Empire State Challenge
Are you ready for dramatic dirt driving at the Empire State Challenge? Book your tickets and prepare your motorhome for a trip to Weedsport Speedway.
Event information
Known as the greatest show on dirt, the Empire State Challenge is an annual World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series that kicks the dust up at Weedsport Speedway, Weedsport, New York. See the best of the best winged wonders and show your support for the men and women who take to the dirt in the name of healthy competition.
This event is not one you are going to want to miss. Wheel to wheel racing action keeps spectators on their feet, while the Weedsport Speedway facility makes sure everyone has a great time with standout facilities and camping opportunities. There are plenty of things to see, do, and experience during this one-day event in Weedsport, New York.
If you’re not ready to make the journey home in your motorhome just yet, then why not stay awhile? Visit some of the locals’ favorite trails at Erie Canal Trail, or go exploring on Haiti Island. Those who want to carry on the automotive strand of their visit will surely be impressed by the offerings at Dirt Museum and Hall of Fame as well.
If you’ve been asking around for RV camping suggestions and have come up empty-handed, then why not wind your way to Weedsport, New York? The Empire State Challenge is undoubtedly the perfect excuse you need to bring your RV out of hibernation.
Tickets
When preparations are underway for the Empire State Challenge, you’re going to want to have your wallet at the ready for when tickets go on sale. You can purchase reserved seating, general admission, pit admission, and either general or reserved camping. Ticket prices in the past have varied between $15 and $45, with children under ten years old free. To avoid missing out on the best seats in the house, book your tickets online.
Explore Empire State Challenge RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Weedsport is a beautiful little village in New York’s Cayuga County. This friendly village is well-appointed in the township of Brutus and is accessible via NY-31 and NY-34 just south of I-90. Driving to Weedsport, New York for the Empire State Challenge can be equally as exciting as what you can expect upon arriving at your destination.
There is stunning farmland for as far as the eye can see, as well as quaint little townships that break up the drive from whichever direction you travel.
Those who like to stick to a tight schedule will see the value in a phone app such as 511NY. Such an app can fill you in on potential delays such as weather as construction. Upon arriving in Weedsport, you can then enter the speedway facility from Route 31 onto Speedway Drive.
Parking areas
Whether you are camping overnight or parking at Weedsport Speedway for the day, you will enjoy how welcome you are made to feel by the officials. Day parking has traditionally been free, and organizers encourage those who are not camping overnight in their RV to park in the Hall of Fame Parking Lot. Otherwise, campers should register at the camping office and make their way to the reserved or general camping lots.
Public Transportation
Even though Weedsport Speedway offers plenty of parking options for RV-goers for the Empire State Challenge, you are not going to be stranded if you decide to park your motorhome at an alternative accommodation instead.
There is a bus that runs regular routes of NY-31 adjacent to Weedsport Speedway, so you may like to check if these times align with those of the Empire State Challenge’s start times. If not, Weedsport offers both rideshare and taxi services as another convenient option.
Where to stay
Onsite
Once the checkered flags go down to announce the end of racing, you won’t need to pack up and vacate the premises. For those who have registered for general camping or booked in advance for reserved camping, the action continues!
Limited camping spaces are available, and those who book can take advantage of both water hookups and electricity. There is also a dump station and non-potable water for convenience, too. Don’t forget your extension cords, long hose lengths, and water splitters.
Reserved and general camping sites are a short walk from where all the on-track action happens, and there are plenty of reasons to want to stay. You can bring your pets, light a small campfire for cooking, and enjoy getting to know your fellow campers. There’s no better way to spend the evening!
Nearby
Due to the limited camping spaces available for the Empire State Challenge, you may not always be able to camp at Weedsport Speedway. If that’s the case, expand your accommodation search to within 20 miles of the facility.
There are a few different options to choose from, including primitive RV camping for those who want to get back to nature. Don’t delay in booking to secure somewhere to stay with an RV near Weedsport Speedway.
