Well, I just got done with the races at BMS, and I figured I'd fill you all in. ;) Nice of me, I know. So, without further ado, here's how my day went.First off, I am sick - bad sinus infection. Why go to the race?, you wonder? Didn't it snow there yesterday? Isn't it really cold outside there? The simple answer to your questions is yes. However, since a Nextel Cup race at Bristol is the hardest sporting event to get tickets to and it is the largest sporting arena in the country, how can one say no? Especially when the ticket is free and it is a free suite ticket at that. Yes, suite. Free food, free drinks, free scanners, heat, comfy rocker chairs, glass all around to see the track, private restrooms, etc. You get the picture. Oh yeah, plus I got a track pass and met Robby Gordon. Good times. And if you're wondering (as I was), it usually costs people around $500 a race to be in a suite. Granted you really can't buy a suite ticket - most of them are owned by companies, but one is available for people who want a suite package for $1900 a ticket (but that allows you to get into a suite for all 4 races in a year).
Anyway, When we got there we parked right in front of the track (very nice, not the usual walking 2 miles...) went straight in (no line) and got our 1st of 2 wrist bands. Then we took the elevator up to our suite and recieved the 2nd of 2 wrist bands.After hanging out up there for a bit and eating a snack or two,
Robby Gordon (#7) came by the suite and said hey, signed some things, took some pics and chatted for a bit. Then we were off to the track before the race started. We got down there a little late, but seeing as I have my law enforcement connections, they all knew me and let us on in. Great guys. 
As we made our way around the pits, I got some pics of the cars, Kenny Wallace doing his thing for the Speed network (speedvision/speedtv) and watched them measure out some cars to make sure the vehicles passed muster. 
This one happened to be Robby Gordon's. Who, btw, happens to be one of the greatest racers of all time. He is one of the very few who has raced Nascar, open-wheel, Baja, etc..you name it. Very talented. - I think he's even done the Dakar...I'll find out.After going around the pits, we made our way back up to the suite. Food and drink were aplenty and waiting. So I divulged. I watched the opening ceremonies and an old nascar drive around the track and then it was onto the race. Diamond Rio sang, F18's flew overhead, the guys started their engines...and they were off.
Well, in the first few laps, tires were blown, people had to pit. There were quite a few yellows and even one red flag. One thing I have learned - this is an awesome sport. What cinches it for me is when you can watch the race and listen to the drivers and spotters and crew, and even the officials, on the scanners. Man, it brings a whole other dimension to this sport. There is a lot that goes on that I didn't even realize. And some of those people really have some mouths on them...hahaha. And, some of those people really don't like some of those other people. Hahahaha. I listened to Kasey Mears, Ryan Newman, Carl Edwards, Martin Truex Jr., Jeff Gordon, the Busch's, Kevein Harvick, Dale Jr., Matt Kenseth - yep, those are who I listened to for most of the race. I wish I had it recorded! This makes the race 20x more fun. Especially when you see someone like Jeff Gordon spin out someone like Martin Truex Jr., and listen to ol' #1 talk and know he's mad and to watch him get back out on the track and know what he's about to do (or attempt to in this case - until Tony Stewart comes in and screws everything up) and anticipate it. Of course in the end #24 got what was coming to him all day long, by none other than #17 Kenseth. And watching Gordon go after him after the race was fun too.
Bristol...wow. Even if you don't like Nascar, this one is a MUST SEE.
After the race, we watched the top few drivers interviewed and then went down to the vehicles and sat in them a while until we could leave. That was the only downside I could find...we were so close to the entrance, that it took a while for the traffic to clear out. Oh well, it was worth it! You really need to do this sometime.
Here are some more pics you may enjoy. :)
6 comments:
That's a nice pic of you and Robby Gordon. I actually saw you there, when you'd first arrived at the elevator tower, and you ran on the elevator before I could say something stupid to you and make my Sgt's yell at me for it. haha Anyways, I actually got to escort Scott Wimmer, Robby Gordon, and Ken Schrader up to the suites before you met them. It was cool. I didn't get to talk to them much, though, because they were trying to figure out what the heck MSg Santos was saying to them in his horrific Puerto Rican accent. hehe
-Mize
um, I missed the part where you explained how you got free tickets. I know you said nextel, but do you work for them or something?
I got to drive on the BMS. My parents used to take us to the Festival of Lights at Christmas every year. Hahahahahaha.
It sounds fun, but you are such a redneck... ;)
He got a free suite ticket because he is the luckiest person you know! And, his good friend had an extra one :)
Who would think that you guys would have a raceway that popular so close to you! I mean you don't exactly live in the big city. Nice pics and sounded cool. People here know of the BMS!
OK--we've been watching the VW commercials for a couple of weeks. It was really funny to see that they're making their way through your office too. Actually, we've been kind of starting the day with them lately.
Second--you need to look up the trailer for Talledega Nights: The ballad of Ricky Bobby. We might sneak out our whole student team at some point...
oh yeah - that's going to be real good....
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