You know what I did this past weekend? Thanks to Chevy and BurbMom.net – I got a chance to experience a world I knew nothing about! NASCAR!!
I was lucky enough to be given two tickets to the Dickies 500 NASCAR race, at the Texas Motor Speedway. I brought my dad with me, since he loves anything having to do with cars, engines, driving, or mechanics. He’s watched NASCAR races on TV before, but this was also his first time actually attending one. To say we had fun…doesn’t cover it!!!
Below is an account of our day…in pictures!
I’d heard traffic could be heavy on race days, so dad and I left VERY early Sunday morning to get on the road. Above is a picture of us at the corner gas station, as we fueled up the car and got copious amounts of coffee! It was 6am – and still dark out. I asked the cashier to take the picture above!
We arrived at the track by 7am- which was great. It gave us time to walk around Texas Motor Speedway, and to look at all the NASCAR booths, and all the race cars that were on display. The green car is NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr’s- number88. And the blue car, is number 48- Jimmie Johnson.
Chevy had all their new 2010 cars on display, and I tried out the new Chevy Camaro. If anyone is looking for Christmas gift ideas for me…I’ll take one of these please. In yellow:)
Next, dad and I headed to Chevy’s hospitality village, where we got some great lunch, and some hot cocoa before getting credentials to go behind the scenes at the race. We got to take a pitt tour!! Here we are feeling very important with our VIP passes hanging around our necks!
The video above, is some footage I shot of race cars being pushed onto the track from the pitt garage before the start of the race.
This is my dad standing along the race track Pitt stops, where the race cars pull in during the race to have their tires changed and to gas up – all in seconds!
Finally we made our way to the stands, and the race was started with an amazing tribute to the Military. A fighter jet flew overhead, and an army transport helicopter landed on the field- and the pace car drove out of it! Soldiers from Fort Hood brought the flag onto the field and 170,000 plus people observed a moment of silence.
The race started! It was ASTOUNDING how loud it was! The seats actually vibrated with sound as the race cars zoomed by! I was not at all prepared for how fast those cars drive! On TV it looks fast, but in person you can barely see the cars – they are flying by at such a crazy speed!The video above is of the race cars taking off…
I had a FANTASTIC time at the race. I didn’t know anything about racing before the weekend, and the more I learned the more I appreciated the skill and artistry of the racers, technicians, and Pitt crews.
But perhaps more importantly, it was a peak into a world that my father loves. Thank you Team Chevy & BurbMom for giving us the chance to spend some amazing father/daughter time together. It is now officially one of my favorite experiences with my dad, and a trip I will remember forever!
Nikki says
So COOL Shan!!! Awww it looks like you and your dad had such an awesome time:) Its so sweet that you two got to do something like that together. It looks like there were a huge amount of people there! I love the picture of you and your dad and the one of you in the yellow hot wheels!! 🙂
Nina says
I've never been to a race either, but it looks like you guys had a really good time. What a nice thing for you and your dad to do together.
Rachel says
I totally didn't know you're part of Burb Mom! I keep trying to get to one of the get-togethers. Sounds like you had a blast!
Danielle says
First of all: if I knew you were going I would have sent you earplugs my dear,, that is LOUD!!!
Second of all: I forwarded the link to my mom and Kevin,, my mom cuz she'll love to see the pics of you and Gerry, and Kevin cuz he'll drool with jealousy about the videos and pitt row… Seriously He might call you to rave about that's how much he likes Nascar cars.. hahaha
Thirdly-sounds like you had a total blast and I hope you have more pics from your dad's visit!:)
Michael says
Another excellent blog, Shannon! Great photos and video. I felt like I was there! As you know I've never been to a NASCAR race, but it sounds like you had a really great time. So cool your dad could fly in and share it with you. You created some very special memories for both of you.
Oh, and if we buy one of those yellow camaros, I want to drive it! You're too cute to drive a sexy sports car. We'll get you a soccer mom van if you want. The camaro would be a great mid-life crisis car for me, gas mileage notwithstanding. One like this: bit.ly/YellowCamaro would do nicely. 😉
Nina says
I left you something over at my blog today! 🙂
Joey says
My husband is really into racing – not NASCAR – but the race track is a really great experience no matter what kind of cars you're watching.
texasholly says
I am so glad you got the video. I tried because you are right…it is unbelievable when there.
Laura says
I'm so glad you had such a great time with your Dad! You both look like you're having a blast – and what wonderful memories you've created! 🙂
Hugs 🙂
Christine says
I could never attend a race…my ears are way too sensitive..it's a wonder my house gets vacuumed at ALL. I'm that sensitive:)
But so glad that you had an awesome day with your Dad…and that picture at the end with your pop…Wow! You are gorgeous and you have your dad's eyes…He looks so happy:)