Edition 21, May 26th - 2008

Anybody But Kyle

With the arrival of the Memorial Day weekend, I always get the itch to be in North Carolina again for the Coca Cola 600. We probably have made the spring trip at least six times, and always have enjoyed the hospitality around the Charlotte area. I often advise other people that wish to attend a cup race, that this track and area are great to get the flavor of major stock car racing. Most of the race shops are within twenty miles of the Concord North Carolina area. If you plan on attending this event, you should book at least three extra days to visit the various attractions and race organizations. Our friends took over ninety pictures on their first visit to the North Carolina race experience. Street Fest in uptown Charlotte cannot be described and must be experienced. The food and southern warmth are great, including a huge mall with a Bass Pro Shop as the anchor store. What could be better?

The Coca Cola 600 is not only the longest race for the series; it is also one of the longest days for the race fan. To get a good parking spot, you must head for the track somewhat early or get grid locked in traffic with the other 200,000 race fans. Once there you must decide on free parking, which will keep you at the track for three or so hours after the race waiting to get out, or pay somebody near the track to park and get out sooner, which is what I recommend. Then the wait for 8-10 hours before the race actually starts. Many trips through the souvenir and food stands, but the wait is worth it!

As we watched this year’s pre- race program from home, the helicopter assault, and gun firing soldiers were evident as in all previous events. Retiring President Humpy Wheeler gets a kick out of blowing things up in front of a crowd. I hope the new President of Lowe’s Speedway builds on the foundation set in place by Humpy. (Lowe’s is still one track that phones you personally and asks why you have not attended a race at their track for some period of time) They seem to care.

The pre-race fireworks at this year’s race should have been an indicator of what was coming. Kyle Busch ran away from the rest of the field for the first 82 laps, but Vickers was coming through the field and on lap 83 passed Kyle (YEAH) -Don’t know why just do not like Kyle Busch-. As the race progressed, a progression of cars moved to the front including stints by Jimmie Johnson and Kurt Busch. By now some viewers were probably getting a little bored, but if you stayed with the program, the real fireworks were just about to start, which is normal for this track in the second and third segments.

With 215 laps to go Vickers lost the driver’s side rear wheel, which went bouncing into the infield. He had led 61 laps that night. With 100 laps to go, #88 Earnhardt slapped the wall hard and went to pit road for repair. We assumed he was done for the night. With 39 to go, #9 Kahne passed Kyle Busch for first position-(YEAH).

Though strategic pit stops, #20 Stewart took over the first position but with four laps to go, Tony had a right flat tire which ended his hopes for victory. Kahne took the point again and rolled the Dodge to victory lane. Biffle finished second, with #18 finishing third and #88 was happy with fifth. Of the top five finishers, three had been a lap down on this Sunday program. We got anybody but Kyle in victory lane this day. Amazing what 600 miles will do to even a field. But enough of this NASCAR report.

The Mid Am Series travels to the Hankscraft home track; Dells Raceway Park on May 31 st. If you have not attended a race at the Dells recently, you will be impressed at the facelift given to the facility. They are working hard to make your short track racing experience a pleasant one. If you spot the Hankscraft teams in the stands stop by to say hi, we would love to meet you.

Racing to the Checkers,
Jim