With the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series coming to a close in Miami in a couple weeks, it’s your last chance for the year to channel your inner redneck and start strategizing for your ultimate infield experience.

I’ve done NASCAR a couple times (Daytona and Pocono), and going into my first experience with fairly low expectations I was pleasantly surprised (I may be southern, but I’m definitely not a country girl…). I’ve only watched from the infield and, in my opinion, that’s the best way to do it. Think of it as an extreme tailgate complete with RVs, handmade viewing platforms and the occasional lawnmower contraption. The people watching is equally entertaining to the race itself (but probably more so), and there is beer. Lots and lots of beer.

The next race is at Phoenix, and unfortunately, it’s a smaller track and doesn’t offer an infield option (although their campgrounds are extensive for those in the area who want to spend the weekend at the race), but if they did, here are my top tips for maximizing NASCAR fun:

7. Educate yourself. Every track has different rules. Some have an infield, some don’t. Some charge a lot for parking, while some charge very little. Tracks also have different rules for bringing in food and beverages. Know what you’re getting yourself into and you’ll get the most out of your NASCAR excursion.

6. Dress the part. Visit your local Wal-Mart and pick out your favorite Dale Jr. or Kyle Bush Tee Shirt, top it off with a camouflage hat from the hunting department and you’ll start to feel the part as soon as you get dressed on race day.

5. Let the girls organize supplies. It might be hard to get the ladies to join you for NASCAR, but enlist the help of those who do prior to race day. The morning of our Pocono 500 was chaos and between people already pregaming, getting themselves ready to go and packing the cars, a box of vital supplies was left behind. Not to blame the boys, but some gene in our extra X-chromosome makes us better planners and we can help avoid these situations. Besides, you guys just want to relax before leaving, right? Supplies not to be forgotten include:

• Beverages – alcohol and water
• Portable gas grill
• Spatula or tongs for cooking on portable gas grill (a smashed beer can works in a pinch)
• Sandwich meat, hamburgers, and hotdogs (don’t forget buns!)
• Preferred condiments
• Plastic cutlery and paper plates
• Chips and salsa
• Pasta or potato salad
• Bag of ice and cooler
• Brownies or cookies
• Collapsing tent for shade (or cover in the case of rain)
• Portable chairs or an old sheet to sit on
• First aid kit
• Digital camera with extra memory cards and batteries

4. Leave early and pick a spectacular spot. Do some research on the track – is there a particularly nasty curve? Are parts of the infield higher in elevation that might allow you to see more of the race? Find out and be strategic about your spot. Consider your neighbors and park in a way to allow yourself space for tip #2.

3. Pick a driver. I’m assuming that you, like myself, don’t really follow the sport or have a favorite driver, but just pick one and put some cash on him, if you feel so inclined. Whether you like the look of a car, know and love a sponsor or simply appreciate the alliteration in Jimmy Johnson’s name, you’ll feel more invested in the race and enjoy it more.

2. Bring Games. Wiffle Ball, Football, Corn Hole Boards or even saw horses and plank for beer pong. Chances are you’ll have some space around your site, so have fun with it. Keep in mind that some tracks only allow you to bring in what you can carry, so plan accordingly.

1. Stay hydrated and designate a driver to get you home. It’s a long day and it’s easy to get caught up in having a good time, but make sure you cover yourself – nothing kills a buzz like a DUI or a sick comrade.

Images courtesy of Washingtonpost.com and The Wander Woman