stefa70

Great shot of the genius CKCK at the Fort, frying a turkey, wearing a Fort Wilderness shirt! :thumbsup2:

Roxy is cute from both ends.

Best story ever!! :rofl2:

Maybe you should give up accounting and write books.

Cool! I thought you'd abandoned us.

Perfect description of TT. I didn't love the old one, nor do I hate the new one. To me, it's all about the ending, which was and still is awesome.

You may have mentioned this before but how many were there of your RAPD group?

Dave forgot food pics?

Even in my household someone will say "Don't you want to take food pics for Dave?"

FAIL

Your family pics made me forget what a loser you are though. :raspberry2:

Anna & Stella pic is my fave. :heart:

I've never been inside of Sid's. Guess I haven't missed much.

After lunch we made our way to the tram gates. Driver introductions were at 2:00 and we wanted to see that.

Notice Trevor's fancy backpack...ok, it's mine he was carrying. Shocker, huh?

Waiting on a tram. (Genia! Look! Satan's swings!!)

While waiting they had a couple cars drifting. If you've never seen that, it's pretty darn cool.

Burning rubber, sideways through the turns....awesome.

Through the infield, Club 24 was hopping! No time for that, now.

The ferris wheel, which was equipped with all new LED lights this year. Looked really cool at night!

WARNING TCD: there may be hippies in here.....

Back at the grandstands, we picked a spot to sit...for now. One BIG difference at this race is it's all general admission. For a place that seats 170,000, that leaves a lot of empty seats! It's great to be able to move from place to place.

Sit at the chicane where they have to brake into a corner or sit at the start/finish line where they are at top speeds. Whatever your racing heart desires.

Track looking toward turn 1

Looking toward turn 4.

As they prepared for driver intros, the tri-oval filled with fans. (Another reason we wanted to get out of there, as those fans would soon be waiting on a tram to come back to the grandstands)

Driver intros began. A couple shots for you.

Here's Waltrip and team.

Time to chill with a cold one.

Gotcha.... it's just a strawberry lemonade.

Nate's boss and his wife met up with us at this point, so I put the camera away.

Our next plan was to head back to the RV to let Mason out and relax for a while. Then have dinner and go back to the track for some racing under the lights.

Mason is always ready for some relaxing at camp.

Coming up... good food, bad news, good racing and my favorite person.

He looks like an accountant (no offense, Dave).

TCD

Poor Dave.

A lot of the drivers do look like this. Driving any race car is very demanding on the body. SO much so, that most of them are into running, biking, swimming & LIGHT weight training. Bulky muscles only get in the way.

When he is called "most successful driver" it is because he won 4 consecutive championships. Todays cars (of any class) are so "cookie-cutter" and most of them have big sponsors with endless money supplies, therefore it's very difficult to win year after year. It's a pretty even playing field.

Jimmie Johnson's record of 5 in a row will be tough to beat, for the very same reasons. The closest anyone has come to that was Cale Yarborough, with 3 in a row, in 1976-1978.

SiriusXM NASCAR Radio reported this morning that he won't be Mr. Ashley Judd for much longer. They are separating after 11 years of marriage.

WOW, sorry to hear that. I hate to see anyone's marriage end. Thanks for that info.

The good news is: LADIES, there's hope for us average women!

I am enjoying the TR, had several comments, but then I saw something Italian and lost my capacity for thought.

Kim, don't feel bad, it happens!

I'm only trying to appeal to everyone with this report.

Did you see this guy......Loves the Italian racers.

Good stuff! He's just as cute...for different reasons.

Thanks for poppin in!

Love the food pics.

Not so much the driver pics.

Pics of Mrs. Dario would be better than pics of Mr. Ashley.

Hey, I don't swing that way, but I can appreciate a beautiful woman, and she IS beautiful!!

I beg to differ. Dario is a dream..... my dream. Oppsss did I actually post that... Shamelessly I did

You shameless girl!

If someone says that they don't look at other men/women, they're lying!

It's human nature, and Dario is a fine specimen.

Dang Stef, you're really heating this board up with all this Italian sizzle!!! Thank you!!!

Shame to hear about Dario and Ashley. Did they ever have any children?

