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!

So you think you are part of the media....

(Ash) So you think you are worthy of Media credentials? If you have 3 websites that supply news feeds to the likes of such: SPEED, Speedway Illustrated, KGKI radio- internet feed, and more- would you not think that you would be WANTED to cover a race, get the top of the time news, feed news that is still NEW (hence the name news) to the racing community and sports community in general. The companies that vest their interest in a company to do such expect it, but when you are denied, what can you do, most of all what can you do for your "customers?'
Let it be known that Atlanta Motor Speedway (October 27-29 racing) decided that "we don't assign credentials to just any websites..."
However, there are credentials given to those who are "affiliated" with vendors, friends of friends, and so on, just like anything else in life. The difference: The credentials we requested were for use of promoting every aspect of the weekend of racing-- more coverage for the track, more coverage for the sponsors, racing news. We were not, are not, and never have been, after the "freebie." Perhaps because some media representatives do abuse this opportunity, we all suffer. But to be denied because we are a "website" that is like saying that AMS is just a track!
Thank you TREY at AMS-- you will NOT be forgotten!

Girl Gone Racin' becomes Motor Mouth

(Ash) In the wake of 'Talladega Nights,' this past weekend at Talladega SuperSpeedway was inundated with Rick Bobby sayings and homemade logo wear reflecting slang from the movie. However, the appeal of the movie was not to just your “typical NASCAR fan,” but to anyone who has been around the south, racing, and ever turned on the TV to witness racing of any form. The same goes for the newly released bestseller by Janet Evanovich, "Motor Mouth." The book, released the Thursday before Talladega’s big weekend of racing, attracted attention from men, women, fans, and avid readers. Ms. Evanovich visited Books-A-Million for a whirlwind tour to end up at the Talladega Superspeedway.
Candidly the writer reflected on some of the things, both writing related and personal, that led her to such a topic for "Motor Mouth." A favorite among many women readers her titles are well known. The latest novel has a unique twist that “came when I fell in love with the sport” according to the author. However, being in the racing industry it makes me think; this is not so far fetched.
"Motor Mouth" crosses murder mystery with NASCAR. With the steamy elements that Evanovich is known for she did her homework on the NASCAR element. During her visit to the Talladega SuperSpeedway the award winning writer looked forward to a few treats. “A NASCAR friend is going to take me for a spin in the pace car” she beamed. Perhaps the appeal to many women about her writing is that she is a very down to earth person and her writing is pretty much reflective of her life and what she has experienced. When asked how she came about this interest in NASCAR the New Hampshire native shared storied of going to local tracks in the area and then a few years ago, agreed with her daughter Alex to attend her first NASCAR race.
“I was hooked.” As many fans realize, there is more than a redneck element to NASCAR. Ms. Evanovich was impressed with the family element and the fact that the fans knew no strangers at the races. “What I really loved is what I saw in the stands. They’re there with their families, coolers, having a great time and when the National Anthem is sung they are on their feet cheering with their hands over their hearts- full of pride.”
The award-winning writer admits that her books are a lot like life; you hope the good guys win but nothing ever comes to an end with out exciting adventure on the way.
To view a teaser of Evanovich’s Motor Mouth visit www.evanovich.com and enjoy. You will enjoy her book- NASCAR fan or not.

Good Grief Charlie Bradberry

(Ash) In the aftermath of all of the was not was of yesterday's NASCAR Nextel race (which ended with a mess on the last lap) and oddly enough, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race ending somewhat the same way- that is just racing at its best. Racing at its best is defined by each individual racer, fan, track owner, team member and so on- but knowing why you do what you do, say what you say, react the way you react and basically owning up to your actions are just part of life's lessons.
Candidly I wrote this weekend some of this and that about the "outside" of racing at Talladega, when I could have just as well written the facts from the inside (remember the HOT pass) --you can find those facts on many sites like our RaceFan.com or WhoWon.com or any general stats site for racing.
Reality check Sunday when I learned that a young, talented, on the rise driver from Birmingham, Alabama, had died as a result of a wreck in his truck, in a small town just south of Birmingham. Spending time at Birmingham International Raceway (BIR) that he called home, I have spent time with memebers of his family and the people that surrounded the driver from a young age.
Bradberry was enjoying a successful season, a tour with the PASS series, contention for great sponsorship, and more, he was just getting started on his career and his future.
Charlie and his bride Brandi were excited about their first child due in February. Charlie knew no strangers and the racing 'community' of the South will greatly miss his enthusiam at the tracks.

