For the third year in a row, at Christmas our daughter gave Cindy and I tickets to go and see the Auto Club 400 Nascar race in Fontana, California. She again has also added her services of staying with Cindy's Dad Ray while we are there.
And guess what? The race date is this coming Sunday!
We have some of our swag together already, including the new ear protection that I picked up for the both of us. I suggest that if you go to an event like this to make sure that you take some type of ear protection because not only is this a fun event, it is also LOUD!!
I have enjoyed car racing since I was just a kid, some of you will remember drivers like Bobby Allison and Coo Coo Marlin, and later on Rusty Wallace, Bill Elliott, and Dale Earnhardt. These were some of the men that I kept up with and pulled for back in the day. Now I pull for Kevin Harvick and have been really keeping my eye on Chase Elliott, the son of "Awesome Bill from Dawsonville" Bill Elliott, this kid is a respectable young man who you would have a hard time not liking.
These names may not mean anything to you, but racing is really a lot more than just cars going around in a circle. It is a passion to a lot of families, a livelihood, a tradition. Racing is what feeds a whole lot of people.
Behind every race car driver there is a team of mechanics who build their engines, a team of fabrication guys who piece their cars together, a car chief who makes sure everything is done to specifications, and a crew chief who calls the shots on race day to his team of guys who jump over the wall during pit stops.
These crew members change the tires and clean the windshield, fill the gas tank and make needed adjustments to the car, they do all of this in less than 15 seconds in a synchronized manner that will impress anyone who appreciates hard work and determination shown through teamwork, the reason for this is to get their driver back out on the track faster than 35 to 40 other teams, who are at the same time attempting to do the same thing.
Then you have the fans who fill the stands to cheer their favorite drivers onto victory, and not just the driver, because behind every driver there is a whole team, a family...Is there a point to this story? Not really, I'm just really excited to know that Cindy and I will be there for the Auto Club 400 this Sunday. The couple in the 17th row just before the start/finish line, we will be the ones with the brand new matching earmuffs.
We will also be the ones squinting to see if we can pick out our favorite car as he goes by at 200mph. If you tune in and see us waving at the camera this Sunday, yes we are waving at you.
Which sporting events do you enjoy?
And guess what? The race date is this coming Sunday!
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| My shirt, hat, seat cushion, and earmuffs. |
I have enjoyed car racing since I was just a kid, some of you will remember drivers like Bobby Allison and Coo Coo Marlin, and later on Rusty Wallace, Bill Elliott, and Dale Earnhardt. These were some of the men that I kept up with and pulled for back in the day. Now I pull for Kevin Harvick and have been really keeping my eye on Chase Elliott, the son of "Awesome Bill from Dawsonville" Bill Elliott, this kid is a respectable young man who you would have a hard time not liking.
These names may not mean anything to you, but racing is really a lot more than just cars going around in a circle. It is a passion to a lot of families, a livelihood, a tradition. Racing is what feeds a whole lot of people.
Behind every race car driver there is a team of mechanics who build their engines, a team of fabrication guys who piece their cars together, a car chief who makes sure everything is done to specifications, and a crew chief who calls the shots on race day to his team of guys who jump over the wall during pit stops.
These crew members change the tires and clean the windshield, fill the gas tank and make needed adjustments to the car, they do all of this in less than 15 seconds in a synchronized manner that will impress anyone who appreciates hard work and determination shown through teamwork, the reason for this is to get their driver back out on the track faster than 35 to 40 other teams, who are at the same time attempting to do the same thing.
Then you have the fans who fill the stands to cheer their favorite drivers onto victory, and not just the driver, because behind every driver there is a whole team, a family...Is there a point to this story? Not really, I'm just really excited to know that Cindy and I will be there for the Auto Club 400 this Sunday. The couple in the 17th row just before the start/finish line, we will be the ones with the brand new matching earmuffs.
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| Blurred race cars running over 200mph (Photo Source) |
Which sporting events do you enjoy?
When I was a kid, my dad took me to a local 'Speedway' to watch car races and I really enjoyed it. I'm not much of a sports fan, but I can tolerate a baseball game!
ReplyDeleteEver been to the Sonoma Raceway, Jimmy? I've passed it a few times.
Bijoux, I also like going to a good baseball game, especially the kids games, I have been to a couple of pro games and they were a blast but you can't go wrong going out and watching the kids play. I have never been to the Sonoma Raceway, this will be my third visit to Fontana and I went to Texas Motor Speedway once and have enjoyed each one.
DeleteReading about car racing with absolutely no knowledge of the complexities, teamwork and strategy, I understand how others make fun of one of my favorite sports, golf. Just as golf is not just hitting a little ball into a hole, I am sure racing is not just driving fast in a circle.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy it my friend, I have heard more people watch racing than any other sport so it must be really exciting if you understand it. I'll be watching Tiger's attempted comeback.
