Smiles and wrenches.
04/29/2008
Saturday: Talladega AL
I headed out on Saturday morning for the track, after a good nights sleep. I was early as always. I strolled the midway and then watched as the cup cars qualified. The times were fast for the go or go home cars. It was an impound race so a lot of the teams were in racing trim for qualifying. I had great seats: High up on the tri-oval and could see for miles. The fighter planes were taking off during different segments of the practice and qualifying, that happened all weekend, that was neat.
The nationwide series race was so exciting until the big one. It was a stupid mistake, I was watching as the Kevin Lapage took his car off pit road, he hesitated waiting for the pack off turn 4 then raced to catch them and pulled up way to early and caused a 14 car pile up. Bad spotter, bad driver, thank goodness the cars held and none of the drivers got hurt. The comments after the wreck from the driver didn’t help his situation. I did notice a “correction” to the TV interview was put out to the press after he ‘reviewed” the tape. I wonder if the post race meeting with the officials had anything to do with that. I heard race control make it clear there was going to be a meeting in the big truck after the race concluded. I think it did change the blend line for Sunday’s race, from the front stretch to the turn two side. I had to ask someone later: what happens if the race gets called during a red flag for weather? The clouds were turning dark during the restart of the race, but it did end up going the full laps.
I sat with an Australian for the Nationwide race. He was on holiday and was coming to see one of his mates race. I love that, he and I chatted quite a bit during the race. He had a few questions I pointed out a few things for him; Nascar isn’t that popular over there. I always wonder if I offend the men with my racing knowledge. Some get offended, some don’t and sometimes I just keep my mouth shut. I have been hanging around race tracks for a long time. I also know how the mechanics work: shop class in high school was a long time ago, but the principals haven’t changed. I don’t grab the wrenches much any more, unless it’s an emergency. It might damage my nail polish and it is sure nice to pay someone else to get dirty if I can.
I headed back to the hotel for a bit of dinner and some socializing after the race. On pre- race night its’ early to bed for me. I was watching the weather and in the middle of the night it was thundering and lighting. I was so glad I had a roof over my head and wasn’t out in the campground getting soaked.
I got up very early on Sunday morning; it was time to make a decision. The weather looked dreary and the temperature had dropped. Did I want to skip Sunday’s race and head back to TX? I kept watching the weather channel, looking at the radar. There was more weather headed toward the track.
