NASCAR - A New National Pastime: 5 Tips to Help You Enjoy Racing with Your Kids

LOS GATOS, Calif., Nov. 15, 2004 -- NASCAR auto racing has become one of America's favorite spectator sports.

But do you know what to pack to keep your young fans safe and entertained for a few hundred laps? "NASCAR provides an excellent family activity," says Craig Elliott, racing enthusiast and author of Racer Buddies: Opening Day at Daytona! "Both parents and children are naturally drawn to all the unbridled energy and excitement involved in racing."

A father of two boys, ages four and six, Elliott wanted to bring the racing excitement to the younger generation with his book, Racer Buddies: Opening Day at Daytona! The book uses racecar characters and actual track locations to take a fun kid's eye view of the races, while the story teaches racing terminology and solid family values.

Here Elliott shares five tips to help you make the most of a NASCAR race with your kids.

-- Take earplugs. NASCAR races are very loud and can be damaging to children's ears. Make sure they have earplugs or headsets to muffle the sound.

-- Stock up on sunblock. Encourage your kids to slather on a sunblock with a high SPF so they don't leave looking like a lobster!

-- Buy a program. Help kids pick out their favorite drivers and cars.

-- Bring binoculars. Give your kids a chance to see their favorite car and driver up close -- from a safe distance.

-- Give your child a copy of Racer Buddies. As a memento of your special day together, present your child with a copy of this fun and fast-paced tale of cool cars.

"With a little planning, stock car races can be a great place to bring your kids," says Elliott. NASCAR is the new national family pastime." And according to an article in Sports Illustrated (July 1, 2002), anybody who thinks differently needs "to have their tires rotated."

Get in on the action! Take a free spin with Racer Buddies at www.racerbuddies.com.