Getting around
While you won’t be able to bring in your skateboard, rollerblades, bikes, or other quick transportation methods, you won’t need them. Upon setting up your campsite, you can walk over to the dirt track a short distance away and take your seat in the grandstand. Even when you get peckish, the vendor stands are within eyeshot of your position, too. Pop those bicycles back in your RV for riding once the racing is over.
What to pack
Clothing
What you pack for the Empire State Challenge can depend on what time of year it is held. In past years, it has graced New York in spring and summer, both of which are pleasant times of the year with reasonably mild daytime conditions. Prepare for the best with shorts, t-shirts, and comfortable footwear, but don’t forget a rain jacket and a few warmer layers as well.
Gear
Empire State Challenge officials want your visit to Weedsport Speedway to be as comfortable as possible, which may require you to adopt a “less is more” approach. The less you carry over to the grandstands from your RV, the less hassle you will have going through the screening process.
Bring a small personal bag, a soft-sided cooler, and no outside food or beverages. You can bring a tipless umbrella, your mobile phone, a wallet with cash and payment cards, additional clothing, and a seat cushion for comfort.
Any weapons or potentially harmful items, or anything bulky or large, should be left back in your RV until the end of racing.
Health & Safety
Depending on the time of year you attend the Empire State Challenge, it might pay to bring along your bug spray, sunscreen, and any other products that might protect you from intense weather conditions.
While smoking and electronic cigarettes are allowed, these are only to be used in designated areas – and not the grandstands, playground, Pavilion, or VIP suites. Don’t forget to pack your toiletries, any medication you might require, and a first aid kit in your RV just in case.
Where to eat
Cooking
Those who have organized a camping spot at Weedsport Speedway for the Empire State Challenge will be delighted at being able to get back to nature with campfire-style cooking. You may create a small fire for cooking away from any flammable items such as awnings and have someone to tend to it at all times. You may also be able to pick up a few necessary cooking supplies such as firelighters, s’mores, and hot dogs from the local convenience store under two miles from the speedway track.
Restaurants
Whether you fancy a snack after the racing, or you are planning to dine out before you head home, then let Weedsport deliver. This little village packs a lot into a small area. Enjoy scrumptious deli sandwiches, hearty restaurant tucker, and even some of the finest craft beer in the area. There is very little ground to cover before you come across delicious cuisine to tempt your palate.
Vendors
Within a short walk of the grandstands, you will discover many different vendors ready and waiting to serve Empire State Challenge visitors. There are plenty of food options available, as well as the opportunity to purchase beer if you are over the legal drinking age. Bring a credit or debit card and cash to ensure you have the correct payment type, and be on the lookout for driver merchandise if you’re wandering through the pit area.
Safety
Security
Once you set up your RV at your campsite and make your way to the speedway, expect your bags to be searched upon entry. There are many things guests are not allowed to bring into the main event area, so take heed of the signs around the facility. The less you take with you, the faster you can take your seat and get ready for the flags to drop. Don’t forget to lock your RV and hide valuables out of sight.
Weather
In past years, the Empire State Challenge has been held between May and July, which typically has some of the best weather conditions of the year. May visitors can expect temperatures of between 47 and 71 degrees, while those who come to Weedsport in June or July will be comfortable with 56 degrees Fahrenheit through to 80 degrees. Nighttime temperatures may be lower, so make sure you’ve checked your heating and cooling units before you set off.
Medical
From scrapes and bumps to cuts and bruises, it’s never nice when you sustain an accident or injury. Fortunately, for those who are attending the Empire State Challenge, help is on hand. If you find yourself in need of assistance, then you can head to the first-aid area at the grand entrance to the Weedsport Speedway.
If you can’t make it that far, then any official you come across can radio for first aid assistance to your location. Those who require additional help can travel to the nearest hospital under ten miles away. There is also a pharmacy for supplies within a half-mile of the speedway site.
