Speedweek 2010 - Recommendations for a newbie?

[agrassfidf]

Is it totally jampacked the first day at sunrise? I'm so excited I wish it were tomorrow.

[katsa]

Awesome!  I will totally have him join the BNI, it sounds like it's definitely worth it!

From the website it sounds like the spectators are already allowed to walk through the pits and talk to drivers and crew members (is that correct?), so what is included in a pit pass that makes it different?

[Seldom Seen Slim]

The pit pass allows your vehicle into the pits.  The pits are usually about a mile long (down the course) and a couple of hundred feet deep -- so having something in/on which to ride is a big benefit.  Many folks ride bicycles, many have pit bikes or scooters or Segways.  Careful, though -- 5 mph speed limit in the pits, and many, many vehicles being pushed or towed.

As for being able to talk with folks -- heck, yes it's okay.  If someone is busy concentrating he might ask you to leave him alone -- but most of the time you're welcome to ask your fquestions, be they dumb or coherent.  We've all heard lots of both. . .

[BIGHORN]

Definitley cool at sunrise

[Glen]

Slim, a crew pass is required for pit vehicles. Must be displayed.

[Seldom Seen Slim]

Oh, sorry -- I kinda forgot.  Thanks for setting me and the others straight.

[Black Rose Racing]

It's about the coolest time in your life.

FREUD

Quite possibly an understatement...

[landsendlynda]

The 12th and 13th are Tech days, so entry to the pits with your vehicle is allowed.  Once racing starts (Saturday), you will no longer be allowed to drive thru the pits as a spectator.  There will be Security stationed at the Pit entrance to control who enters.  If you don't have a green or orange sticker on your vehicle, you'll have to park outside the pit and walk in.  There are no admission fees for the 2 Tech days, but starting on Saturday, you will have to pay to go on the salt.  If you are planning on staying for more than 2 days, buy the Event Pass.  Day Passes are $15 each day and have to be purchased for that day.  The Event Pass is a collectible pin that is good for the entire event and costs $40......both prices are PER PERSON, not per vehicle.  Seems to be a lot of confusion on that one!!  Spectators are allowed on the salt at 7:00 A.M.  That gives the racers about an hour to get to their pit areas and get things set up for the day.  Sunrise is around 6:15 so you want to be at Land's End before then.  I won't let you drive out on the salt, but you are more than welcome to park and walk out on the salt a little ways and take your photos.
As everyone has said, Salt Talks is the place to be Sunday evening and you'll discover the magic of the salt when you witness the Sunrise at Bonneville. 

Lynda

[Stainless1]

Sunrise at 615?  I always thought that was your flashlight in my eyes... closer to 645... but I never wear a watch....

Come out, tell Linda you want to go in early, have coffee and donuts... bet you have a chance.... she is a lot nicer than she says she is.

[agrassfidf]

I'll have to refer to the replies on this post again to make sure that I'm clear on the rules. Bottom line, though, seems to be I should be a member.

[Milwaukee Midget]

Sunrise at 615?  I always thought that was your flashlight in my eyes... closer to 645... but I never wear a watch....

I wouldn't argue the point.  If Lynda says the sun is going to rise at 6:15, it's in the best interest of the sun to get up early and get to work.

[landsendlynda]

Really you guys!!     The sky starts showing colors WAAAAY before the sun crests the horizon!!!  And, it takes a while to get those fancy cameras setup, find a place out of the way, walk (if bribes are excluded), drive out (if the coffee is good and nobody p*ssed me off yet) onto the salt ......all that stuff takes time!!!  I've noticed that the sunrise doesn't wait for any of you guys, so being out there before/by 6:15 gives plenty of prep time.

Don't hold your breath on the nice part...it all depends on the ratio of GOOD Coffee:crabby racers!!

Lynda

[katsa]

Has anybody stayed at the Western Ridge Motel on 895 Wendover Blvd?  That's apparently the only motel in town that still has any vacancies, but I had such a weird experience with the guy on the phone!  He was basically trying to convince me not to stay there, and wanted to personally confirm with everybody in the party that they knew where they were going and wouldn't be pissed off and disappointed when they got there.  It was the strangest thing, I've never spoken to a merchant that was so hellbent on not getting my business.  We want to book it because it's really the only option left, but his insistence made it feel really sketchy!  Does anybody know anything about this place?  Is there a valid reason for his extreme paranoia?  I was told that there's no air conditioning and they only have fans, which I guess could potentially be a problem.  How hot does it get during the nights in the summer?

Is it really that bad that it would it be worth it to just book a hotel in Salt Lake City and make the drive?  I couldn't find any information about this place online, so I'd really appreciate some insider insight! 

Thanks!

[jimmy six]

In 1975 it was a Best Western and was one of the better places to stay. This is 2010, 35 years later in an area now known for it's Casinos on the Nevada side. 

You can go to E-Bay #400103980544 and see a post card of the Lewis Brothers from 1968 and see the era.

They built a "new"  Best Western next to the now Western "Ridge" and they old one could not qualify any longer as a Best Western...Good luck

[jimmy six]

Go to E-Bay 200461583180 and see it in its hey-day......................JD