In 1972, fledgling race promoter Glenn Donnelly began what has now become a long-standing tradition. The leaves turn brown, an autumn chill enters the air, the calendar flips to October and race teams and fans alike head toward the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse. Fans come to soak in a nearly week-long racing experience unlike any other, known as Super DIRT Week.

Now entering its 33rd year, Super DIRT week got underway this week with big-block modified inspection. Race fans begin lining up their campers outside the entrance to the fairgrounds a full week earlier, in order to vie for the best available camping spot.

DIRT week is a confluence of various activities and conditions, but a couple major themes dominate year after year. There is a lot of money at stake, and a lot of money being spent by race teams. Usually only one team ends up happy and in the black instead of the red. The winner of Sunday's Eckerd 200 is that team, as DIRT week builds up to the final prestigious race with qualifying and satellite races all week long.

The other overriding theme is partying, friendship and devil-may-care attitude. Every fan leaves DIRT week with their favorite stories from both on and off the track. Nearly everyone has their own crazy and wild story to share.

It's anyone's guess as to the validity of such tales. The best way to judge for yourself is to jump in with both feet and take it all in yourself.

A perfect option for the Super DIRT Week rookie is the $50 general admission ticket, good for each and every day of DIRT Week. Grab a general camping pass while you're at it and you are set for the week. Bring a bunch of "racing steaks" and a few cold ones and you're pretty much all set.

A few Super DIRT Week facts to keep in mind: Brett Hearn has won the Eckerd 200 five times, more than any other driver - but has not won since 1993. Alan Johnson came from last place to win the 1989 edition. Lastly, there should be as many as 10 former Eckerd 200 winner's starting in this year's race.

A final Super DIRT Week tip: two of the best races all week long are the 358-modified race being held tonight at Brewerton Speedway, and the pro stock race Sunday at Syracuse preceding the Eckerd 200.