Friday started early

As we made our way into the Crystal parking area, we realized there is a definite caste system in the NASCAR world. We were asked “who we were with…” Although our purple parking permit was clearly displayed, we were still questioned. When we stated that we were with the NASCAR Foundation, volunteering for the Track Walk, we were told we needed to go to the “back” of the lot. See, what we didn’t know was the “front” is kept for important people. No, it’s not what you think, really. A purple permit for the Crystal lot should signify the same thing for all. But to be pulled aside and sent to the back was an enlightening experience.

We made it to our appointed station to work. The wind was blowing hard and it was cold. Not Nebraska cold, but cold none the less. We hung onto the six pole tent because someone locked the bungee cords in a building the night before and we had no key. A comedy of errors.

Billy and I decided to walk around and sell NASCAR Day pins on this fine day. That was due to more experiences with the caste system. Some important ladies showed up and said they would not do anything but register people, because that is what they signed up for. The problem was, Billy and I had been there the day before and were already trained to do the registration. We volunteer to do what is needed, not to grab the glamorous jobs. So we smiled and went on our way with pockets full of NASCAR Day pins. It was the cutest thing, seeing my hubby in a blue apron and his brimmed hat gleefully making his way down the midway of TMS.

There were so many wonderful and exciting things that happened today. The first adventure was me falling off a moving tram. The driver wouldn’t stop and we didn’t want to walk back a long way to our car that he had long ago driven past. It looked easy enough, just step off and go. Wrong! Kids, don’t ever try that!!! I am scratched, bruised and sore from the tremendous fall I took off that thing. My saving grace is that I was not run over by it as our driver refused to stop in spite of a body being inches away from being roadkill.

The other notable occurrence was Michael McDowell’s crash during Cup Qualifying. Too horrible to watch again. I stood with the other fans in horror as we waited to see if he would indeed survive that crash that looked unsurvivable. I just thank God he was OK, because it was the worst crash I’d ever seen.

The most incredible happening of this Friday at the April TMS races was meeting some very special people. Pookie, Steve, Brody, Chris and Pamela. Yes, the folks from our very own Community. Billy and I were at Quals when Pamela (Mrs.Crtny31) called. I left my seats near gate 4 to go meet them all at gate 6. That wouldn’t be a story except I was still very sore from the fall off the tram. What nice, nice people! And yes, I know what you’re all wondering…It’s true! Pookie is as cute in person as she is in her pictures! Pamela and Chris are just the sweetest couple this side of the moon! After the festivities at the track, Billy and I were honored to be able to go out to eat with Chris & Pamela

That is it for me tonight. I’m sore, road rash-ed and tired. We need to be at the yellow tent near gate 8 tomorrow at 7:30 a.m. Goodnight and don’t be jumping off no moving trams!