Final weekend, in what’s turning into one thing of a Carroll household custom, we drove ten hours to affix Peter Hughes at Watkins Glen for an IMSA race. We camped within the infield, survived a deluge, poked across the paddock, noticed some associates and frolicked among the many race automobiles. It was about as a lot enjoyable as I’ve had all yr. None of it required me to flash a special-access journalist card, both. You may be having the very same enjoyable as me, just about.

I do know folks have fond recollections of IMSA within the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, and probably ‘90s. However I’m sure that sports activities automobile racing in America is best than it’s ever been. This — proper now — is its golden age. Have you ever seen the Cadillacs do the bump begin factor? Please, I implore you. Don’t miss this. No matter your age, you can be lifeless a lot earlier than you suppose. This period of IMSA will most likely be lifeless earlier than that. It’s known as ‘lightning in a bottle’ for a motive. If in any respect attainable, get your ass to an IMSA race.

A few of you’ve got already completed it. Daytona noticed report crowds for Rolex once more this yr, TV viewership was up. Laguna Seca reported its largest-ever progress in ticket gross sales year-over-year. Lengthy Seaside offered out. Watkins Glen was packed to the rafters with campers and spectators all weekend. The grid was the biggest since 1984, comprised of 57 automobiles, many coming off top-of-the-line ever runnings of the 24 Hours of LeMans.

A weekend’s value of entry goes to price you round 100 bucks and it’s much less should you simply need to catch the precise race. Lots of tracks will let you camp, which makes the weekend cheaper and loads easier from a logistical standpoint. Tenting additionally permits you higher entry to the paddock when the daytime crowds go away and it’s possible extra enjoyable for associates who’re much less into the entire, automobiles ripping round on a observe factor. Total, the weekend ought to price about what parking close to an F1 circuit on a race weekend prices.

There are six races left on the schedule this yr. Seize tickets, fill a cooler, dig out your tent and go watch a few of the finest racing anybody’s ever seen.