NASCAR opens garage areas to children

Young fans allowed to enter with adult on race days during "cold" periods

By Official Release
February 14, 2011 3:02 PM, EST

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway not only opens up the 2011 racing season, it also opens the garage gates to some very important fans.

A revision in NASCAR's garage access policy allows an adult with approved access, either via annual credential (hard card) or a single event license (SEL), to bring his or her children in the Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck series garages on race days.

The policy is in effect only during the "cold" pre-race period. Each child will be issued a special credential. There is no minimum age requirement.

"NASCAR offers the best behind-the-scenes access in all of sports and this gives young people the opportunity to experience this excitement up close and personal," said Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR senior vice president of track operations. "The thrill of being in the NASCAR garage on race day cannot be duplicated and we're looking forward to having our young fans participate in this race-day experience."

Some "Need to Know" parameters for this new policy:

* Parents must complete a minor's release form prior to receiving a minor's credential.

* Releases and credentials will be available at the Cup registration hauler or at the garage location.

* Nationwide and Truck series children credentials will be available at those series' at-track registration locations.

Also updated for 2011: The dress code for all NASCAR pit and garage areas. Attire must remain appropriate for both a major sporting event and a family environment, but has been relaxed to include shorts, open-toed shoes, sleeveless blouses and skirts/dresses.

That's kind of neat in a way, but I have a feeling that once a few "not so well behaved" darlings cause problems it will be short-lived. Unfortunately if that happens it will be because of the parents, not necessarily the kids.

That's kind of neat in a way, but I have a feeling that once a few "not so well behaved" darlings cause problems it will be short-lived. Unfortunately if that happens it will be because of the parents, not necessarily the kids.

I agree this is a good thing but agree some parents may neglect kids and this could be shortlived

That's kind of neat in a way, but I have a feeling that once a few "not so well behaved" darlings cause problems it will be short-lived. Unfortunately if that happens it will be because of the parents, not necessarily the kids.

I agree this is a good thing but agree some parents may neglect kids and this could be shortlived

Exactly my thoughts when I first read it.

maybe nasacar should make the parents put the kids on leashes... otherwise the kiddos will be running amok in the pit area and that is not good...

kids on leashes is a bigger pain in the ####, plus it looks really stupid

kids on leashes is a bigger pain in the ####, plus it looks really stupid

I agree put a leash on the irresponsible parents

kids on leashes is a bigger pain in the ####, plus it looks really stupid

I agree put a leash on the irresponsible parents

thanks ace!!

Put the parents on a leash...I like that. I have seen how some parents are worse than their kids and even the kids don't want to be seen with their parents.

It's good that nascar will allow children into the garage areas but I think that there should be a certain age in which children should be allowed in there. Little ones don't understand that this isn't a playground and that they can get hurt whereas older kids realize that this is a great opportunity to be able to see there favorite driver up close and what goes on in a garage.

Will strollers be allowed in also?
When will Nascar install the diaper changing stations??

I think NASCAR is willing to try anything to sell more tickets.