A BE24 pilot reported almost violating restricted airspace flying in the vicinity of a race track that was in use even though it was the middle of the week. The reporter asked for better dissemination of information and briefer awareness to avoid this kind of problem.

Narrative

Flying SW of Watkins Glen NY and encountered extensive activity on the ground at Watkins Glen GP Raceway. Further investigation after flight showed it to be pre-race practice on raceway prior to weekend NASCAR Sprint Cup event. Altitude was greater than 3000 ft AGL required by blanket NOTAM 9/5151. Upon recognizing the location and possible activity; turned away to the NW and avoided overflying. Received DUAT weather briefing with no mention of any activity at raceway. It was just by chance that my altitude was sufficient to preclude NOTAM 9/5151 violation; and that it was a pre-race practice session excluded from blanket NOTAM 9/5151 anyway. Acknowledging that it is the responsibility of the pilot in command to know where and when this NOTAM applies; it is not reasonable to expect to know the schedule and location of every NASCAR event that this NOTAM may apply to. It's pretty easy to know not to fly over a ML baseball game; or an NFL football game on Sunday; or a Div 1 college football game on a Saturday; but an obscure NASCAR event in the middle of the week? Greater publicity in the local flying community; and a NOTAM or advisory available with a weather briefing would have averted a potential violation of NOTAM 9/5151. Having almost done it myself today; I will not be surprised to find out that some pilot inadvertently violates NOTAM 9/5151 this weekend during the actual race.