How to get the full NASCAR experience in your living room

As NASCAR hits its peak in the midst of the 2010 Sprint Cup Series, masses of fans will make their way to the races. But if you can't score tickets and sitting in traffic isn't quite your speed, why not try living the race experience away from the speedway with a group of friends? While you may miss out on the smell of burnt rubber and the temporary loss of hearing that comes with sitting in the stands, there are certainly perks of watching from the comfort and convenience of home.

Tailgate in your living room:

Substitute a creaky lawn chair in a parking lot with an overstuffed recliner in your home. Invite friends to come along for the air-conditioned ride and bring traditional tailgating foods like hot wings, barbecue sandwiches, chips and cheese dip. Set up the spread on a table decked in a NASCAR flag-inspired black and white tablecloth. Paper plates and plastic utensils can offer a more authentic tailgating experience, along with the added perk of fewer dishes to wash afterward. Place all your soft drinks and beer in a cooler full of ice by the seating area or table. Unlike an outdoor tailgate, make sure each guest has a comfortable seat when the race starts.

Keep track of information online:

If you're unsure about the meaning of terms commentators use like "stop 'n' go" or how points are distributed in a championship series, check out NASCAR 101 (nascar.com/kyn/). This official resource answers almost any racing question with a glossary of terms and explanations of money distributions. It even has a numbered diagram of a pit stop and each of its worker's responsibilities. Impress your friends during commercial breaks with quick history lessons that are also available online, along with biographies of famous racing families like the Pettys and Earnhardts.

Enjoy TV features at home:

Get the full sonic experience of the race without shouting and struggling to hear your friends with a dedicated NASCAR television package. Leading satellite TV providers offer channels where you can see the latest standings, explore special NASCAR features and get guaranteed coverage of all events. Satellite TV packages can also offer special features like extra commentary and additional channels devoted to supplementary analysis and coverage.

Stay up to speed with other sports:

Chances are, at least one person in your tailgate party will want to keep up with another sporting event's score. Rather than flipping back and forth between channels during commercials, explore the features offered through satellite TV for keeping track of other events. Some have options like picture-in-picture score charts of other events, as well as live-time coverage. You won't ever have to worry about how any of your other teams are doing.

Courtesy of ARAcontent