Racin' to the alter...

(Ash) Have I been missed? Most likely not, but I have missed my racing "outlet," especially since I have been among family, lots of family, for many days- all for my sister's wedding. (Dubbed the BIG FAT BEACH WEDDING) Of course the members of the family that are from Alabama relate everything "racing" to Talladega or what they see on TV. The family members from South Florida can at least think outside the track with Seabring and other tracks that gain some attention in the cities where they are located. But after all these years of my dad "being in the business" and then here comes tomboy daughter for the past 5 years: They still don't "get it!" But what I did enjoy is the perception of the entire sport/industry that was represented within these 20 or so cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. Remembering that in the south, it is football, football, football, so of course everything was compared to "you know, like tailgating at an Auburn game." Ha, they have no idea. Tailgating goes on for a day and a half-- and if your team is lucky enough to go to a bowl game, maybe several days, but that "loyalty" pales in comparison to NASCAR fans, at the top of the tier, and racing fans in general.
To the southern football fan it is a fun diversion from everyday work and life, a time to let loose and party like you did in college. To the racing fan, it is a way of life: What happens at the track does not necessarily stay at the track. But these true fans will "duke it out" over a bag of ice or a stack of wood.
The stories I was relaying to them from just local track racing (some of them did not know they had a track practically in their own back yard) and then of course the NASCAR weekend long stories- had them in stitches. But, as you know--- they are true, they need no embellishing. One cousin and aunt/uncle had no idea that there was a track that existed on a road that is my last name and to get to that road you turn off of one that is my first name--- I kid you not, if you followed (fallered) that directional.
I was the maid of honor (old maid of honor) at the wedding, which provided me a weekend of jobs and other fun duties, but the best thing I could "bring on" was my ability to further educate yet 20 more people about the seriousness of racing--- or at least entertain them!
Happy motoring!