So JPM anchored the winning leg for his team? Guess they kept the track drying truck out of his way this time?

You're welcome, it was my pleasure...literally!

No kids for D&A. I would imagine their lives would be tough on a marriage. Her acting, him racing, both traveling. In "stardom" though, 11 years is a LONG time.

No, no jet dryers in Juan's way. They did a great job! Not only tough on the drivers, but for a car to run 24 hours at those speeds, without fail, is amazing.

I am following along and watch racing with DH.

He prefers F1 but we watch NASCAR also.

I so enjoy watching the nice looking men... I mean the pretty cars!

Love those accents!

We went to this 1st night race at Daytona. It was the year they had to reschedule because of all the fires along I-4.

It is an experience and we were able to see Darrell Waltrip and Dale Sr. racing.

Woohoo, a race fan!

I'm the opposite. I LOVE Nascar, and watch others periodically. It usually takes some kind of draw to make me check out another series. I got into the Rolex in 2009 when Jimmie drove. Its great to see them drive in other series. So different than what they're used to.

Thanks for riding along with me!

Love Marshall Tucker Band...good call!

I'm not familiar with the Punch Bros. I have been called a Punch Mistress, does that count?

So looking forward to camping with the MD family. Good music, good beverages and good food.

Time for the autograph session.

The two most crowded tables were Chip Ganassi's and Micheal Waltrips.

Major crowds!!

In fact, when I squeezed between a line to snap a photo of Clint Bowyer, a security guy told me

"The line starts down there"

I told him:

"I'm not interested in an autograph, just a stalker photo"

He looked a bit shocked. He was a DIS security (Daytona International Speedway, Not DISney) so he had a little power trip going on....

Another hottie for my girls....Dario Franchitti. (AKA, Mr. Ashley Judd :- )

Jamie McMurray

Dario, Jamie, Scott Dixon and Joey Hand were one of Ganassi's team (he runs 2 every year)

Ganassi's other team consisted of Juan Pablo Montoya, Charlie Kimball, Scott Pruett & Memo Rojas.

They won the whole shebang with Juan being the finishing driver.

Each driver can only drive for 3 hours before a mandatory 1 hour break.

Left to right: Charlie Kimball, JPM and Memo Rojas.

Another big crowd parted and I caught a glimpse of Nelson Piquet Jr.

Nelson was a Formula 1 racer and has since raced the Camping World truck series and Nationwide series. For this race he was driving for Action Express Racing

AJ Allmendinger driving for Shank Racing. He was joined by Marcos Ambrose but I never noticed him since he had a full beard.

Here is Team Sahlen. Don't know any of their names. As you can see, they weren't sought after. Poor guys.

Max Papis, a sometime Nascar driver, but all the time Italian, driving for AIM Motorsports Racing with Ferrari.

Boris Said, another sometime Nascar driver, but all the time big hair guy, driving for Turner Motorsports.

Last picture I got at the tables was Clint Bowyer. You couldn't even see Micheal Waltrip as he was buried in fans!

Now that you've had a small lesson in race car drivers, let's eat!

Sausage dog for Nate

Turkey wrap for Alice.

They enjoyed both

Trevor and I shared a big plate of nachos.

"Really, you have to take a picture with my mouth full?" Yes, I DO!

With our bellies full, it was time to take the shuttle back over to the grandstands.

I'll pick up there in my next update.......

Congrats to the future tire changer on the 88 team, Trevor!

:banghead:

To be honest with you, I'd be Jr's official willy-shaker if I could work for Hendricks Motorsports!

So do you get kicked out of the infield after the autograph session? Or can you go back and forth to the fanzone?

Audi did kick some GT arse after all.

No, you can come and go to the Fan zone as much as you'd like. They even have a small carnival set up in the infield.

Yes, Audi did great in their class. (Trev said yours is just as fast, but he won't tell Tony :hah:)

I'm sure you know that the FM is the place to buy your NASCAR stuff at the best prices. We hit the track first afternoon we get there to pick up Tiny's event shirt, or to look at them. Then price things over there.

Absolutely! Just don't buy a shirt with last years schedule no matter how much cheaper it is. ;D

So you are saying you would scare me into shape?

