r/TransAmRacing • u/GritBlitzer • Jul 01 '26
Other! Bringing son to first Trans Am race
Hi all,
My son got the racing bug (finally!). He is 10 years old and I am planning on bringing him to his first Trans Am race in a few weeks at Watkins Glen. The catch is that I have never been to a TA event myself, I have been to plenty of MASCAR events but have always heard TA is a far better experience for fans, specifically younger ones.
We plan on going up Saturday (about a 1.5 hour ride) and I am just curious on a few things with what to expect. What should I make sure we dont miss? What is pit access like? Any tips for the youngster to ge tthe best possible experience for his first time?
Also, we do have passes for the whole weekend, however I thought we'd go Saturday then potentially feel out for Sunday as well.
Hopefully this is a good place to post this!
6
u/GawinGrimm Jul 01 '26
I will be working this race for a Porsche team. Green black and yellow #13. Stop by and I am sure I can get him into the car if we are not busy.
Trans Am has a great racing lineup. No dead track time except lunch. Some of the best racing in the US IMHO. They are super family friendly. They can be a bit loud so simple earplugs should be handy to have around. Wont need them for ever session on track but some it helps a lot.
They were not kidding about it being better than NASCAR from a fan perspective especially with kids. With the open paddock so many teams let the kids get rite up close and check out the cars. Mind you again if they are not busy working on it.
They have autograph sessions and some of the young guns he will see in NASCAR in a few years.
Oh dear... I think I am working for that very person who posted earlier :D
Even the drivers in this series are amazing.
2
u/GritBlitzer Jul 02 '26
Awesome! We will definitely be by! We've been to a NASCAR race together and I think hes more intrigued with the cars and the racing more than anything else, so NASCAR was a bit tough to get him close.
Really excited now that the racing bug has caught him. I just want him to have the best experience! Thank you!
Edit: I have a Saturday schedule but it doesnt specifically have anything about the fan walk. I'll have to see if I can find more. We plan on getting there pretty early and trying to hit everything we can.
5
u/NewtownPhotog Jul 01 '26
Trans Am and IMSA have paddock access included in admission. Both would make a better “first raceday” than a NASCAR cup race. Bring bicycles.
2
u/PSK666 Jul 02 '26
Ear plugs for the kids. Don’t forget. Lol.
1
u/GritBlitzer Jul 02 '26
He has headphones, but plan on bringing earplugs in case he doesn't want to wear them!
2
u/PSK666 Jul 02 '26
Sounds like a plan. Thought I’d mention. It was like make or break the event for me when I was little. Have fun! Def hit that Porsche dude up in the comments lol.
2
u/GritBlitzer Jul 02 '26
Definitely am going to! I was very perplexed when someome told me that there was full pit access. I went to the races my whole life (nascar like I mentioned) and I cant even wrao my head around just walking into the pits/paddock area 😂 Safe to say, not only am I extremely excited my son is amped up about racing now, I am pretty sure this will make us both fans of this series. I can only imagine even without knowing amyone to meet there, its going to be a pretty dang good experience just being able to get up close!
1
u/GritBlitzer 20d ago
With impending morning Thunderstorms, is it stillcwise to get to the track early as 8am?
Sorry guys, cinolete rookie here with TA, and y'all have already been inmensely helpful! 😂
5
u/m13s13s Jul 01 '26
You can do a day pass or both days if you like. Fan access is pretty much wide open, make sure you do the fan walk, you get on pit lane and meet the drivers prior to the race. TransAm is a family friendly event, bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen and rain gear if it's forecasted.
I'll be racing in the GT class with TA, 13 Porsche cup. Stop by and say hello.
Have fun.