NASCAR fans celebrate with friends and family in the center of Pocono Raceway

LONG POND, MONROE CO. (WOLF) — Rain and wind didn’t stop the party inside of Pocono Raceway’s infield for The Great American Getaway 400.

“Even though it’s raining, there’s nothing better than this. As long as we don’t get struck by lightning, we’re good,” saidChristopher Belvedere, a Long Island native.

The rain may have delayed the race but it didn’t delay partiers like William Auchmoody from enjoying the morning.

“My first race I was 14 years old but for the last 9 or 10 years, we come here every race weekend, a whole big group of us and we tailgate, put up tents and cook,” said Auchmoody, “It’s generational. My dad brought me to my first race when I was a kid and I bring my sons and my daughter who is 21 and actually works in NASCAR now.”

Auchmoody traveled from Highland, New York and he and the rest of his crew come to the races for more than just the cars.

“We go to races all over the country and this is one of the most fan friendly places. We sometimes watch the races, but it’s everything that goes on in the infield here. It’s amazing,” he explained.

The atmosphere of the Pocono Raceway infield attracts fans from all over, like young fans Rhett and Kennedy Chapman, from Virginia.

“NASCAR is basically Hotwheels but it’s bigger and the cars can actually drive,” said Kennedy Chapman.

Chapman’s brother, Rhett is excited to cheer on his favorite driver, Kyle Bush.

“When I was picking my driver when I was little, I did it off my favorite snack, and that was M&Ms,” said Chapman.

Smaller, non-motor vehicles were also part of the pre-race festivities.

“There’s a bike over there, if you can ride it, we’ll give you free beer for life,” said Christopher Belvedere, a Long Island native.

The bike has problems with steering and breaking, although Mike Graziano, another Long Islander, seems to be the only person who can successfully ride it.

“It’s almost amazing that he can do it,” said Belvedere.

By the time the race started, the sun was shining, and the grills were running.

“Just bring your sunscreen, bring an umbrella. In all my years of coming here I do see that at least one day we do get rain,” said Auchmoody,