I have been a NASCAR fan for years, but have never traveled to a race. I didn't want to bother getting NASCAR tickets, hotel, renting a car, etc. I thought I knew the thrills of NASCAR because I seldom missed a race on TV.

A friend advised me to check out a RaceAway Hospitality NASCAR travel package. I went to Las Vegas on a NASCAR travel package with RaceAway as my first venture in NASCAR racing.

The accommodations were beautiful and the hotel was a travel package in itself. It was complete with a casino, spacious rooms and eating on the premises for everyone's taste. It was steps from top Las Vegas nightlife.

Early Sunday, we were greeted by a private luxury motor coach for our NASCAR travel package group. It took us directly to Las Vegas Motor Speedway and parked unexpectedly close to RaceAway Hospitality's private hospitality area.

RaceAway's hospitality chalet was reserved for our NASCAR travel package group and was complete with closed-circuit TV tuned to preparations in the pits and on the track for the NASCAR race. Tables and chairs were available and caterers were present.

We were served barbecued chicken, brats, salad, baked beans, cookies and brownies. Soda, beer and coffee were also provided. All of this was at no additional charge and is inclusive to each RaceAway Hospitality NASCAR travel package. I noticed people looking through the fence at us and I'm sure they were contemplating standing in line for a cold tenderloin.

I overheard another RaceAway Hospitality customer explaining to the staff that he could not stay for the entire race because he had show tickets in Las Vegas. After a short time, the RaceAway staff told the gentleman that transportation was arranged. He had his choice of taxi, limo, or helicopter based upon urgency. "Now THAT'S what I call NASCAR travel package service!"

As the RaceAway staff showed us across the track to the pits, I found myself walking down pit road, greeting pit crews. I thought of races watched from home wondering what this would be like. It almost felt like I wasn't supposed to be there in the pits and RaceAway Hospitality had done this for me, personally.

After my pit tour, I returned to the hospitality area for refreshments and then to my seat for the NASCAR race. The first turn at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, about half way up from the track is a great place to sit. The RaceAway guys told us that the NASCAR tickets for the 2004 Las Vegas NASCAR travel package would be even better.

I was touched by the National Anthem and fly-over: What a stirring moment as 140,000 stood in silence and then erupted when the planes flew over the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. "Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!" and 750 horses under the hoods fired at once.

As the pace car left the track, the green flag waved and cars shot down the front stretch of Las Vegas Motor Speedway. I walked close to the track and quickly realized without precautions, my NASCAR Racing hat would be a victim of the sport. I attempted to read the numbers on the cars as they flew by, but found it impossible. In our seats, we listened on our scanner and headsets as the spotters, pit crew, and drivers discussed strategies, gave encouragement, and expressed anger.

Because of RaceAway Hospitality, I left Las Vegas with a new passion for NASCAR. The RaceAway NASCAR travel package left us nothing to be concerned with. They anticipated our wishes and made them a part of their NASCAR travel package. They made us feel as if we were enjoying a NASCAR weekend with our friends. And we were.

I have never received more for my travel dollar than with this Las Vegas NASCAR travel package. If you ask me if I will take other NASCAR travel, "Yes. But not without a RaceAway Hospitality NASCAR travel package!"