Enjoying the around the track stuff

I'm a firm believer in "No pain, no gain!"

Very cool! Thanks for taking us to the track with you. I love it!

Though, I must admit, I had trouble following along after this:

Holy WOW. Molto Delizioso!

I had more comments, but now I have forgotten what they were…….

Yes Maam!! The men alone are worth the price of admission. Now add in the accent..... :drool1:

You know I really could get into this whole racing thing.

If you followed it and learned the ins & outs, I guarantee you'd like it.

Congrats to Stef, Nate, and Alice.

Trevor's activities that morning were more my speed though......take pics, enjoy the morning, and then eat krispy kremes. Good man.

Trash service! Wow.

Thanks Aaron! You're more than welcome to join us next year too. Escape the cold and have donuts with Trev.

I saw somewhere today, that they may swap the Rolex and SB next year. That way there wouldn't be a week break within Speed Weeks.

Don't know how that would fly with the NFL. Unless they push the 500 another week, but that would run into spring break. Rednecks, College Kids and then Bikers......

Called the KOA today thinking about next year, was told they will probably change to a 3 day min. next year. They also have some sites off turn 4 with electricity and water only. But you get a pump out "free" after the 2nd night. ONLY $150/night. Heck at that rate, I might get two.

How did the vegies look at the Flea Market?

We try to hit there our first full day to load up for grilling. But take filler frozen vegies if we need them.

Hadn't heard anything of the swap. My guess would be, the Rolex folks would not enjoy the Nascar folks. Very different atmosphere.

The KOA did have a few spots in turn 4 left when I inquired. $165 a night. Must be they still have them and the price has dropped.

Veggies and fruit looked amazing!! Unfortunately, we never made it back to get any. I told Trev after the races are over I'd like to go back and stroll the market for a day. It would really take a day to see it all.

Sites for this year's race? There is no way! Maybe they just got added, as in newly constructed?

Stef, you are adorable at 5 am……..way more than I would be, since I'd still be snoring and drooling into my pillow at that hour!

Bravo on finishing and in great time, too! Just my opinion, but I like the pink better than the camo and am glad you stripped those layers. Now, pink camo, I like. And I even own some! You know how it is in a house full of testosterone. I wear a lot of pink to compensate.

Thanks Cyndee. At least I had a hat to hide my bed-head and some eyeliner and chapstick. It could have been much worse.

I have tons of camo, thanks to my boys. The hot pink layers worked good for Trevor to keep track of me though.

Ok folks, time for some racing! This was a very long day so I may have to break it into a couple of posts.

I will try to be as thorough as possible for my fellow race fans.

If you're just reading to humor me and my ramblings, you may want to skip over the commentary and look at the pretty pictures (or hot men)

When we arrived back at the track, the Ferrari Challenge race was going on.

This was a new event added this year.

Imagine buying a Ferrari and then racing it on a 2.5 mile tri-oval. Nuts!

Of course there were casualties already!

We watched them for a few minutes and then went to grab the shuttle into the infield.

I'm not sure what Trev was doing here, but it looks like he might have to poop. :rofl2:

(I actually think he was getting his ticket out of his back pocket)

Nate was looking sleepy after getting up at 3:30.

Taking the tunnel under the track never gets old. Just cool as hell!

The Fan Zone looked much different now than it did early this morning.

One of the first times that Nate didn't squawk at me wanting to take his picture.

Then the boys did a lug nut challenge. Trevor won and set fast time for the day! I've sent his resume to Hendricks.

We then strolled up to the fan deck.

RUBBER!

The driver autograph session was from 12:15-1:00. I've seen most of these guys before so I wasn't interested in waiting in line for an autograph. Some "walk-by stalking" photos would suffice.

I told Trevor, the one and only person I may stand in line for was a new-to-the-series driver this year, but that would depend on the line.

We were lucky enough to catch ALL the teams and drivers coming out of the driver's meeting even before they took their place at the tables!

Park Place Motorsports team-

Hot Italian guys driving for Scuderia Corsa Michelotto

Hot Italian girls with team Momo/NGT Motorsports

All of the Nascar drivers were in street clothes. I'm sure they're enjoying some peace before the 36 weeks of screaming fans.