Joe, I never did click with golf but then again I was never exposed to it until I was an adult, I know that a lot of people absolutely love the game and as you mentioned understanding the game is what makes it enjoyable. If I had played golf more than just the once maybe I'd love it as much as Nascar...You never know. How about this, You pull for Harvick in the #4 and I'll pull for Tiger.
DeleteI hope you and Cindy have the best day ever. We want a post and pictures too. That would be wonderful since we can't be there.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day and weekend. ☺
Thank you Sandee, I will definitely post some pictures and fill you in on the day here before long, you know Cindy is going to take a few along the way, wish you both could make it, that would just make the day even better.
DeleteA great weekend to the both of you too.
Even though I don't know a lot about racing, I think those are probably some of the best seats in the house, aren't they? I'm so happy you get to do this wonderful getaway with Ray looked after. Your daughter chose a great present for you! And you are absolutely right - when a person understands a sport there is a lot more to it than meets the eye. I guess it's the same with any endeavor.
ReplyDeleteYou've stirred up memories of my childhood here, too. My father ran a service station for awhile and he sponsored and did repair work on a stock car in the regional races. I never went as I was too young but my brother and his friends used to go and watch now and then.
Have fun, you two! I hope you do a follow up post when you get back!
Jenny, your Dad got a lot of hands on experience working on a local stock car like this, nearly every driver in the series that we are going to see spent their time in a stock car like your Dad sponsored, those Local tracks both paved and dirt are a blast I have spent many hours cheering on these "Local Boys" in the past, it is a great way to spend time with friends and family...especially if you like the sport.
DeleteI went to a car race once when I was pretty young and I don't remember what kind it was but it was exciting . My favorite sports are boxing horseracing and dog races :-) hope you have a wonderful time this weekend .
ReplyDeleteAnnie believe it or not but I have never been to either a horse race nor a dog race, I can just imagine the fun that can be had at either one. I spent a lot of time in the boxing ring when I was younger, golden gloves boxing and actually fought one round on TV against the coaches son, after the first round he gave up because I was embarrassing him evidently I was holding my own rather than taking a beat down, so my only TV appearance as a boxer was one round and I won by default...It's kind of funny now.
DeleteWhat a lovely gift to receive. I hope you both have a truly WONDERFUL time.
ReplyDeleteIt is a perfect gift EC, Cindy enjoys it as much as I do so that just makes the day even better, I have a feeling it is going to be a great day.
DeleteWhat a great gift.....especially the babysitting thrown in.....have a great time and tell us all about it.
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling a couple of stories just may arise out of this day Delores, I know for sure that a bunch of pictures will, I may even get a new one of Cindy writing on something LOL
DeleteHaving been a family caregiver I know how special a weekend away from the responsibility is. What a thoughtful daughter you have to give you the tickets and time away to enjoy them without having to worry about Ray! I can't wait to hear all about it when you get back. I've never enjoyed spectator sports of any kind so you won't have to fight me for the best seats in the place. Have a great time!
ReplyDeleteYes Jean, There is a lot more responsibility in being a family caregiver than a lot of people realize, our Daughter is one of the few in the family that does and I really love her even more for coming up with this idea to help us out even if only for one day, it is perfect, and she is really close with Ray so he doesn't panic to be left alone with her, he actually prefers her over anyone else other than Cindy and I.
DeleteI have never been one to have a good time in a large crowd, but for me this is totally different, the people really make the experience great, and as for the seats more time is spent standing in front of them than sitting...
I hope you have a blast! If you're like me, looking for to it since Christmas is half the fun.
ReplyDeleteHick likes racing. Me, not so much. When I was a kid, my mom and dad took us to the local stock car races on a dirt track. You had to pay attention to dodge the mud clods that were flung into the stands. The part I remember best is the night my sister (the little future ex-mayor's wife) fell through the bleachers! One minute she was there, and the next minute she was gone. We were only on about the fourth row, and it was bare ground underneath. She was a pretty flexible toddler, and wasn't hurt. My dad was thin as a rail, and he slipped down through the bleachers to rescue her. I guess maybe she learned to sit still after that.
You are right Val, the anticipation of the upcoming race date has been pretty exciting. Does Hick have a favorite Nascar driver?
DeleteI bet your sister falling through the bleachers was more scary for your Parents than it was for your little sister, isn't it amazing how flexible toddlers are, it that had been one of us now...Wow!
I'm not a car race person, it's too noisy and too crowded and goes on too long to suit me. I prefer the 20 second clip shown on the TV news. I am impressed by the skills of the pit stop workers though. Good quality earmuffs are a must have item and you and Cindy will be glad you have them for many years to come. Your daughter is so thoughtful to give this gift.
