In 2017, I spent a humid June day at the New London-Waterford Speedbowl when the track’s Blast Off event put the pedal to the metal of another season of auto racing. To the uninitiated, the Speedbowl is the local go-to facility to watch modified stock cars negotiate a 3/8 of a mile oval track at high speed (and top volume).

From that moment on, my approach to entering a freeway changed substantially. Rocket Boy, here.

Generations of family and friends, loyal to the thrills and culture auto racing, have made the Speedbowl a de facto spot to celebrate their favorite sport. To attend a day’s racing — or any of the family-friendly tangential events — is to instantly sense the culture and atmosphere. It’s also impossible not to appreciate the immediate sense of acceptance and camaraderie if you’re a newcomer.

The season typically runs from late spring into October.

New London-Waterford Speedbowl, 1080 Hartford Turnpike, Waterford, www.speedbowlct.com.