Drivers, others react to debut of new 'Trackside Superstore' at Pocono
Fans arriving at Pocono Raceway on Friday were greeted with an all-new shopping experience.
Beginning this weekend and continuing for the foreseeable future, a new trackside retail model formally known as the "Trackside Superstore" is the primary place where fans can buy the merchandise of their favorite driver.
The superstore -- a 60,000-square foot tent-style structure made up of two long sides, a centerpiece area and checkout piece at the end -- will eventually completely replace the traditional souvenir trailers so popular for some two decades.
So what are the initial of impressions of the superstore, which is part of a previously announced 10-year agreement between NASCAR and Fanatics, the world's largest online retail company?
"I thought it was awesome," said driver Martin Truex Jr. "Just from my perspective I thought it seems a lot simpler. It seems more modern and just a nicer area to be in. There is shade, there is a little bit of air flow. It is not standing out in the sun sweating walking around to try to find your driver's hauler or things like that. The biggest thing that stuck out for me, we have a souvenir hauler that we share with other drivers."
Contained within the superstore is merchandise from 58 NASCAR drivers and 25 teams.
"I'm constantly getting messages on Twitter and on Facebook and my fans asking me at the racetrack, 'Where do we get your hats? Where do we get your T-shirts?'" Truex said. "It's like, 'Well, I don't know where that trailer is at this weekend.'
"It's just a lot more simplified, especially for us," Truex said of the superstore. "I thought it was a really cool atmosphere out there. It should be fun for the fans. I think they are going to enjoy it."
I had to check out the new Fanatics Trackside Superstore! Awesome @NASCAR merchandise as far as the eye can see! -JW pic.twitter.com/ImR035f0zY
— Miss Sprint Cup (@MissSprintCup) August 1, 2015
Kevin Harvick & Martin Truex Jr. helped cut the ribbon at the new trackside NASCAR Superstore at Pocono Raceway! pic.twitter.com/jG3ugvSbTy
— Stewart-Haas Racing (@StewartHaasRcng) July 31, 2015
We are a FAN of the new @Fanatics Trackside Superstore! Here is a quick tour of our driver's stores. ? pic.twitter.com/tFlCTfSNqX
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) July 31, 2015
Excited to be the 1st track to launch the new @NASCAR Trackside Superstore @poconoraceway @Fanatics #Windows10_400 pic.twitter.com/mStNUEUudz
— Brandon Igdalsky (@bigdalsky) July 31, 2015
Spotted out in the new @Fanatics Superstore. @AlexBRacing shirt for all the fans that have been asking!! pic.twitter.com/36VSqxR0ZZ
— Tommy Baldwin Racing (@TBR_Racing) July 31, 2015
These #NASCAR Trackside Superstore tents are impressive looking! Looks like a @NASCAR mall! I can't see a downside to this...
— mike fuori (@weathersfuori) July 31, 2015
Took a spin through the Fanatics Trackside Superstore. Really, really, really cool. Really. pic.twitter.com/GjJ7WxxgLE
— Mike Forde (@mforde) July 31, 2015
Signed 300 diecast and a whole bunch of pictures that are in the @Fanatics trackside tent! @poconoraceway
— Kevin Harvick (@KevinHarvick) August 1, 2015
I like the new fanatics tents @NASCAR its a whole lot easier to see and buy souvenirs! @poconoraceway pic.twitter.com/ZWmBg7BqpE
— Michael Meyering (@sparegeek) July 31, 2015
Welcome @Fanatics to @NASCAR. They helped build the new NASCAR Superstore where you can now get all your RPM gear at the tracks.
— RPMotorsports (@RPMotorsports) August 1, 2015
Need @CaterpillarInc and @RyanJNewman gear? Stop by the @Fanatics Trackside Superstore at @poconoraceway #nascar pic.twitter.com/aczqIbYzUu
— RCR 31 Cup Team (@RCR31RNewman) July 31, 2015
