Nascar Daytona Winn Dixie 250

I think my love of racing began when I was a small boy in Indiana. My dad took me to my first race at the Terre Haute "Action Track" dirt speedway to watch sprint cars. I was hooked. Over the years, I have been fortunate to attend races at some of the most famous circuits in the country and watch all different kinds of racing at tracks such as Indianapolis, Michigan, Homestead, Sebring, various midwest dirt tracks, and my favorite - Daytona! In my opinion, there is no better place in the world than to watch a race than the Daytona International Speedway. For a stock car racing fan, it's pretty much the center of the universe! I am blessed to live in the great state of Florida, and also blessed to work for Ford, and have some really good buddies in Ford Racing who sent me a "Hot Pass" for this weekends races at Daytona. Hot passes basically give you "all access" including the pits during the race.

Last night, I watched the Winn Dixie 250 Nationwide Series Race. I spent the pre-race wondering around the garage watching the Sprint Cup Qualifying action. Then, I went to pit road for the pre-race ceremonies. Pretty cool to stand next to Carl Edwards while the National Anthem is being played. I watched the race from Carl's pit box. Kevin Harvick's pit stall was right next too his, so I got to watch some pretty cool action. Jack Roush was sitting on top of Carl's pit box taking notes the whole race - which I didn't understand because he had a computer right in front of him. I guess he must be old school.

Anyway, Carl led a good portion of the race, but couldn't close the deal. Denny Hamlin won. It's a real treat to watch a race from the "inside". I am very fortunate to have the opportunity. Tonight, I will be pit side again for the Coke Zero 400 Spring Cup Race!

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