seen as making up a typical American character, but an exact culture is hard to pinpoint. Traveling is an excellent way to gain perspective on the world, not only about foreign countries but even your own. Just as Central Asia has Kok-boru, Japan has sumo wrestling, the Southen United States has NASCAR (National Association of Stock Car Racing).
As a child growing up in North Carolina, the mention of NASCAR would usually conjure up images of lazy Sunday afternoons with relatives snacking on nuts, drinking beer, and the buzz of the cars racing around the race track emitting from the television.
The idea of actually going to a race never crossed my mind. NASCAR fans are notoriously known for being drunken unruly rednecks, while the race itself is considered long, loud, and boring. For years I lacked the desire to venture off to the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
After spending such a long time abroad I can finally see the value of NASCAR, and how it reflects a side of American culture.
Here is why North Carolina is home to NASCAR.
A Dying Sport
At one time NASCAR was the most-watched sport in the US. Today it is only second to the NFL which has claimed the first spot. Despite this, race fans are leaving the sport in droves. Many of the seating at speedways around the country has been torn out due to lack of use.
One of the reasons for this is the general lack of enthusiasm for the sport nowadays. The overall adrenaline has been bogged down over the years with countless regulations to the cars and stricter rules while driving on the track. With the drivers having no competitive edge over each other and the pace of the sport has been slowed down to that of a snail, it is no wonder that once die-hard fans are leaving the stands and turning off their television sets.
Even though the golden age of NASCAR racing is in the past, that doesn’t mean that visiting the race track is a waste of time. Going out to the race track brings you amongst a certain kind of people which can not be found everywhere. It is a congregation of farmers, laborers, and overall country folks which you could hardly ever find together all at one place, offering a unique glimpse at a different side of America.
Driving Out of the Pit
The roar of the engines can be heard within a mile radius of the stadium, shaking the very ground beneath your feet. The anticipation builds as you inch your way closer to the speedway, the sound beginning to rattle the very fiber of your being. Even though this was nothing more than a qualifying race, the thrill of watching the cars race around the track was worth it.
The only disappointment is that the cars race for such a short amount of time. If you are not in your seat at the start of the race you risk missing the cars altogether. The cars typically go in three different groups, each group driving for only about 8 minutes. Qualifying is nothing more than determining the order that the cars will go on race day.
Many may ask: “What is the point of going to a qualifying race?” The answer is simple: the price. On race day the price of a ticket starts at around 50 USD, while for a qualifying match one can pay as low as 14 USD if you buy your ticket well in advance or 22 USD at the gate.
NASCAR Memorabilia and Conservative Souvenirs
Other than the race itself, there is much to see on the outskirts of the stadium as well. Immediately in front of the entrance are some company-sponsored souvenir stalls, but closer to the caravan camps is where you can find real local color.
In neat rows of white tents are some tacky gift shops selling all sorts of novelty wear. A parade of flags flies proudly overhead displaying anything from a Confederate flag to supporting the reelection of President Trump.
Many of the wares are concerning NASCAR such as t-shirts adorned with their favorite driver’s car number or even a mini replica of the car itself. What is sure to grab your attention is the various articles of clothing sporting images of the current President to slogans showing off their Southern pride.
Some of the owners may even try to draw you in by offering a chance to gamble your way to win a flat-screen TV or various other prizes. Other than the souvenirs, there is also a slew of food trucks where you can gorge till you drop with greasy Southern fried food.
The Caravan Camp
Surrounding the race track are endless fields of motorhomes stretching out as far as the eye can see. Many of these RVs hoist up flags of their favorite racers as well as sometimes displaying their political views or Southern heritage. Many of the campers can be found barbequing outside or lounging under the shade of their umbrellas enjoying a beer.
These mammoth motorhomes are not only a comfortable way to follow the race from track to track, but they also house flatscreen TVs built into the exterior of the vehicle. Fans can enjoy watching the race from the comfort of their RV, while still hearing the hum of the cars less than half a mile away. Some of these modern-day nomads can be found selling their own homemade souvenirs or specialty goods from their home state.
What makes racing unique in the United States is the tailgating/caravan culture that comes along with it. Fans come from all corners of the country to park their RV and enjoy the NASCAR culture.
Tailgating Race Fans
Compared to the rest of the world western countries have gradually become wearier when speaking to strangers. When trying to approach people to better understand the caravan NASCAR lifestyle, I would often be refused or be met with nothing more than a cold gaze. The reason is that over the years people have become less trusting of each other.
In the United States, this issue is particularly troubling. Campers explained their unwillingness to communicate with outsiders is due to the fact that they don’t know who I am or, more concerning, they don’t know if I’m carrying a gun or not. After breaking the ice I was finally able to get a first-hand account on the nomadic NASCAR lifestyle.
Bob travels every several weeks from his home in Ohio to racetracks as far as Florida. To Charlotte, he mentioned that he drove nearly 500 miles to tailgate the race. For over thirty years, he explained, he has been loyally following the races around the country and the reason he keeps coming back is for the comradery between the fans.
Keeping the Culture Alive
Even the die-hard fans will admit that the glory days of NASCAR are long gone. If nothing is done to revive the sport it will eventually fade from existence. While the fans of NASCAR may be dwindling, apparently sprint car racing still has a strong following.
Across from the gigantic Charlotte Motor Speedway lays the dirt track which annually holds the World of Outlaws sprint car world finals. The seats for a NASCAR race may be largely empty, but the stands for watching sprint cars will be packed full of enthusiastic fans. According to a local RV camper, sprint car races have more of a “culture” to them, with a more down-to-earth atmosphere.
Regardless if its NASCAR or sprint car, traveling to a race in the United States is definitely an experience that will show you a different side of America. Unfortunately, while a qualifying match is cheaper than race day, you are not given a true NASCAR experience, just a mere taste.
For all those travelers going through the southern states of America, keep your eyes on the price of tickets and secure your chance to see a showcase of southern culture.