I have been traveling since mid September.
I can’t even begin to tell you how filthy my house is right now happy I am to be home.
I’m excited to get back on a regular schedule, wean The Dudes off of the TV time they got to have while I was away, and avoid anything having to do with housework. Things have definitely gotten all disorganized and wonky over here (so much so, in fact, that I’ve convinced myself that wonky is actually a word that I’m okay with using; I’m not, just so you know).
Before I say anything else to mess up my street cred, let me tell you a little bit about where I’ve been.
I went to NASCAR!
I hazard to bet that I can count on a few hands how many of you have been to a NASCAR race before. But, if you knew how cute the NASCAR drivers are much fun they are, I bet you’d buy tickets and get your butts down to one ASAP.
I mean, come on, how adorable fun…
In an effort to dispel a bunch of NASCAR stereotypes, I’m even going to take a few minutes to let you know some of the stuff I learned there. Because I know we’ve all seen Talladega Nights, and while Ricky Bobby is probably based entirely on facts, not ALL racecar drivers, sponsors, or fans are like what you saw in that amazing film.
So, here ya go…
First, black people like NASCAR too. I mean, look at me…
If that’s not an I-am-so-freaking-loving-this-right-now face then I don’t know what is. And, as additional proof, I met this gorgeous hunk of man talented young man there too…
His name is Darrell Wallace Jr. (aka Bubba Wallace), and he is the first African American (and the youngest of any race) to ever capture the pole at Dover. You’re gonna have to Google what that means because, honestly, I’m still not sure, I just know that it’s good. Really freaking good.
Second, it’s not just a bunch of rednecks going around in a circle. Those dudes are athletes (see above photo of very nicely built man), they work hard inside and outside of those cars. Being a driver is strenuous, both mentally and physically, and being a member of the pit crew is too (did you know that each tire weighs 75lbs and they can change four of them and add 22 gallons of gas to the car in 13 seconds? It takes me longer than that to take a pee!). There is no way that average-man-on-street could pull this stuff off without dying, literally or figuratively.
Also un-redneck-y? The fact that the people behind the cars are insanely rich, smart, and business savvy. Like Mr. Joe Gibbs…
former head coach of the Washington Redskins. Pretty sure he does alright with his bank account. And, he was amazingly sweet, informative, and gracious to us when we visited his race shop. As was Darrell Waltrip (pretty much one of the most iconic NASCAR dudes alive). He spent tons of time telling us stories about his days on the track, giving us insider info about what racing is really all about, and letting us climb in and out of all of his cars….
Nothing redneck-y about these guys. And yeah, I got all Dukes of Hazard-y in a dress.
When you learn about the millions, no billions, of dollars sunk into this industry by sponsors, you will want to get yourself a racecar and drive it around in a circle too. I kid you not, most other professional sports have nothing on the bank roll behind NASCAR.
Third, I could wear a fire suit every day of life. Except for when it’s actually hot outside…
So cozy. And, kinda cute too!
Fourth, the garages are ridiculously clean. Like 23 times cleaner than my house…
They are building cars in here people and you could eat your dinner straight offa those floors! Not even a speck of anything was on the floor or the wall or anywhere. Nothing like that creepy-filthy place in my hood where they fix cars while also ripping you off.
Finally, as all-American as NASCAR is, it’s not just for American cars. Sure, we all love us some Chevys, but in recent years NASCAR has changed the game and brought in Toyotas too(specifically the Camry which, incidentally, is actually the MOST American made car out there, even if it is technically Japanese), and you know what?! They are winners! Big winners even…
Yeah, that’s me and my Toyota blogging homegirls in victory circle after our Toyota Camry driver, Joey Logano won the Dollar General Race in Charlotte last weekend. It was pretty fantastic to experience and I seriously wish The Dudes were with me. Because, um, awesome.
I’ve already made plans to take them to a race next summer when we embark on phase 2 of our All American Family Adventure Series, it won’t be quite as epic as this, but it will still be pretty fantastic.
Now, get to linking up your Wordful Wednesday posts, but be sure you also check out this week’s featured linkers, and then pop over to Seven Clown Circus to see what she has going on this week too!
