Race fans want tickets. If they can get them for nothing, even better. There are ways but it takes some effort, time and perseverance. No guarantees, mind you, but these ideas can help increase your chances.

1. “Like” your racetrack. This is a top priority. Get on Facebook and “like” the tracks you tend to visit. Tracks will broadcast ticket specials and promotions on their Facebook and Twitter accounts. Many of these specials are for their Facebook/Twitter fans only and often are significant compared to what may be generally listed on their website. You also get news and updates that will prepare you for a better race day experience when you get there… Free tickets or not.  “Like” your track! While you’re at it, “Like” your favorite drivers’ pages. They will also often offer tickets for their fans.

2. Media. Get acquainted with which media outlets in your area have relationships with the racetracks. Read, watch, listen. Promotion and publication are a lifeline for business and make no mistake, racing is as much a business as it is entertainment. The track wants people in the seats. NASCAR wants people in the seats. Sponsors want people in the seats. There are coordinated efforts to get the word out on ticket prices and packages. With these efforts come a necessity to release a number of tickets for promotion purposes. Your local newspaper will likely have some kind of contest to win. TV stations will have ways to win, especially if they are the affiliate for race day coverage. Same for radio – Find which station is the MRN affiliate and listen in for contesting details or check their website. Radio will likely have online and on-air promotions to win and likely it will be more than just one station. You can also “Like” your local media that offers tickets to get the Facebook “heads up”.

3. Local merchants. Every team with a car on the track is plastered with sponsor logos. Those companies investing in racing will maximize that car and driver identity with promotions throughout the season and you can utilize those efforts as a way to get your mitts on tickets. Find the sponsors and you can likely find contesting for tickets. Grocery stores and beer outlets and furniture stores and whatever…  Look where you shop for race displays and entry blanks.

4. The race sponsor. Subway, Goody’s, Coca-Cola, Aaron’s, etc. don’t slap their names on the race for nothing. They want their product out there and part of that sponsorship package includes all kinds of fun stuff for fan excitement. Tickets, hats, shirts and possibly more. Special driver meet-n-greets, access to suites or even pit passes! Keep track of what that race sponsor is up to and you could find yourself with an extraordinary race experience for FREE!

5. Craigslist. While you likely won’t find free tickets you can find bargains. Circumstances change. People that bought tickets may suddenly find some reason they can not attend. They often will sacrifice these tickets at lower prices to get back some of that expense.

There you go. Five ways to boost your chances to be in the stands for free or cheap. Enjoy, Good Luck and Go Racing!