Fun with Friends at TMS

Getting together at the Texas Motor Speedway is more than just going to the races. It is getting together with friends that enjoy the same activity that we do. This year we were able to celebrate Allison's birthday so decorations on the tent were prepared for a fun filled evening. The meal was catered by friends and enjoyed by everyone. It is fun to get together with everyone during the weekend as we all bring our favorite foods to share with each other. Each year we enjoy getting together, updating others on what we have been doing, enjoying some great racing, and relaxing around a good conversation for the evening.

NASCAR - Sprint Cup Race Day

Jo and I made our way early to the track on race day. We ran into Spark Plug and Jo had to get her picture taken with him. We then proceeded to the Speed Race Day stage to watch our favorite announcers, John Roberts, Jimmy Spencer, and Kenny Wallace give their opinions on the outcome of the race. There were about 3,000 people participating in the Speed Race Day show and you may have seen us on the Speed Channel. The cars were lined up on the track for the opening ceremonies. Wendy Venturini interviewed drivers beside their cars. The opening ceremonies included a special salute to our troops. The green flag waved and the race was on its way. We cheered for our favorites and Jo rallied her driver, Carl Edwards, on to victory. Carl then completed his famous flip from the driver side of his car. He stuck the landing and celebrated his victory in the winner's circle being awarded the wood carved Texas Cowboy Boots trophy and the six shooters.

Nationwide Race Day

Saturday brought a great day with cool temps and bright sunshine. We made our way to our seats expecting an exciting day of racing. Kyle Busch, driver of the number 18, ran an exceptional race and won in a domineering manner.

Sprint Cup Qualifying - TMS

Friday brought sunny skies and a fast track for Sprint Cup qualifying. Spark Plug, the TMS mascot, was at his best in getting the crowd ready for some great qualifying runs. The young, Mike McDowell, had the misfortune of getting loose on the track in turn one, over corrected and his car immediately turned toward the wall at the speed of 185 mph. Once impacting the wall, the car rolled eight times before coming to rest on its wheels. The crowd became absolutely silent in anticipation of the outcome of the crash. In just a matter of seconds the emergency crews were at the scene and out of the smoke walked Mike uninjured and not a scratch. He was interviewed after visiting the infield care center and was so thankful for the safer car of tomorrow, the mandated driver seat, the Hans device, and all the safety features the teams use on their cars. After a one hour delay the wall was repaired and qualifying continued with Dale Earnhardt, Jr. getting the pole position and Carl Edwards second. After qualifying we were entertained with the Rockin' Round Up concert from Big and Rich. What a great show.

Nationwide Qualifying

The Nationwide Series for NASCAR has their arrival date of haulers prior to the Sprint Series haulers. They each arrive and are washed in the lot next to our campground. Once washed they are moved into the garage area. As we waited for qualifying the weather began to set in with clouds and a lower ceiling bringing rain with it. After a heavy shower it was decided to cancel the qualifying so the field was set for the race based on driver points. That evening the weather did improve and Fandango was held for all season ticket holders. We enjoyed the evening with Kyle Petty interviewing Elliot Sadler, Kevin Harvick, and Jeff Gordon. Fandango ended with a brilliant display of fireworks.

Arriving at Texas Motor Speedway - Ft Worth, TX

We arrived at the Blue Ox Campground at the Texas Motor Speedway on a typical early spring day in north Texas. This is the first year we were able to pull in earlier than previous years. It was interesting to watch the speedway facility grow with more campers arriving each day and NASCAR driver motor coaches pulling in to be washed and then parked in the driver coach area of the infield. We had the opportunity to visit with Benito, who is the motor coach driver for Michael Waltrip. He puts on many miles traveling from race venue to race venue criss-crossing the country for all 36 NASCAR races. Most drivers have their own motor coach, a golf cart for the NASCAR driver to get to and from the garage, and the pickup is for their coach driver to travel to the hotel for the weekend. We walked the areas around the track, seeing many beautiful flowers, The Speedway Condos, The Speedway Club, and all the increased activity in anticipation of a fun filled weekend of speed.