- Sometimes accidental moments are the very best kind, like Multiple Mama’s.
- “Today is a new day” is a wonderful mantra by All Work and No Play Makes Mommy Go Something Something.
- Red Velvet Cake Pops revisited at BZMomma’s Ramblings made me smile.
- Family Traditions are wonderful; here’s a great Fall one from A Renaissance Woman.
pBd Admits It’s Free: I went on this awesome trip courtesy of Toyota as part of the Toyota Women’s Influencer Network. My decision to think NASCAR is fan-freakin-tastic is all my own!
Wow, I learned a ton from this post! Seriously a whole world I knew basically nothing about! And that race suit is seriously cute, hope you got to take that baby home! How cool would it be to pick up the kids from school wearing one of those?
I. can’t. stop. smiling. So much fun reliving it all over on your blog! And? I had so much fun hanging out with you. :) Let’s do it again!
SO cool! Did you get to do a ride along while you were there?
Very cool…and daaanng….they were pretty cute. ;-)
Wow. I really seriously never would have considered watching NASCAR until I saw that fine looking young Bubba. He’s enough to make me want to capture a Dover pole. Wow. BTW Love the Dukes of Hazard pic ;)
Hmmm, I’m still not all the way convinced about NASCAR… but at least you could rock the suit! ;-)
Although I do love some Talladega Nights, I not a Nascar fan, but I could have a change of heart with those lovely, manly creatures. Wow. I had no idea.
I’m actually more jealous that you got to hang out with Kristi of Live and Love Out Loud.
Love the suit and the pic of you hanging out the window!
How very cool. What a bummer that you didn’t get to take the boys. I’m sure they would have been ecstatic.
This looks like such a blast. Wow I am impressed at just how shiny that floor is!!! Loved your pics and Kristi’s too. :) You look like a natural wearing the Nascar outfit (just what do they call it? Cuz I’m pretty sure those dudes don’t call it an outfit). Jump suit?
I am SO jealous…this has been on Bucket List and I haven’t made it happen yet. You looked pretty cute with those Nascar Boys.
Laurie
I just think this is so cool. I have been following Bubba on Instagram for forever :) (and Joey & Gibbs team & so many others) Yeah – we are huge NASCAR fans. With the Vegas track so close- it’s hard not to be. Looks like you had an AMAZING time. My son is totally jealous.
Seriously awesomesauce! Looks like a blast and you had so much fun. Maybe I can check out this NASCAR after all!
What an awesome recap of an awesome experience! So glad we got to spend more time together. Great pics!!!
That looks like so much fun!!
Not a big fan of NASCAR…but this was fun to read! :)
Seriously love the picture of you in the fire suit! Awesome!
Great post! It was so lovely meeting you and sharing this NASCAR experience with you and all the other ladies. :-)
I have to admit that I was pretty shocked when I saw that photo of you in a Nascar car on Facebook, but after reading your post I get it. They really are adorable. ;)
Oh helloooooo seriously cute race car driver boys!
Looks like you ladies had a blast!
Well that just looks like it was a rough day all around. ;o)
Glad that you got to come check out our Nascar track and the museum!
Moving out to the midwest has opened our eyes to racing…nascar, indy etc. So much so that, for Father’s Day, my gift to pDaddy was a race car driving experience (granted he didn’t drive until August). I am so behind in that post, but put it this way, my HH was in a racecar suit, race car and got to drive around the race track…fun! I felt like a trophy wife even if I looked far from it ;)
ps – thanks for the shout out!!! what a great and welcomed surprise :))
We live deep in the heart of NASCAR country. Mickey has been to a couple of races. Apparently, the people watching is worth the price of admission, before the Gentlemen ever start their engines.
It looks like you had a great time.
Cool experience and love that you could put to bed some rumors. I am floored by the cleanliness of the garage. FLOORED!
Looks like it was so much fun! Wish I could have squeezed it into my schedule!
NASCAR sounds so much cooler than I ever imagined it to be! I’m so glad that you got to go and I could experience it through your post and photos! And only you can rock a fire suit with amazing shoes! I bet Stacy and Clinton would have been impressed! :)