Reflecting on the NASCAR Kids Zone: A Year of Memories, New Friends, and Big Smiles

As the 2024 NASCAR season has come to a close, I find myself reflecting on what has been an incredible year for the NASCAR Kids Zone. From the roar of the engines to the laughter of children, this year has been a journey filled with unforgettable moments, new faces, and the pure joy of watching kids experience the thrill of racing in ways that only the Kids Zone can provide.

One of the highlights of our year was undoubtedly our time at the Daytona 500, where we had the privilege of welcoming Miss USA to our display. The excitement and energy were palpable as she took time to engage with the kids, pose for pictures, and share in the joy of their experiences. It was a special moment that reinforced the importance of our mission to bring families closer to the sport of NASCAR, and we were thrilled to have such an inspiring figure join us.

The Return of Familiar Faces

Another incredibly rewarding aspect of this year was the return of so many kids who visited the NASCAR Kids Zone in 2023. Seeing their faces light up as they recognized our display and excitedly ran over to see what new activities we had in store was truly heartwarming. It felt like we were old friends reuniting, and it was a reminder of the lasting impact that these moments can have on children.

For us, the Kids Zone isn’t just a place to have fun—it’s a place where memories are made. Every year, we see kids who visited us the year before, now growing just a little bit taller, a little bit older, but still just as excited to experience NASCAR in a hands-on way. There’s nothing quite like seeing a child’s eyes light up when they take their first turn in Victory Lane, hold their first trophy, or sit in a real quarter midget race car for the first time. These are moments they’ll never forget, and as we continue to expand our presence, it’s inspiring to see how we’ve become part of their NASCAR journey.

New Tracks, New Experiences

This year, we had the pleasure of visiting two new tracks for the NASCAR Kids Zone: Iowa and Dover. Each of these tracks brought new opportunities for connection, new faces, and new memories. At Iowa, we were welcomed with open arms by both the local community and the families who came to experience the excitement of NASCAR up close. The energy was electric, and the kids had a blast taking part in all the interactive activities we offered. We could feel their enthusiasm and love for the sport in every interaction.

Dover was equally incredible, offering a unique atmosphere and an even larger crowd of excited kids. As we set up our display and watched families make their way through, it quickly became clear that the NASCAR Kids Zone had become an essential part of the race weekend experience. The energy was contagious, and we were thrilled to help introduce NASCAR to so many new families, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

One of the standout moments of the weekend was when we had more than 15 drivers all at once in our display, taking time to interact with the fans, pose for photos, and sign autographs for nearly 45 minutes. The excitement was palpable as a nonstop line of smiling kids and adults alike eagerly waited for their turn to meet their favorite Xfinity Series drivers. It was a whirlwind of laughter, high-fives, and unforgettable interactions. Watching the faces of fans light up as they met the drivers up close was one of those moments that made it all worth it—creating lasting memories, one smile at a time.

The Joy of Victory Lane and Quarter Midget Cars

One of the most rewarding parts of our year was seeing kids have the opportunity to experience things they may not otherwise get to do. Our Victory Lane, where kids could hold their very first trophy, was a big hit. The pride and joy on their faces when they held that trophy high, even for just a moment, was priceless. For many of these kids, it’s the first tangible representation of success in racing. And for some, it may even spark a lifelong passion for the sport.

Another favorite was the opportunity for kids to sit in their very first quarter midget race car. Many of them had never seen a car like this up close, let alone gotten the chance to sit in one. The wonder and excitement they felt, pretending to be a race car driver in their own little cockpit, was a moment of pure joy. These experiences allowed kids to connect with the sport in a way that goes beyond just watching the races—it gave them a taste of what it feels like to be part of the NASCAR family, even if just for a brief moment.

A Special Thank You to the Parents

As I reflect on this year, I also want to take a moment to thank the parents who brought their kids to the NASCAR Kids Zone. We know it’s not easy to take time out of your busy lives to attend a race, and it’s even harder to spend that time in a space dedicated to your children’s enjoyment. But I want you to know, as parents, you don’t go unnoticed.

I’ve often spoken about how as fathers, we’re all guilty of not giving our kids enough one-on-one attention after a long day of work. We get caught up in the daily grind, and sometimes we forget to take that moment to connect with our children in a meaningful way. But when I look around the Kids Zone at the races, I see something truly special happening. I see fathers and mothers kneeling down on the ground, playing cars with their little ones, building LEGO race cars, and just taking the time to be present. I see families coming together to create memories that will last a lifetime.

These small moments are the ones that matter the most. Your children will remember not just the fun activities in the Kids Zone, but the way you were there with them, sharing in their joy and excitement. Whether you’re building a LEGO car together or simply enjoying the moment, you are creating memories that will stay with them forever. Thank you for spending that quality time with your kids—it doesn’t go unnoticed.

Looking Ahead to Daytona 2025

As the year of racing has ended, we are looking ahead to 2025. Daytona will always be a special place for us, where it all began, and where the journey continues. For the drivers, Daytona is the ultimate career-winning race, but for the champions of tomorrow, it all starts in the NASCAR Kids Zone. Every year, we see the next generation of NASCAR fans and drivers being inspired and excited by what they experience with us. We can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store, and we’re already making plans for even more fun, excitement, and unforgettable moments.

In closing, thank you to everyone who made 2024 such a memorable year for the NASCAR Kids Zone. From the families who spent time with us at the tracks to the incredible children who made each day so special, we are grateful for each and every one of you. And to all the parents out there who make the effort to bring your families to the races and make these memories possible, we salute you.

As we enter the holiday season, I wish you and your family all the best. Enjoy the time spent together, and we can’t wait to see you again in Daytona. Here's to more fun, more smiles, and more memories in 2025!

See you at the track—where the next generation of NASCAR stars begins. ???