So much to see, so much to do and such friendly people. Maybe I've just been fortunate, but that pretty much sums up my experiences in North Carolina to date. I arrived at my hotel in Hickory early Thursday evening a few weekends ago and from then straight through the time I packed by bags and started heading back home on Sunday morning it was non-stop enjoyment, much like most of my previous trips but once again with a few added bonuses.
I had the opportunity to experience my first race from the pits on Saturday night at Hickory Motor Speedway with the ISCARS Dash Series and the Super Cup Stock Car Series. I've had pit passes before, but only at small dirt tracks where the pits are on the outside of the track and major NASCAR events where you can only stay there for a particular period of time. This was all access! I had the chance to see the crews prepare their cars for the night's festivities, chat with a couple competitors, pose in a victory lane shot and see things from different vantage points such as the announcer's box and the passenger seat of the pace truck. I couldn't thank the folks with ISCARS enough for the great time I had, and I look forward to attending more events hopefully in the pits in the near future! Their PR guy was even gracious enough to show me around to some of the shops in the Concord area the day before.
Lots of positive and negative emotions have been involved during recent motorsports events. I don't wish to go into detail, as I could probably talk all day perhaps restating many things that others have already mentioned. However, I would like to say that my thoughts are with the families of those who have suffered losses in the racing industry recently. Despite recent unfortunate events, I am optimistic that this "off-season" will move into even more of a positive direction when it comes to technology, research and overall safety throughout the sport.
Turning to the future, I hope someday I can put myself in a position to be located in the heart of stock car racing as closely as I can. As with any of the above that I mentioned, patience must be a virtue not only visually but personally as well. Until then, I'll continue working hard and enjoy the moments at home.
Originally, it looked like my last race of the year would have been this trip to North Carolina. Fortunately, due to a trip I won playing cards I will be traveling south to take in some racing action once again...the deep south! I am coordinating the two-night visit to Biloxi, Mississippi I acquired with the annual Snowball Derby events in Pensacola, Florida, which I had so much fun attending a year ago. My next blog will highlight my plans in more detail. Stay safe everyone!
