Forum: HoseHeads Sprint Car General Forum (go)
Moderators: dirtonly  /  dmantx  /  hosehead

Just a request for some info/experiences here.  I have attended the Nationals 4 times, but always got a hotel out near Des Moines.  I was wondering if anyone has done the Nats by getting housing in town through the Chamber of Commerce, and how it has all worked out for you? 

I don't really have the ability to do the campground without renting an RV, but I would like, for once, to be able to hang around and be in town for the whole experience and not feel like a commuter.

We stayed with a local couple that lived right in town.  The Chamber paired us up.  It was expensive, but it was otherwise great.  They weren't really race fans per se, but very cordial and "got it".  We had a bedroom upstairs in their house and came and went as we pleased.  We had a couple meals together throughout the week, and just sat and BS'ed several times.  I would for sure do it again.

.  

I have done it several times, some good, some not so good. Stayed in a gal's basement for 5 years and worked out great. She moved away.  Stayed in a shitty old farm house one night and it had snakes in it and my girlfriend freaked out .

SNAKES....geesh count me out....one of the few things in the world that I am really afraid of....ha ha

Ive done it at least 13 years I can think of off the top of my head and have never had an issue and have never paid a over inflated price. You can bargin with the people fairly easy, or I have found that you can. I have had a few that wouldn't bargin so tell the chamber couldnt make a deal and they give you another contact as long as you dont wait til they are all taken. Have had huge success with this program 

Life's short, race hard!!!

Been looking at hotels within an hour from Knoxville. They're nearly all sold out. Planning on Capitani and Oskaloosa as well. Arrive on the 9th. Leave on the 16th. Best I can find is about $100 a night for two queen beds. 

Anyone have any idea how soon they open this up to interested parties. The Knoxville chamber website says to check back in spring. 

Last year I was told they start this process on April 1, but I checked back and was able to submit my completed form on March 19.  I was sent a possible match on April 22 and had made an agreement with our hosts on April 29.  We were very happy with our accommodations and will be returning this year.

Our group has been staying with the same family since 2000 - Don't think I could do the  Nationals any other way then staying with a host family.

There are always plenty of rooms available in Des Moines....especially West Des Moines which is only about an hour, but they are not cheap typically