They can't escape me though! I've honed my stalking skills for years.

AJ Allmendinger speed walked past us all, so I missed getting his pic...no biggie.

Clint Bowyer (with Rob Kauffman) They were driving for AF/Waltrip, along with Micheal Waltrip and Rui Aguas

Guess who was right behind them? Yep, the one person I said I would like to meet. Micheal Waltrip.

He was looking right at me as I stepped out. Before I could even ask, he smiled and shook his head yes. He seems like a guy I'd like to hang out with. Goofy and fun!

The drivers made their way to their tables and we checked out the board to know who was at what station.

Before we made it to the stations, we saw a huge gathering of people along with video cameras. Usually that means Patrick Dempsey, who draws a MAJOR crowd. He was slated to be driving, but we never found him.

This was Sebastien Bourdais, the most sucessful driver in the Indy series, winning 4 consecutive championships.

I'm probably nearing photo limit so we'll make a pit stop here.

Coming up: stalking famous and not so famous drivers and lunch.

Congratulations on completing the 5K. Good job!

That's pretty cool that fans can get access to the track and some of the pit areas during the 5K.

It looks like it didn't warm up to fast that morning. I hope y'all weren't too cold.

TCD

Thanks! 3 miles is no sweat....well, there may be some sweat but you know what I mean.

It was a great experience! One of those moments when you feel lucky to be happy, healthy and fortunate enough to do those sorts of things.

Sappy story alert:

Jordan's company is making a movie of their time in Afghanistan. I've seen the trailer for it. The theme song is Bad Company, which you may remember. This one is a remake by Five Finger Death Punch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNHlVo0cPa8

I loaded that song into my itunes as my warm-up song. Starting that run, on pit road with the American flags flying high over the track actually made me tear up.

Count me in as one of those who would love to experience a NASCAR race at least once in her life.

Alice has been in another trip report of yours. Have you convinced her to become a fiend?

No fiendom for Alice. She's not a Disney fan, nor has she been to the Fort. She just goes wherever I drag her.

If you haven't noticed, she's black. In the last year we have taken her to the mudhole, Thomaston Georgia to a bbq fest, a rodeo and now a Rolex race.

Her first question when we invite her somewhere is "Am I going to be the only black person?" :rofl2:

Congrats on the 5k. Between you and Jason I might just get out and start jogging. It's exact 5k from my house to the beer store and back. JK!

That is so cool that you got race on the same track as so many of racing's greats. What a thrill it must have been

A thrill it was! And I see nothing wrong with running to the beer store, at least you're running!

remind me never to take your picture when you are cold.... you are scaring me.....

can you please come to wherever I happen to be for a month or so and whip my sorry a#@ into shape? Cause you is looking good.....

Sorry Nicki, you're not the first person I've scared at 5:30 am.

I would love to whip you into shape! You may find this hard to believe but, I'm sort of a drill sgt. when it comes to my training techniques. I like to hurt people. >:D

Congrats on the 5K :jumpforjoy :jumpforjoy :jumpforjoy

Tell Nate and Alice congrats too!!!!!!! :jumpforjoy :jumpforjoy :jumpforjoy :jumpforjoy

Were those plain glazed or assorted donuts?

Thanks dear! :heart:

Nate got plain glazed, right off the assembly line. He got me raspberry filled. I love anything raspberry!

:jumpforjoy Good job on getting a food pic! I had forgotten that I made macaroni salad and I never did get a shot of the subs until they were almost gone.

Visiting too much?! No way, we enjoyed every minute with you.

In the short time that you've known me, you got me figured out. I would have ran off somewhere had I had enough of you.

Jordo didn't mind the pic, he's used to it!

Canto loopy is on my list of drinks for my next Epcot trip. Delicious....and healthy, right? I mean, it's fruit, it's got to be good for you. ^-^

I will be eternally grateful for all your help that week!!

Wise a$$

I got that e-mail, but we're still debating on whether or not to attend the race.

There's something very endearing about being on my couch, with free beer and food, cussing out every other driver on TV without getting into a fist fight with the Jr fan sitting next to me. :clint:

Before we start the run/walk portion of Saturday, Alice sent me some photos that she took.