(Ash) Well, now that 'Dega has come and gone, I am lost. I got home tonight and wondered around my house trying to remeber what I was going to do about something...... Oh, sleep may be a good suggestion at this point but not until this Girl GONE Racin' (and came back) puts a cap on the Talladega experience. I have never seen, ok well, since April, traffic on I-20 at 6:15 a.m. This morning I just had pity on the truckers and any other unsuspecting motorist that happened to be headed west from that point until maybe 2:00pm. Of course by then THE race would have started and everyone would be "hollaring" at the track.
As I was sitting in the Media line to go to my "pink" space in the gravel, I was shocked out of my daydream by a roaring, really loud noise, above my car. I looked up through the sun roof and at tree top level there was a small private jet descending into the "mini port" at the track. Well, that was only the first of several-- I could almost see the people on the plane-- I am almost sure on of them was TONY the TIGER waving at me!
On that note, back at home my neighbor's husband works for the FAA and she told me they issued more citations to those "private pilots" this weekend than they were able to keep up with. Scarry--- but, the airport (and I use the term losely) is no more that what most large airports refer to as a hangar: A big metal building.
But that was just some of my entertainment while sitting, waiting, this time anyway-- There was more waiting, of course, you would think that someone would walk along the lines selling things like FOOD while we sat-- at 6 something in the moring. Several times I considered offering (you can do a lot with a hat or shirt, remember) whatever, anything I still had in the back, for some of whatever someone was cooking and I was inhaling. I kid you not, this village and expanded again since Saturday afternoon. Now, believe it or not, there were still people dancing around in the re-directed traffic with tickets to sell. Now, if they could have put two and two or something together they would have walked a half of a mile and been right smack in the middle of people holding hand written signs for "NEED TICKET." Now do you not see marketing potential there?
Onto Speedway Boulevard now; another mecca of people, cars, bikes, trash barrels, port-a-john cleaning trucks, and various other servies and personnel driving around on golf carts. After I parked I tried to figure out where I was (so I could find my car later) and then headed toward the Media Center. How about that, I got there in time to actually use the space that had been designated for me-- watch out BIG news guy that only comesin to mull around, eat bad food, and "be seen."

NOTE: Please help me with turing in info for your tracks if it is not already being done.

I will survive

(Ash) In the words of Glroia Gaynor: I will survive! I did, have, and will survive Talladega Days and NIghts (thanks Val) Day 3: On the road again, again, again, yet it is never the never the day twice. Proven, once again, on the way to, and from Talladega. Not to mention the racing has been spectacular, rookies shocking vets, amazing times turned in during qualifying, and then the restrictor plate "debate" that surfaced this morning.
Just when you think the "mini city" is at full capacity -- scoot over and squeeze in a few more- and they did, they do. However, surprisingly enough, this is a clean, and pretty tame place all things considered. When you consider that people from all over the country, and even a small percent from other countries, alcohol, a dry county, a 'sporting contest' and then toss in; this is the south: A FOOTBALL weekend- for the law officials this was a slow 24 hours. and no out of control fires was even more impressive. I asked one of the security men some generic questions but hey, he was a "hire out" from about 260 miles away and was "just thrilled to be here!" Bad choice and he wasn't even cute!
At this point the first race, won by Frank Kimmel, a personal friend of those of us at RaceFan, gave him a second victory at Talladega. Kimmel qualified in the top 5 but among those in that 5 he was the only one to come out on top- so to speak. I guess the saying "practice makes perfect" holds true. Kimmel and his team recently spent some track time on the newly surfaced Talladega track.
As I write this the Craftsman Truck Series is running the 250 miles of the 1000 total for the weekend and making history for being the first time for that series to run at Talladega.
The interesting thing at this point is that the fans love it all: Racing is racing. Yes, there are certain levels of a "Fan" such as there are many different levels and types of racing. But considering that we are where we are in our War Against Terrorism, maybe someone should look at the simple rules of the ____ (name the track) community during race weekend. Translation: Why can't we all just get along?
1) What is my space is mine, I have been here for years and, who are you?
2) If you need a port-a-potty, we have one-- just clean up after yourself.
3) If you cook, please share. When we cook you are welcomed to "come on by" but do so atyour
own risk,
4) Share your ride (in this case it may be a golf cart or pit bike)
5) Beer is an excuse to make friends and wheel and deal, just have a good attorney with you or
make it a signed deal. All deals under the "gentlemen's handshake" are blown like a bad engine!

Remember the Gremlins?

