Tailgatin’
What You Need to Know About Texas Motor Speedway
Tailgating
By Jo Ann Hlavac, www.LaidbackRacing.com
Some call Texas Motor Speedway (TMS) “Bruton’s Baby“. He calls it the Great American Speedway. Whatever it’s called, everyone agrees that the speedway is grand! Bruton took the blue print of Charlotte Motor Speedway and ran with it all the way to Texas. The staff at TMS focuses on the serving the fans and it shows. Before you go there are some things to know:
Directions to Texas Motor Speedway 2009
Tune in to Live 105.3 FM or KRLD 1080 AM for race weekend traffic information.
Directions from Ft. Worth
Take Interstate 35W north from Fort Worth. Exit on SH 114 and turn under the overpass to the speedway.
Alt.- Take Interstate 35W to U.S. 287 North. Left on U.S. 287 to FM 156. Right on FM 156 to SH 114. Right on SH 114 to the speedway.
Directions from Dallas
There are a variety of routes from Dallas to Texas Motor Speedway. However, because of the volume of traffic associated with most major races at the facility, the following route is recommended:
North from Dallas on Interstate 35E to Denton, TX. At the junction of I35E and I35W, head back south on Interstate 35W. Exit right on SH 114 to the speedway.
Directions from Denton
Take Interstate 35W south from Denton, exit right on SH 114. Alt.- Take U.S. 380 west from Denton, turn left on FM 156 south to SH 114. Left on SH 114 to the speedway.
IF YOU TRAVEL HIGHWAY 114 WEST FROM DALLAS, YOU MAY MISS THE START OF THE RACE! Texas Motor Speedway advises race fans to AVOID State Highway 114 West from Dallas when traveling to the speedway for major racing events.
PARKING
General parking at Texas Motor Speedway is always FREE. VIP and Express parking options are available for an additional charge.
WHAT FANS MAY BRING INTO THE TMS GRANDSTANDS.
Each ticket holder may bring one cooler into the grandstands measuring no larger than 14" X 14" X 14. No glass is allowed. Some events may have seating that does not allow coolers in the stands.
STUFF TO DO
There are always lots of drivers’ appearances around TMS. Check out www.LaidbackRacing.com during race week for the latest information on where your favorite driver may be appearing.
Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame The Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame (TMHOF) honors outstanding performers in Texas racing, from NASCAR to the IndyCar Series, pit crews to drag racers. All proceeds from the Hall of Fame benefit the children at Happy Hill Farm, a residential school for at-risk kids in Granbury, Texas, in association with Speedway Children’s Charities. The Hall is housed near the South Tunnel at Texas Motor Speedway and is open year-round to visitors.
National Cowgirl Museum and Hall is located at 1720 Gendy Street honors and documents the lives of women who have distinguished themselves while exemplifying the pioneer spirit of the American West. Your ticket to the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame includes admission to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History hands-on exhibits. There is also a planetarium and an IMAX domed theater.
The Sixth Floor Museum is located at Dealey Plaza 411 Elm Street in Dallas. This is the building adjacent to the spot where President John F. Kennedy was assasinated. There are several exhibits on the shooting, and American life in the early 1960’s. In addition, patrons may view the corner window where Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly sat to fire the fatal shots.
The Fort Worth Botanical Garden islocated at 3220 Botanic Garden Boulevard in Fort Worth. There are more than 2,500 species of plants, and twenty-one specialty gardens. It is situated on 109 lush acres that offer vibrant colors amidst the mesmerizing interplay of dappled light and shade.
The Vintage Flying Museum is located at the South End of Meacham International Airport in Fort Worth. Thereare twenty aircraft on exhibit including several extremely rare and historic aircraft.
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth showcases masterworks of modern and contemporary American and European art from 1945 to the present, including painting, sculpture, works on paper, and photography.
National Cowboys of Color Museum in Fort Worth acknowledges the contributions of Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, European Americans, and African Americans in the settlement of the Western American Frontier. There are several featured exhibits on topics such as the Tuskgee Airmen and the Buffalo Soldiers.
The Fort Worth Zoo has been ranked as the number one attraction in the entire Dallas-Fort Worth area and numbber 19 among the "50 Overall Top-Rated Attractions" in the entire United States by the Zagat Survey U.S. Family Guide. Don’t miss Texas Wild!, an 8-acre exhibit that takes you on a spectacular journey through the various regions on the Lone Star State.
PLACES TO GO
FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS contain great places to eat ans lots of race fans. Patrons may go thru the stock yards to get to Sundance Square 512 Main St, Fort Worth Phone: (817)339-7777)
Depending on the traffic, the drive is only about 20-30 minutes from the track. When exiting the track from Petty drive, turn left and follow the road to the Stockyards. The route is also a great back way into the track to avoid the heavy highway traffic.
Billy Bob's Texas is the worlds largest Honky Tonk. It is located at 2520 Rodeo Plz Fort Worth. Phone: (817)589-1711 They always have great concerts going on during race week and often driver appearances. The website is - www.billybobstexas.com .
Cowtown Coliseum is a legendary landmark built in 1908, The coliseum features live rodeo every weekend. It is located at121 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth. Phone: (817)625-1025 Patrons may see drivers & racing celebrities hanging out.
Cattlemen's Steak House is a great place to eat. It is also located in the stockyards at 2458 N Main St Fort Worth. Phone: (817)624-3945 The restaurant features great service and great food. Vegetarians or non-beef eaters should be warned – this place serves up pounds of beef with few exceptions. Patrons may expect to pay about $20 per person, not including alcohol. Fans have reported seeing race teams, crew chiefs or owners, or drivers here. Get there early in order to avoid the long wait for a table.
All of the above are within easy walking distance of each other.