This is me on the tram with a totally fake "I'm freezing and you want to take my picture?" smile.

For anyone interested in joining us next year...Genia, MD, FP4....

Google "Daytona 5K" and all the info is there.

Because runners had to take the chicane that the drivers do, Trevor snuck through the infield and got the first photo of me.

(I'm the short one )

By the time I got around to turn 1, Nate had climbed the track and taken another one.

It was SO awesome. I took my time and checked out all the patches in the asphalt, the tire rubs and scrapes on the walls and even touched the walls that many cars have slammed into at 200 mph.

It was really a great experience for a racing fan.

Coming down the home stretch, Trevor was there, camera in hand.

I think he was going for a butt shot here but I was weaving and bobbing.

And I'm done!

Even taking my time and checking things out, I finished in 38 minutes. Not bad for an old fart with short strides.

I rehydrated while waiting for Nate & Alice. Here they come!

It was only about 8:00 at this point, and I was sweaty. We decided to go back to camp and clean up and relax a bit. Driver autographs were scheduled for 12:15, so we had plenty of time.

Back at camp, Trevor and Nate went down the road for an after race snack....

After cleaning up and enjoying our donuts, we took Mason for a walk around the campground.

You saw the front of the KOA office, here is looking towards the back of it.

Standing in the same spot looking towards the back of the campground.

That grassy area you see in the center is visitor parking and they have the exact same doggie-pot waste bag poles they have at the Fort.

We continued towards the back, but there is also a small road to the right with more sites.

They have built a giant checkboard.

This is taken from the furthest point in the back. The road going to the right is an additional exit, which also leads across the road to the giant flea market, which you can see in the photo.

We actually stayed at this site under this tree at the last Rolex. They were doing some kind of work in this area this time.

The office is on my left and you can just see my Jeep in the bottom center of this pic.

Not a huge campground & not a fancy one but the staff was awesome!

It is also NOISY! Not only are you on the corner of Int. Speedway Blvd and Tomoka Farms rd (which leads to New Smyrna speedway and a landfill, IE: big trucks Mon-Fri) but you also have Interstate 95 about 1/4 mile up the road.

It does quiet down considerably at night...unless there's a 24 hour race going on. I'll give you a first hand experience with that later.

After our walk, we relaxed for a little while.

While we were relaxing, the owner drove right into our site and asked if we had any trash we wanted taken out. Now that's service!

Around 11:00, we loaded up and made our way back to the track.

I'll be back with that soon.....

I'm in.

I've never been to a race. Looks awesome.

Everyone should go to a race at least once!

This race is WAY different than Nascar.

The Rolex is drivers and fans from all over the world. Big money people, driving Porsches, Lambos.....

You do see the occasional beer drinking redneck, but they're few and far between.

I was talking with my cool cuz last night about this. He has talked about maybe this or the 500.

He has a pop up, do you think the KOA would allow his PU and my Tiny RV on the same site?

No, the sites are too small for two campers. Get off your cheap butt and pay for two sites!

Dude! you were an hour from my house. Next time ya better be textin me your 10-20.

Not that I would have made it, my weekend was so busy I don't even remember what I did, but still………if I can make it, I will, with ice cold beverages!

I am also a runner, in that I do it to get the heart rate up and because I find walking boring. No 26.2's on my resume, but I could handle a 5K. Also being a NASCAR fan, I gotta check this thing out next time! just standing on that track is somehow a holy experience for a race fan. I've been fortunate to do it there, but running around it….way cooler!

Nate is a good kid to get up that early and join you for that!

Giggled at the skid mark comment.

I was thinking Genia could ask a few more questions.

Carry on! Loving it, esp. since I also want to camp @ Daytona. MD, we should all bring our boys…..heck bring the goils too…..they'd have a blast! Best people watching evah!

Sorry for not letting you know! I see a gathering coming into play for 2014.....

The love of exercise and Nascar is what prompted me to do the 5K. It was awesome being on the track and seeing and touching things that you normally only see on TV.

Believe it or not, there was not one alcoholic beverage in the RV for this trip! (Ok, I made up for that on Saturday night)

Hang tight, Genia may have a few more questions! :clint:

I don't mind, she's a racer too and I would HIGHLY recommend the KOA to any fan who needed to be near the track.

