Nascar Sets up at RV Resorts
Mon Dec 28, 2009
Author: Jane Clark
Source: USA Today
How to enhance the great outdoors at campgrounds that already boast restaurants, putt-putt golf, Wi-Fi and other decidedly non-roughing-it amenities?
By erecting jumbo video screens and throwing mass NASCAR tailgate parties, that's how.
Or that's the plan announced today by the auto racing group, which has joined ranks with Morgan RV Resorts to create a network of NASCAR-branded campgrounds.
The first 13 NASCAR RV Resorts (existing Morgan resorts in Maine, New York, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Ohio, North Carolina, Virginia and Florida that will be re-named) open in late April and May. Plans are to expand via franchises to 500-plus locales over the next decade.
The campgrounds will have 30-by-30-foot big screens that broadcast the races, plus interviews and behind-the-scenes doings not available on regular broadcasts. The idea is to capitalize on NASCAR fans' affinity for camping — thousands park their rigs at the racetracks for long weekend stays during the 38-week season.
"This is a great way to connect with the avidity of fans in markets where we don't have NASCAR events," says Blake Davidson, the organization's licensing director.
For its part, Morgan RV Resorts promises high-quality and consistency at the facilities. "This is not mom-and-pop camping. These are resorts," says company co-owner Robert Moser."And it's far from just theming and branding. We're going to deliver the track experience to the camper."
As for campers who prefer the sounds of nature to the roar of engines?
They'll have a separate camping area, Moser says.
