TIPS FOR RACE FANS

How do I meet the racers?

If you're heading to the Grant Park 165 and hoping to meet the drivers for autographs, here are some helpful tips to boost your chances:

Arrive early
Drivers often appear at scheduled events like practice sessions, interviews, or fan experiences. Getting to the track as soon as the gates open increases your chances of catching autograph sessions, meet-and-greets, or fan zone activities.

Check the schedule
Keep an eye on the official NASCAR and event websites for details about autograph signings, fan interaction zones, or pit road tours. Some drivers take part in pre-race or post-race events listed in the official schedule. Social media is also a great way to stay up to date. The Chicago Street Course Fan Zones are among the top spots where drivers often stop by for autographs or photo ops. 

Look out for meet-and-greet events.
Many sponsors and race teams host driver meet-and-greets, sometimes open to anyone with a ticket to the Grant Park 165.

Be in the right place at the right time.
While garage and pit areas are usually restricted, some passes or events give fans access to these locations. Drivers often pass through the Fanzone on their way to and from their cars  –  keep an eye out and be ready! Some will stop for a quick signature or selfie if time allows.

Bring something to sign
Drivers may not have items to give out, so bring your own  –  like a hat, race program, poster, shirt, or die-cast car. Smaller items are usually easier for them to sign on the go.

Be patient and respectful.
Drivers are often on tight schedules, especially on race day. If you get a chance to talk to them, be courteous and quick. Avoid interrupting interviews or team meetings. Long lines are common at fan events, so a little patience goes a long way!

How to enjoy the race as comfortably as possible?

When it comes to NASCAR races, if you have an idea, thousands of people usually think the same way. So, try to adjust your schedule differently from everyone else. Be anticipatory when eating or going to the toilet so you don't spend the best part of the day queuing.

Where to watch the race from?

In our grandstand guide, you will always find tips on where to goand what you can see from a given grandstand. It's good to know what you are interested in beforehand. If you want to be as close to the track as possible, or if you are a keen amateur photographer and want the best shot, plan accordingly. One more thing to watch out for when planning your race track moves is that the distances on race tracks can be pretty long. Some transitions between stands can take tens of minutes, especially if there are a lot of people on the race track. Instead, try to keep the transitions as short as possible.