I got a little work to do, then I promise to carry on.

Cool....a race at a track. Whodathunk?

Actually Dave, there were multiple races! We'll get there soon.

I'm in! Better late than never.

Hey Gwen, just happy you made it, even if it's not the Fort.

I'm in.... Not sure how I feel about the Nascar experience. I enjoyed going to the races as a fan, but spent 8 years working in the Poconos in the shadow of Pocono International. Kinda changed my perception. Some day when we meet remind me to tell you a funny story about ESPN and Nascar.

But... if you go mudding again... I am so in...

Oooh, would love to hear your ESPN, Nascar story!

The mudding will be starting again soon. A lot of them shut down for the winter/holiday season.

It's not a cheap sport so they would have low attendance when folks can't do the necessary repairs.

And there are always repairs!

Oops forgot a question:

Cable TV?

Was there any wind break? I.e. open like a cow pasture or some trees to tamper down the wind?

Cable, yes!! Even Speed! It's nice to leave the track and still watch the race.

The outside rim sites have trees, the center sites are more open. Pics coming up.

Oh yeah......48 blew it last year and still only has five more cups than Junior!

That outta do it.

:faceplant2: Crap, ya got me there!

WooHoo.... Rubbin' is racin' I'm along for the race as well!

Amen!! Glad to have you along.

Why are you bringing up breaking wind? ??

Genia is always breaking wind! :acae-1:

I'm in even though I'm not a NASCAR person.

We love tailgating so much that we talk about going to a race someday, just for the experience. Actually I went to the Daytona 500 when I was around 10, but I don't count that.

You really don't have to be a fan to enjoy the experience at least once!! The roar of 43 cars going by is orgasmic...can I say that here?

Thanks for joining.

Awesome. Im in

Good to have you Bo!

I'm in too.

Hey Yvonne, jump on in. More coming real soon.

Aww, good for DD2! I don't blame the wife for tearing up, that's a big accomplishment for a 2 year old.

Love the redheads all together.

We enjoy going to Cosmic Rays and sitting outside to "people and castle watch"

You can't knock this view!

It's also fun to see the folks who make a complete meal out of the toppings bar. ^-^

Wow! That looks great Kelly.

I'm in. Love my NASCAR!!! Can't wait for the Daytona 500 and the rest of the season!!!!. :jumpforjoy

Woohoo, me too!!

Glad to have you along for the ride. We must have been posting at the same time.

First Page?? Boogerty Boogerty Let's Go Racin' Boys!!!

Way to go Gary!! If ya ain't first, you're last!

"I will try to make this as short as possible"

Anybody else see the irony here? :wave1:

:rofl2: Nice one Todd! I should know better than to use the word short.

:jumpforjoy :jumpforjoy :jumpforjoy

Since the cow pasture is 40/night, 45/night with electricity and water.AWESOME!

100/night with 5 night min.......@#$% NO!!!!!!! That's 50/night difference for beer..........see what I did there. I thnk :clint:

And for everyone just dying to know where my cow pasture is, the first pic of the track and hang a right. Right beside the dog racies.

And depending on how your TR is, I may or may not tell you that Tony whined asked about ya'll and the Rolex a couple of times this week. :batman:

Damn you for getting him to talk. :banghead:

Poor Tony, I don't know how he lives with you!

Next year, ya'll should just come down for the rolex and stay until the 500, then we'll put you out to pasture.

That hurts Stef.....

First the Notre Dame jokes from all these Michigan fans around here and now this....LOL.

Sorry Aaron, I couldn't help myself! If I promise to cheer for Jr at least once in the 500, will you forgive me? :worship:

Is there a dog park at the KOA or aournd?

Do they allow controlled fires?

Would you be comfortable with the scooters back and forth to the track from there?

Did they build a sidewalk all the way to the wing house on THAT side?

If I remember correctly McD's is a game of frogger away, any convience stores on the KOA side of the Hwy?

How much for the races? Is there a min pace required? What did you think of the surface?

Did you wave at my seats on the super speed stretch? Also known as Daytona Francesse for more money for the back stretch since we call it Super Speed stretch....

Phew!

