Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Stereotypes Step Aside

I like NASCAR. There I said it. I own it.

I love being at the track on race day.  I actually get stressed out when my driver isn't doing well or has a bad pit stop (see - I know the lingo!).

It all started when the speedway came to Kansas. My dad and his best friend wanted to see a race so I got us tickets and we went. I picked a driver that day - Jimmie Johnson #48 - and he's been my driver ever since. He happens to be my dad's favorite driver too. Jimmie took 5th place that day and won the Sprint Cup that year. I have been hooked ever since.

And yes - I attended the race this past weekend. The Kansas Speedway has a new surface with higher degree turns on 2 and 4. It was exciting with a record amount of cautions (wrecks)! Last year I went to the race by myself...and loved it. Someone actually asked me if I was Jimmie Johnson's wife! I almost kissed the man, but instead I graciously just answered no and whispered "I wish" under my breath. That made my day.

The actually point of my blog is this. There are a lot of stereotypes about NASCAR, NASCAR drivers, NASCAR fans, etc. Until you have BEEN TO A RACE, you may want to hold off on the stereotyping, put them on pause and actually check one out. You will be amazed.

These are things I bet you didn't know if you have never experienced NASCAR race in real life:
  • NASCAR Drivers are some of the most selected celebrities by MakeAWish kids - and they are wonderful with the children before the races.
  • There is always respect paid to the military/armed forces before the race.
  • There is always a beautiful prayer said before the drivers get in their cars.
  • There is usually a fly over during the Star Spangled Banner (and teary fans)
  • During Driver Introductions there are always Drivers giving checks to charities/foundations
I am just saying... give it a whirl. You will be pleasantly surprised. If this Banana Republic/Ann Taylor-wearing, vodka martini-drinking, church-attending/God-fearing, sushi-loving, girly--girl can dig it...so can you!


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