|
there are several camp areas and they are
free or pay. we camp
in the free 'north park'
camp ground. as such, we are about as far from the track as you can get and
still be on track property. you can see the maps
here
and find more info about dega camping
here.
the
official track guest guide
has everything you need to know.
we have no firsthand knowledge
of any non-north park
campground. the following is intended for north park rookies: |
1) do not forget your race tickets! do not forget your race tickets!
2) if i had just one piece of advice to give, it's bring a very comfortable pair of shoes. they may get screwed up over the weekend with mud and
wet, but your feet will be better off in the best shoes you have for walking, as you will do a lot of
it. the track is far away and when you get there, your seat may be another far
away. you make that round trip at least twice. at night, you and your buddies will prowl the camp ground on rough rocky
roads, looking at all the debauchery there is to see. a second pair is a good idea in case the first get soaked.
bring extra socks. don't argue. flip-flops may be well and fine in your camp
spot, but are worthless walking around the whole campground.
3) bring more than you think you need
of food, beer, snacks, water, and other drinks, as that's what you spend most of
your time doing, especially if it's hot. ample liquor stock is also a valuable
asset to your camping portfolio. girls appreciate shots. don't forget your favorite hangover and
overindulgence remedies. typically, campground 'bagged ice' costs about $10 a
bag. if it's hot, you can see the once was ice, dripping off the back of the ice
wagon. haggle with the iceman if your bag seems light. check
if your neighbors are going out of the campground during the day, as ice is so much less there.
if you go out, see if your neighbors need ice. we are family.
4) you must have a race ticket for each occupant of a
vehicle to enter the campground.
get there early. according to the
official track guest guide, "all overnight parks outside the track, except
for the family park, will open at 6:00 am on tuesday of race week". this
includes
'north park'.
if you roll into the campground late friday, good luck
finding a decent spot. it's pretty much going to be slim pickings, especially if
you have a large motor home/camper. we strongly
recommend you roll in by thursday. try to avoid camping
in the lowland area, just as you enter the campground. if it rains much at all,
you'll be camping in a mud bog.
seek higher ground or you'll be taking a chance. historically, the closer to the
dirt track (eastern section of the campground), the less party atmosphere you
may find. we assume families camp there.
5) if you plan on having a fire, the more wood you can bring, the better. local
area firewood prices tend to be high and historically, it can be somewhat
'green' too, so know the wood you buy.
extra wood can turn out to be 'currency'. it can be bartered for beer, food, and breastical
favors, just like beads.
you could even sell some, but don't be obvious about it, as it is against the
campground rules.
6) bring a frisbee, football, horseshoes, cornhole, playing
cards, bicycle, books, magazines, and/or other daytime distractions. the
sun can be brutal, bring a shady refuge.
7) rain gear. it's dega, it rains. sometimes a lot.
sun screen. it's dega, it burns. sometimes a lot. hats and sunglasses are a
must. good coolers. camera. extra batteries. 'gold bond' powder. baby wipes. lip balm.
binoculars. phone charger. eye drops, as the camp smoke from 100's of fires can be a bitch. a small bright flashlight, those mini l.e.d. models carry easy and highlight them show offy
females while on walkabout.
8) squeeze foam type ear plugs. not necessarily for the track, but if you want to sleep. it can be noisy all night.
all damn night! blowing horns,
big trucks, yelling, that next door too
loud stereo, and especially the multitude of generators running the whole night. there could be one
just a few feet from your tent or camper. very handy for that day nap to sleep
off last night.
9) coolers are allowed
in the stands. be sure to read the
official track cooler page for info and get the right cooler.
glass bottles are not advised in the campground for obvious reason and are
forbidden in the track. bring canned or plastic
bottled beverages only.
10) if you are not bringing toilet
facilities, consider renting a 'port-a-potty'. there are plenty of trucks
driving them around the campground. last year they cost $105 for the weekend and
are worth every cent. it's not too much if you have a group chipping in. be sure
to bring a lock for it or you might find some strange bubba
inside, filling it up with last night's jalapeño bean chili. the public shitters tend to get crowded and
can be vile by the end of the weekend. bring extra ass wipes.
remember: it's not cool to screw with shitter occupants.
also: a gentleman offers the random female the use of his pisser.
11)
you can only erect non-conductive flag poles in the campground, 15' maximum. no metal
poles. find all the rules and info here:
official track guest guide and
track questions/answers.
12) if you want great deals on beads, we recommend emardigrasbeads.com.
the girls tend to complain about "cheap ass beads", so get something worthy.
avoid the 33" size and get 42" or better. they also carry specialty beads.
on the left side menu, check out the 'funny beads'. the top menu is loaded with
fun stuff.
13) police are hired in from several
jurisdictions to keep the peace. historically, they are helpful, friendly, and easy to get
along with. they do not mind you having a good time, but they do not take kindly to fighting or drunken
bullshit. they have to ride herd on some real clowns, so give them a break. keep an eye on your rowdy friends, as they will get carted off if they
act the fool. we see fools getting carted off every year.
14) if you feel you must, pass out in a 'safe zone'. do not end up a "volunteer
model"
for your friends' "passed out drunk" art display. you will
never live it down.
if you are one of the friends with pictures of a "passed out drunk" art display, send
them! they should never live it down!
15) leaving: once the race is over, people tend to try and leave quickly. forget
it. you may exit the campground fairly easily, but you will get bogged down in the
traffic flow heading out in all directions. relax. make a nice final meal, maybe
grab a nap, take your time packing up, and head out at least three to four hours after
the final race is completed.
16)
do not forget your race tickets!
if you have any other helpful hints, suggestions, or
comments,
do tell.
close this page
©2005 and beyond. all rights
degabus.com
any duplication in whole or in part, is in violation of copyright laws. all
rights reserved.
talladega super
speedway and nascar do not endorse this web site. |
 |
|