No dog park, just dog walk areas.

I saw a fire pit up by the office so I would assume if you had a pit, you can have a fire.

Yes, to scooters. We've biked that road during the 400 and walked it from a Nationwide race. Sidewalks all the way until you pass under 95, which is about 1/4 mile from KOA.

McD's across the street. A Shell (I believe) right by Winghouse.

Run was $27 which included a quick dry shirt and 2 day ticket for stands and infield! I bought Trevors ticket for $55.

Needless to say he is running/walking (or scratching himself for all I care) next year just for the shirt and cheaper ticket.

I don't believe there was a pace. There were A LOT of folks still running when we exited the infield. ( we didn't stay to watch the awards)

There are A LOT of patches in that asphalt, including the big one caused by JPM's run in with the jet dryer.

I did shoot your seats a bird.

I am an Indy Car fan so does that count? Besides reading Genia post about nate....

Of course! Anything that goes fast and rumbles is all right in my book!

My alarm went off at 3:30 on Saturday morning and it was COLD outside!

Like, see your breath, 47 degrees cold. Brrrr!

I had some coffee, ate a banana and layered the clothes. Nate had planned on walking in shorts. He decided against it when he rose from under the covers.

Instead he went for the "great white hunter" look. (Picture of health, Nate has a dip in )

We left the campground at 5:15 to catch the shuttle to the inside of the track.

Hopped on the shuttle....freezing!

Some of the participants waited until the morning to pick up their packets. We stopped by the inspection building to make sure we were good to go. We were.

It was very strange to be at the track at this hour. Completely deserted and covered in haze.

Since it was only open to the runners, we strolled around. No one told us we couldn't!?

After prowling around the infield and garages, we made our way to pit lane to wait.

RACING- So exciting, even the fans leave skid marks!

Freezing!!

Right up until 5 minutes before I took off running, I debated on keeping my jacket on. After I did a warm up run down pit lane, I stripped down to the last two layers and gave my jacket to Trev.

We never paid attention to where we were on the pit wall but if you look behind Nate, it's the 99 Gainsco team! That's who Jimmie drove for 2 years ago when he drove in the Rolex.

No one told Trevor he couldn't get in the pit box and sniff around.

The runners were starting at 7:00, the walkers at 7:05. That meant Alice & Nate were going to be right behind me for a few minutes at the start.

At 6:30, we all walked down to turn 4, then I jogged back. My biggest worry was warming up my thighs and calves in the cold weather.

7:00 rolls around and we're off!

We'll pick up there in the next update!

I didn't know you were a runner.

TCD

I don't classify myself as a "runner." I run 3 times a week to stay in shape and work the old ticker.

It was only 3.1 miles ON the track, I couldn't pass up the experience of running where thousands of race cars drive.

I am in!

You should have checked in sooner so you could have 888.

Egads! I would have probably hit the wall and torn a knee with that number.

Oh pish. YOu don't need to be into racing to enjoy a Stef report! Besides, there are photos of Mason. :popcorn:

Thanks Kim, racing isn't for everyone but I do have a ace Mason up my sleeve.

:pc: :pc:

We may need that double batch TJ.

I'm In!!

Yay! Happy to have you.

Hey, camping anywhere is a GREAT trip report!!!!

I agree Carol, but I didn't want folks to jump in looking for Mickey and seeing Michael instead (We'll get to that soon)

Awesome. KOA. Good tip, I want to take my son over there for a race, maybe camping can be involved afterall!

Hey, Lamont you big dummy!

More pics of KOA on the way. It's cheap and LOUD when a race is going on. I even have a video from my bed. (No, not that kind of video... )

I'm coming to join you Elizabeth!

Not yet Dave! At least let me finish this report.

another trip report-looks like its gonna be good, I'm in!

Yes, ya'll will be sick of Stef by the time I'm finished! I promise I will lay low for a while after this one.

Thanks for joining me.

Wow, another tr. when do you slow down to catch a breath.......

I like your pups approach. He's always excited to go some place else, just because its a new place to relax and take it all in.

I don't slow down much, but I'm getting ready to. I'm exhausted after the month with Jordan, two Fort trips, the holidays and this race. Probably chill out for the next couple of weeks.