Photo Credit: PetieJ

OK, here we go. The third and last 2009 itinerary in our series of race vacations gives you plenty of choice (be sure to catch our 1st and 2nd itineraries too). With so many races going on at the beginning of August in the north-eastern USA, there’s plenty of racing and a few double-headers that are sure to satisfy your thirst for racing. If you’re not from the northeast, get over there! August isn’t a bad time to catch some sightseeing while you’re getting your race on.

TRIP ITINERARY #3
Race Leagues to see: IRL, NASCAR Sprint / Nationwide, Grand-Am Koni / Rolex, American Le Mans Series
Trip Locations: Kentucky, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio
Trip Dates: July 25 – August 9

Stop 1: July 25 – 26 2009: NASCAR Sprint Allstate 400 at the Brickyard in Indianapolis, Indiana (Get NASCAR Brickyard Tickets)
This weekend is a NASCAR double-header. Catch the Nationwide race on Saturday and the Sprint show on Sunday. For your next stop, either head to Kentucky to see IRL or Pennsylvania for more NASCAR.

Stop 2: August 1 2009: IRL Meijer 300 Presented by Red Baron and Edy’s at the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Kentucky (Get IRL Kentucky Speedway Tickets)
Indy turns up the heat in Kentucky! See if Scott Dixon can defend last year’s win at this oval track. Catch Carolina Liar in concert this weekend, and be sure to book early to get your infield camping spot.

Alternate Stop 2: August 2 2009: NASCAR Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania (Get Pocono 500 Tickets)
No Nationwide action here this weekend, but plenty of Sprint activity at the “Tricky Triangle.”

STOP 3: TRIPLE HEADER (Option 1—GRAND AM & NASCAR SPRINT / NATIONWIDE):

August 7 2009: Crown Royal 200—Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series at Watkins Glen International at Watkins Glen, New York
Whether you’re coming from Kentucky or Pennsylvania, be sure not to miss this Grand Am race, when the hottest sports cars race around the Watkins Glen track. Get your tickets with the NASCAR Heluva Good! ticket package.

August 9 2009: NASCAR Sprint Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at the Glen in Watkins Glen, New York (Get NASCAR Watkins Glen Tickets)
Catch the NASCAR Nationwide race on Saturday (Zippo 200), and follow up with the Sprint series race on Sunday. What a weekend!

STOP 3: DOUBLE-HEADER (OPTION 2—ALMS & IRL):

August 8 2009: American Le Mans Series Acura Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio in Lexington, Ohio
This double-header kicks off with the fastest sports cars in the world (Acura, Porsche, BMW, Aston Martin, Corvette and others) racing for dominance around this permanent road course. This race is included as part of the IRL ticket package.

August 9 2009: IRL Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio in Lexington, Ohio (Get IRL Mid-Ohio Tickets)
This Ohio double-header finishes up with some great Indy open-wheel racing. Catch the IRL race as well as supporting leagues Formula Atlantics and Firestone Indy Lights.

We here at Element of Speed hope you enjoyed our series on racing vacations. You may be a hard-core NASCAR or IRL fan, but don’t pass up on an opportunity to see some other series in person. Happy racing!