A Total Apex Exclusive: The Exciting Process of Attaining NASCAR Media Credentials
As a sports journalist, the first thing that comes to mind before attending an event is media credentials. The most frequent questions I get asked are how easy it is to get special access to NASCAR events and what the steps are. The short answer is that it is easy if you put in the hard work and dedication necessary. After spending 6 months as an entertainment writer, I felt like something was missing.
It’s not that the passion wasn’t there, but I have a deep-seated love for NASCAR, and I felt the need to branch out. So, I decided to move to sports and start writing there. After honing my craft for six months, I got brave enough to send some of my work to the head of NASCAR Media Relations at Daytona International Speedway. There wasn’t much expectation that anything would come of it.
However, shortly after applying for the media credentials in January, I received news that I was invited to the Daytona 500. Wow! This is the crown jewel of all races in the NASCAR Circuit and comparable to the NFL’s Super Bowl. Needless to say, I was excited that I finally reached this milestone after such a short time. Here’s an exclusive look at the credential process from a journalist’s point of view, from start to finish.
How The NASCAR Media Credential Process Works
The process of attaining media credentials from start to finish was pretty flawless. Upon receiving your invitation for credentials via e-mail, you are then sent a link where you are required to fill out safety waivers and track rules, along with your signature. After completion, you are given a QR code to present to track officials at the credential office upon arrival. After presenting the code, you are given a lanyard with an essential worker pass with your name attached.
This serves as the media credentials pass, which includes all the access you’ll need and any special permissions. I was fortunate enough to get access to most areas at Daytona International Speedway, including garages, pit road, the media center, and the Daytona 500 Club. The incredible access allowed me to see NASCAR from a whole new perspective. It’s one thing to watch from afar, but standing on pit road as the cars zoom past is surreal.
From the fun atmosphere to the sound of the engines, the smell of the fuel, and meeting new people, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime. In my humble opinion, everyone should experience it at least once. Especially at Daytona International Speedway, the people are hospitable, friendly, and helpful. Most of all, I put out some great content and coverage. If you’re an aspiring journalist and enjoy NASCAR, consider applying for media credentials at this incredible track.
Onward to Texas Motor Speedway
Post-Daytona was interesting because I was itching to return to another race and experience it from eye level. The only thing Daytona lacked was getting interviews and press conferences. As a first timer, trudging into unfamiliar territory, especially from a career standpoint, is scary. I’ll admit my nerves stood in the way of that a bit. Yet, you live and learn, right? I went on writing, but the desire still burned to cover another live event, so I applied for media credentials to Texas Motor Speedway and got approved.
Today, I ventured to the track’s credential office and was greeted warmly by staff and others receiving media credentials. The process was also as smooth as Daytona, but notable differences existed. For instance, at the credential office at Daytona International Speedway, names were added to essential worker passes on the fly. The pass was adorned with stickers marking the access you are allowed to.
In contrast, at Texas Motor Speedway, you are given one pass that provides access to Pit Road and Garages and another for Media Center, Victory Lane, and Infield access. An email with a QR code is also required to access your media credentials, ready to go in an envelope with your name. The whole process took less than ten minutes, and you walk away with passes in hand. Therefore, tomorrow begins a long but exciting few days of press conferences, interviews, and great content.
Final Thoughts
After attaining media credentials a second time at Texas Motor Speedway post-Daytona, there’s an immense sense of pride and appreciation. I am grateful to be in the position I am in my career, up to this point, as a writer and journalist. Total Apex Media has been largely the reason I am sitting where I am today. There’s no doubt that they will continue to push me and everyone they come in contact with to new heights.
