This weekend I went to Loudon (officially New Hampshire International Speedway) to see the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series SYLVANIA 300.
As I stood there 20 feet from 40 cars moving at speeds over 180mph my gaterade shook in my hand and I scrambled to get my ear plugs.
Wow what an amazing sight, smell, sound!
Okay maybe it isn't for everyone but me and 110,000 of my closest friends thought it was a great way to spend a nice fall day!
Being a new timer I didn't have a favorite car or driver. My 5 year old told me to pick a car based on my favorite color and my 7 year old said pick one closest to my age...only one problem there was no blue 30-something car!
I found a 38 with M&M's on it and thought that was close enough! It was in the leading 10 cars when I picked him out so I figured he was contending for the championship. Turns out he wasn't in the "chase". I guess if you aren't in the top 10 by this time in the season you are out of luck even if you have a great race. Rules
He crashed into the wall half way through the race - bummer but got back in and with the 5 car who had a really bad day (and no hood), pulled up the rear and at least stayed in the race to the end. Looks like I should have picked Reese's Peanut Butter cups #29 who won and is in the chase!
Not for the weary - I left at 6:20 am and got home at 10:30pm. The atmosphere was a mix of small and personal yet huge and happening. Parking was free, t-shirts only $5 but then tickets $60 and radio rentals $180 and up!