So, here goes another blog into the world of blogdom. I know, I know, there's millions of them out there but well if everyone jumped off a bridge...... I have to say being from south Georgia and living in my family there is one thing that can light a fire under me and that's sports. I mean like put the Holy Ghost into you kind of fire. It's a way of life around these parts. You''ll most likely never hear a sentence start with "Hey Jim Bob, you see that documentary on butterfly flight patterns, they're so graceful." No, here you'll hear about Friday night football games, Saturday afternoon college games (where marriages,families,and friendship have been broken up over rooting for the wrong team), Saturday night short track racing, and Sunday afternoon Nascar races. Which come after church. We ARE in the bible belt, amen. I eat,sleep, and breath it. If you only understood the depression that can be felt when football and racing season are over with at the same time. GAH! I can't even talk about it. So, when I hear there is going to be a big and I mean BIG race in Cordele, Ga. I can't help but feel like the sun has come out, angels are singing and someone just told me cake comes with no fat and no calories. Ahhhh. A girl can dream can't she? I digress. The race was slated to have several big name drivers like, Kyle Busch, David Ragan, Chase Elliot, Mike Garvey, Johnny Sauter along with some young drivers that are making a name for themselves in the shadows of fathers with big names. Ross Kenseth, son of Matt Kenseth and John Hunter Nemechek, son of Joe Nemechek. Tons of people pored into the track, all wearing gear of their favorite drivers and anticipating a good day of racing. I've been going to Watermelon Capital Speedway for years, and years, and years and, well I'm old, that's all I need to say. I haven't seen the stands this packed at this track in a long time. It made my heart pitter-pat to see so many people support their local track. All the drivers lined their cars on the front stretch and stood by their cars to sign autographs for excited fans and pose for pictures. I think all fans like the feeling of having their favorite drivers so easily accessable. Even Kyle Busch whom I do not care for (long story),(not really),(just forget the parenthesis) seemed in as good of a mood as can be expected from him. The first race began and it seemed like it was going to be good straight off the bat. Chase Elliott, a fan favorite pulled himself to a win by dodging some crazy wrecks especially on the last where two cars spun out in turn four and Chase held on for the win. I haven't seen a crowd go wild like that in a while. The second race started with Bubba Pollard leading most of the race but with Kyle Busch hot on his heels and at lap 184 Kyle Busch finally taking the lead for good. As the race went longer he stretched out his lead till he took the checkered flag. One of the craziest things I have seen at a race track (and I have seen plenty) was for a grass fire caused when Jeff Fultz hit an oil patch on the track and went off in turn 3. Kyle Busch did a nice little burn out after he won. I was too busy wondering if I should really waste precious energy going to victory circle to take his picture. Long story, remember? But I did anyway. He seemed rather nice and thanked everyone for coming out and packing the grandstands. He only got a half a brownie point from me for that. After the day was over it felt really good to have been there with all the other fans coming together for something we all love. I really hope to start seeing more local tracks with packed stands and eager fans. Feels good to be around people with common interests and vastly different personalities. Personalities are my favorite part. So, come and support your local track. Bring your family, bring your excitement, and for heaven's sake bring lots of personality. Until next week, happy racing!
Check out the pictures from Speedfest on my smugmug account! They are available for purchased or viewing.
http://racegirl.smugmug.com/Cars/Speedfest-2012/21260119_thDsPK
RACEGIRL