(Ash) I may be dating myself in this diatribe but remember the movie Gremlins? I do, not real well, don't own the DVD or anything, but I remember there was something about the furry little creatures not having water and/or seeing sunlight. If memory serves, there was a reason for that. With this in mind: Welcome RaceFans to Talladega, Aluhbama, USA, day 2!
Back on I-20 again, a much more congested I-20, I am almost to the temporary metropolis. The thing about the slow traffic headed toward the Speedway (note: the State seems to be doing roadwork every time there is a major race) is that with all the RVs, trucks pulling trucks, cars pulling trailers with PortaJohns strapped in, etc., the slow moving traffic becomes a source of entertainment! If I had been writing this, say 8 years ago, I would have bought stock in KIWI shoe polish. Anyway, passing the time I enjoyed reading the various, um, phrases, driver numbers, 'Dega or BUST!, Gitter Dun, and an assortment of other "polished" phrases adorning the convoy. Looking at some of the car tags, from as far away as Canada, I am just amazed. (I shouldn't be, football in the south is very similar.) Several "vehicles," and I use that term loosely, hailing tags from mostly the mid-west and north, bearing a great deal of rust, bondo, and bald tires- also 'Dega bound, are of special interest. I have to wonder how the 10 individuals packed into the El Camino could 1) know about this place (nevermind) 2) how did that car make it 800 miles 3) the cost of gas alone was enough money for new tires 4) how can/did they afford these outrageously priced tickets, and finally 5) where the *** are these pleople staying/sleeping? (That is the ones without motor homes.)
Kinda makes you think, huh!
Wow, I got off the Gremlins subject- just a "smidge" as we say in the South. Anyway, finally I am back on Speedway Blvd. and of course the place is just as I left it yesterday, with one exception: The people, tents, vendors, campers, fires and all have multiplied-- just like those Gremlin creatures did in the movie. Not stopping to "enjoy," there is more than enought time left for that, I quickly head off to my little cocoon; The Media Center. I need time to think!
Happy Motoring.

The Rednecks are Coming...the Rednecks are Coming....

(Ash) NOPE, there are already here! Live from the heart of Alabama: Welcome to Talladega Superspeedway... lets go racin' ! For me a 20 mile trip down I-20 is no big deal, except for a certain six days out of the year: NASCAR race weekend Spring, NASCAR race weekend Fall! Thurday's trip is unaviodable- getting my media credentials. Actually it is one of the times during the 4-day weekend that I actually enjoy. Imagine, lil ole me just zipping through security, snatching up all my passes, and this time even a HOT (garage) pass!! It has to be fate; there is a full moon, and I am going to march up to the Home Depot Tiger (aka Tony) my secret crush (not anymore) while he is reving up his orange ride to run his qualifying laps, and plant one right on his......... HELMET, SILLY!
Back to the idea of actually enjoying being a witness to the population explosion in this tiny town (new pop. around175,000) for a few days. It is nothing short of amusing to see the small community, if you will, under construction. For five miles on Speedway Boulevard, both sides of the road, there are just people (I use that term loosely) more people, junk being sold, (knock offs), piles of wood stacked 10 feet high and shower houses- that incidently I don't think some people realize are there- if you get my drift or whiff maybe.
Then there are the people all shapes, sizes, and stages of dental distruction, milling about aimlessly and in various stages of intoxication. Like the saying goes: It's five o'clock somewhere! The smell(s) at this point are something like a fair or carnival-- funky, greasy food and as you move further awary from the Speedway entrance, grilling. OK, I admit, early on I partake in some of that food knowing darn well what the Media Centre has instore for my intestines.
This past Spring I was adpoted by a "ban" of about 15 Army Special Forces Men that get together every April in Talladega as a reunion. Actually I was wondering aimlessly as I do anywhere I go without my OnStar or GPS- so I eagerly joined their group. Hey, you would too- 15 fit men, the majority my age, and not a dog ugly one in the group. (And that is a true statement without my "beer goggles") Anyway, for the remainder of the weekend they invited me to eat and hang out when I wasn't working-- if I could find their little spot again. (Thank goodness for cell phones!) Wait, make that big camp, same location every year, a very structured set up with all the amenities of a home away from home, if you can imagine. They had 4 RVs between all of them, cots, chairs, generators and a plethora of food and beverages, ok I promised I would never tell: They had a menu!
Well getting off the subject a bit but this is just the first installment of GirlGONERacin' (girl better return) from the heart of NASCAR- the newly resurfaced (TIGER even drove the paver back in June) 2.66 mile Talladega SuperSpeedway.
Time to pit!