WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (WENY) -- NASCAR week in Watkins Glen started ramping up at Watkins Glen International as campers arrived on Wednesday. Some campers said they've been at WGI since the gates opened at 7 a.m. or just shortly after, campers like Mike Nailor said it took nine hours to get to WGI.

"It's well worth it to be here. It's not just a ride around the block. It took us a long time to get here, but it's worth the wait once you get set up and settled in," said Nailor, who traveled from Michigan.

Nailor said it's his third trip to WGI. He has friends in Upstate New York, and keeps coming back because he loves it.

"It's great. It's just the atmosphere is awesome. Everybody has a good time, you get to relax, watch the race, carry on, and be you," said Nailor.

About two hours northeast of WGI, is Oswego, where camper Ryan Kaczmarkskj traveled from. He said he's been coming to WGI since 2008 and arrived a day earlier than normal.

"We got here a little before 11 a.m. We usually come down on Thursdays but our friend had a new camper and we wanted a little bit more room to maneuver and get everything set up," said Kaczmarkskj.

Kaczmarkskj said when there isn't racing going on, he enjoys playing games like cornhole and walking around the grounds.

"We like to walk around from the top of the track to the bottom of the track, check everything out, [and] look at other campsites. [We also like to] visit the trailers, the store, and grab some memorabilia while we're here," said Kaczmarkskj.

Finger Lakes native Dave Barber has been coming to WGI since 1987. Barber said he was up bright and early to get to WGI.

"The gates open[ed] [on] Wednesday at 7 a.m. So, we got in line at about 6:30 a.m. and you wait in line, you've gotta get your spot. I've done it for 30-something years, I haven't missed a day yet," said Barber.

Barber said he returns because it's a vacation for him and "there's nothing like it."

Once people settled in, they started playing cornhole, listening to music, and started relaxing. More campers arrived as the day went on and the crowd will increase as race day approaches.

"My favorite thing is the collective fun you have when you come down here. You can wander to another part of the track, be at someone else's campsite and stand and hang out with them...It's just a good camaraderie and a good feeling to be down here for a couple of days," said Kaczmarkskj.