racewriter's Blog

With the Bud Shootout about to get underway...I wonder what everyone's thoughts are.  After a quick walk through the Fan Zone here at Daytona International Speedway, I was reminded how much fans love this sport.

As I made my way through the pit area, there were fans glued to the fences, some with cameras and scanners hanging on their shoulders, some with nothing more than their wide eyes and look of amazement as they tried to soak in all that was going on around them.

Cars and their teams were lined up for tech inspection, with fans hovering nearby in hopes of seeing a glimpse of the fellows that would soon be behind the wheel, not realizing their fellows were still tucked away in their haulers, trying to get focused on the task that would present itself in a very short time.

I passed a fellow that was decked out in all his Dale Earnhardt, Jr. brand new shirt, hat and jacket. He stood proudly as he very assuredly explained to his companions his view on the recent break Jr. made from Dale Earnhardt, Inc.  I only heard a few words, but the guy was so off base if was funny...the great part though was that he was really sure of himself, almost daring his friends to prove him wrong. They didn't, they just stood and nodded and listened to his every word as if it was gospel.  

On the way back through the pit area we passed by just in time to see those beautiful infamous Budweiser Clydesdales make their way around the track. The fans in the grandstands were pumped up and each section cheered as those horses gracefully trotted by.  The best part was nearly everyone in the pit area, the team members and the folks that have seen them many times, all paused from the craziness of getting ready and watched as the horses went by.  It was great. 

Well the show is about to start, so I'm going to head out and watch as these 23 cars battle for that checkered flag.  

I'll be back!