NASCAR may open Cup garage to fans (Update)

IndyCar allows fans in the paddock but they number 1/10th the size of the NASCAR fan base

UPDATE It can be a burden if you're in a hurry to get from here to there, but the elbow-to-elbow pre-race crowd in the garage is among the things separating a Rolex 24 from other Daytona events.

It seems the more famous Daytona tenants have taken notice and plan to give it a shot themselves. NASCAR has announced a relaxed garage policy for the big-league Cup Series this year. Plans are still being worked out between NASCAR and the tracks, but NASCAR said Saturday that occasional garage access for fans has "worked well" in the Trucks and Xfinity Series.

But don't look for the 24/7 gates-wide-open policy IMSA offers properly credentialed fans. NASCAR is talking of "limited" numbers and carefully crafted time frames.

A "subject to change" schedule for NASCAR's Daytona Speedweeks includes a two-hour garage-pass window (9:30-11:30) on the Sunday (Feb. 10) of the Clash and Daytona 500 pole qualifying, as well as 4-6 p.m. prior to the Feb. 14 nighttime running of the two 150-mile qualifying races. Daytona Beach News-Journal

NASCAR may open up the garage area to fans

01/25/19 Details are being finalized, but look for the Cup garage to be open to fans at a select time on some race weekends. This has been done in the Xfinity and Truck Series and will expand to Cup this season.

How tracks offer this to fans, how many fans will be allowed in, what time and what day this will take place on a race weekend will be set by tracks and NASCAR.

The tentative Daytona Speedweeks schedule lists an open Cup garage for fans from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 10 – the day of the Clash and Daytona 500 qualifying. The Cup garage also is listed as being open to fans from 4-6 pm ET at Daytona on Feb. 14, the day of the Duel qualifying races. NBC Sports