Posted 06 August 2009 - 11:48 PM
Tim, I agree with you, higher up is better. I actually think that the higher seats are better at a race, anyway. It isn't like a concert where the best seats are the lowest. Especially at the super speedways, like Daytona and Vegas. At best, you can only see the area right in front of you.
As for spectators standing in front, that is against track rules (you aren't even suppose to walk close to the track for safety purposes) but people will do as they want for as long as they can get away with it. If this happens, you should tell an official or a track employee, especially if they don't seem to have any interest in moving on. Or, if you are brave enough, tell them to move. They aren't suppose to be there and track personnel will back you up. At the end of the day, there is always going to be some inconsiderate jerk around, and as hard as tracks try, it will still happen.
Tim, I hope this doesn't come across as condescending (meant to be informative), but an hour before the start of the race is not considered getting there early. Parking and gates usually open up well before race time, early in the morning. Even if you have an assigned spot, it can be given away if you aren't there by the time the pre-race ceremonies start. If it was before, someone screwed up. Like I said before, tracks try very hard to be accommodating, but nothing works perfectly when so much is trying to be coordinated at one time.
misstd, I have no idea what tracks are like in England, but I do know the races here are a hulluva lot of fun. There is tons of activity and energy, so if you plan ahead (and it is important to get as much squared away to make it as easy on you as possible) and try to go with the flow if things don't work perfectly, you will still have a great time. I still love going to races and I don't even really follow it since I left that job.