ReplyDeleteThe pit crews are definitely some of the hardest working people that I can think of, you know that they have to continually work out and practice to keep up that level of performance, the crowds are large and once a year is enough for me to go, the rest of the season is just right on TV.
DeleteLike you said good quality earmuffs are a must, and paying up for a good pair is worth it.
Oh happy days! I used to go to the car races whenever I could. It started with following speedway but then we moved on to watching Grand Prix etc. Yes, I was an avid follower, sadly no longer.
ReplyDeleteThe Grand Prix circuit has to be an exciting race to go and see, I know you both had a great time following them, do you ever watch any of the races on TV now?
DeleteYes, always. I even imagine I can smell the rubber as they speed round the track... ah happy days.
DeleteYay - Jimmy! Sounds like this is going to be an exciting weekend for you guys! I'm not a fan of racing, but some of these names do sound familiar to me. Ironically, I have a Nascar Barbie Doll that I just gave to my grand daughter for Christmas. Hugs and happy Saturday! RO
ReplyDeleteLiving where you do RO a lot of these names are household terms I am sure, I know a lot of the race teams are based in and around the Charlotte, NC area, with this said one of these days when we make a trip back home it would be fun to go and see some of them. I bet your granddaughter was tickled to get that Nascar Barbie...A great weekend to you also!
DeleteI've never been a big fan on Nascar, my parents were big fans. Maybe a reason I always never got into it is that I hated it being on the TV as a child. Hours of noise and not much happening.
ReplyDeleteA lot of people see it the exact same way as you Adam, I spent a lot of time over at Greenville-Pickens Speedway when I was younger, I guess this helped my becoming a fan right along from the start.
DeleteI remember one time I actually “grounded” my husband from wathcing the race on tv. He was a Mark Martin fan and every time he didnt win (Which was every time), Nick would get grumpy. SO I grounded him. Hes been back watching the race and as long as a Ford wins, we ok. Ha! But either way, Its just racing and he doesnt get upset about it anymore.
ReplyDeleteLisa
Mark Martin was a champion who was never awarded a championship title in my opinion, he gave that #6 a good run every time he climbed in it, and the #60 Winn-Dixie car he was nearly unbeatable, needless to say I have a lot of respect for Mark Martin he is a good guy. If Nick is happy when Ford wins, he should be happy with Kevin Harvick taking Ford to victory lane the last three weeks, we have our fingers crossed for 4 in a row tomorrow with the #4 hopefully there again.
DeleteRugby. I can't see the attraction of car racing I must confess although once, back in my student days, I went to watch ... I can't think what they're called ... cars with big wheels, very very noisy and short fast distances. It has a strange name like Funny Cars or something.
ReplyDeleteBut I'm a rugby fan. This afternoon I've just watched Italy, my second favourite team in the Six Nations Championships, almost beat Scotland; next up it's England versus Ireland followed by Wales against France. It's the final afternoon of the championship so all three games happen today. So a lazy day for me and Husband curled up in front of the television.
Hope you have a lovely day and enjoy yourselves.
Liz you are talking about drag racing with the dragsters and funny cars, I can watch those OK but I prefer the stock cars myself.
DeleteI have never watched Rugby although I know there are a whole lot of fans just like you who prefer watching Rugby over anything else, I hope you have an exciting day catching all of the games, I know that you will enjoy each one...
i love athletics of all kind but marathon is most favorite of mine .i used to enjoy car races on t.v sports channels .
ReplyDeletei love the thrill and enthusiasm of these games and specially when participants reach near the winning spot i observe there each move so fondly .
you have amazing daughter and how sweet that she will stay with Ray meanwhile .
good to take protection for ears ,this is so wise
Baili it really is so exciting when a close game or race comes right down to the last minute to determine the winner.
DeleteOur daughter is amazing to do things like this for us, she is so helpful.
The only part of Motor racing I find out of order is the wastefulness of those bottles of Champagne by the winners. or is it some substitute they use?
ReplyDeleteVest you are so right about that, as far as I know the Champagne is real and I agree with you, this is indeed a waste.
DeleteI hope you two had a great time. I've never been to NASCAR event, and only been to few dirt track races. I kept wondering if a car was going to come flying into the stands. I've been to a ton of drag racing events (back in the day).
ReplyDeleteMy favorite sporting event to attend in person is by far baseball. Some people say it's too slow, but I think it's perfect. When we are home during baseball season, we like to take the train from where we live into Anaheim to see the Angels. It's cheap and easy that way.
We had a really good time Pat, this was a lot of fun for us, not necessarily a good day for our driver but for us it was great.
DeleteI have been to a couple of Braves games in Atlanta, but never to any baseball games out here, baseball is a sport I could easily watch also, you have a great set up catching the train to go and see the Angels play, that sounds perfect.