Luxury RVs cover the grounds at the New Hampshire International Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire this weekend, as millions of racing fans prepare for the Sylvania 300." Costing hundreds of thousands of dollars and including such amenities as built-in dishwashers, DVD players, and flat-screen televisions, these campers are anything but rustic.
"Our RV is our luxury home away from home. We installed a flat screen TV, over-sized chairs and couches and a queen sized bed. Being in this atmosphere really enhances watching the race for us," said Kathleen Maher.
"After gaining this spot on the hill we would never go sit in a grandstand again. We had always been fans and stayed home to watch the races on TV because we hated to sit in the grandstands. When this spot on the hill became available, it was the perfect opportunity for us to show our true appreciation for the sport" said Kathleen.
When the action is going on down at the track, RV owners usually find that they have the best seats in the house. While others may be satisfied with the hard bleacher seats, Tim and Brenda will be watching the race from the cushioned Adirondack chairs set up on the lawn in front of their RV. High tech Sylvania lanterns illuminate his vehicle's tented deck and the refrigerator is just a few feet away.
"Not only do we have some of the best seats in the house, but we get to watch the race with our friends. Being up here, you get to know everyone real well and you become a Sylvania 300 family," Brenda Mason said.
Fans have a wide range of preferences when it comes to the way they want to experience the race, but RV living allows for a great deal of flexibility for fans at the track. According to Jon DiGesu, director of brand strategy for Osram Sylvania, one of the reasons the company decided to sponsor the annual race at the NHIS was because the sport appeals to such a variety of fans.
"There really is no "typical" racing fan. We have people coming to the track from all over the country with a wide variety of interests and backgrounds," DiGesu said. "Whether they come in just for Sunday's race or make a weekend out of it like many of the RV owners, everyone can appreciate the energy and excitement of NASCAR."
Sylvania manufactures and markets a wide range of lighting products, including automotive, electronic and magnetic ballasts, and precision materials and components for industrial and commercial users, original equipment manufacturers, and consumers