Trixie radioed…

Postman and I made another pilgrammage to Texas Motor Speedway this past weekend. For those of you who aren’t from Texas, Lubbock is roughly 5-6 hours from Ft. Worth. The drive isn’t all that bad, upside you get to see lots of Texas…downside stuck in a car for 5-6 hours.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2
My only goal today was to meet and acquire an autograph from Mr. Elliott Sadler. As most of ya’ll know this goal was accomplished. We missed our turn, got caught up in some NASTY traffic, and arrived late, but that’s all in life of a NASCAR fan. I just have to say television and pictures don’t do Elliott justice. Can I just say….VROOOM!!! Sorry I got a little distracted. There wasn’t much going on at the track on Thursday except truck practice.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3
Another one of my goals for the weekend was to swing by and watch Trackside live. It was being taped early in the day due to the truck race. I had my sign hoping to get on television. You sometimes have to be somewhat creative to get on television. So I began to write on the posterboard the following…“Spent all my money, Mom—sent more!” I think I accomplished my goal because the camera stopped several times on my sign. Plus when Jeff Hammond was standing on the stand he pointed towards my sign. I don’t know if I managed to get on television because I forgot to Tivo the show and my friend didn’t have Speed TV. Oh well…so if anyone taped it can ya let me know if you saw my sign? Of course my sign couldn’t top the sign I saw above one of the food vendors…“Pork Butt on a Stick”. I guess you can put another on a stick and sell it.

Got my picture with Rutledge. It was definitely a lot of fun except for those pesky drunk people in front of me. I know drunk people at a NASCAR race, but these people we just plain rude. Thank you for letting me see your tramp stamp (a tramp stamp in case you don’t know is a tattoo placed on the lower back)…I could have gone all my life without seeing that.

Let me just say it was FREAKIN’ COLD at the Truck race. I was definitely in layers…shirt, jeans, sweatshirt, jacket, toboggin, gloves, scanners earphones and Tony blanket. I was still freezin’ my ass off. My NASCAR collection for a heater…just one chance to stand in front of a heater. I am slowly getting into the trucks. Got a chance to meet to meet Johnny Benson. He was just standing around in the truck pits. I guess the truck drivers can pretty much walk around unnoticed.

Another cool thing about the truck race was Emmitt Smith and his Dancing with the Stars partner giving the start command. It was amazing to see him draw more cheers than the drivers. Of course…he did play for the Cowboys and well he was a HELL of a football player.

Congrats to Clint Bowyer for winning the Silverado 350K in the #46 Jack Daniels Silverado.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4
I decided not to hang in the pits on Saturday. I was a little tired from the previous two days. I did pick up all the free stuff I could, but what the heck am I supposed to do with it? I guess I could use it as stocking stuffers. I just wanted to take in all the midway action before going in to watch the Busch race.

I stood in line to get a chance to win something from the Goody’s Headache Powder display. It was kind of like Plinko from the Price Is Right except you didn’t win money. I won instead a radio headset. I also was able to get my picture taken on one of those riding lawn mowers that can do a 360 in your yard. Only thing missing was my beer. I also had my picture taken with a cardboard cutout of Tony and the Nextel Cup down at the Nextel Fan Area. Plus how could I resist a picture with Sparky (TMS mascot) and the Aaron’s Lucky Dog dog.

I thought the Busch race was pretty boring. It bascially became the Kevin and Tony show. And Kevin Harvick won…didn’t see that one coming.

I would have to give some props to Shane Huffman. I saw his crash coming out of turn 4 and let me tell that was a HELL of a crash and you knew it was going to leave a mark. His car was junk as you can see from the pictures. Our seats are located across from pit road entrance so we got to see what was left of his car. It is amazing how the drivers can walk away from something like this.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5
The weather forecast for Sunday was RAIN! I didn’t care if it rained as long as it stopped during the race. It did rain before the race, luckily Postman and I were inside at the Q&A with Greg Biffle at the time. It was supposed to be Jamie McMurray at the Q&A, but I guess due to scheduling conflicts he wasn’t able to be there. I am glad. Don’t get me wrong, I like Jamie, but I was interested in seeing Greg Biffle. I have kind of watched him over the season and you know he is kind of growing on me. We were able to submit questions for Greg to answer. They didn’t pick mine, but Postman was thrilled they picked his.

We decided to head into the stands to take our places for the race. After a several runs around the track with the jet dryers and several laps under caution, the green flag dropped for the start of the race. Tony just dominated the race. I thought Kasey was going to get him, but Kasey’s engine just gave out. Then there was that pesky other home improvement store driver knocking on the back bumper of Mr. Stewart. I think Princess Jimmie could have caught Smoke, but a late race crash pretty much sealed the deal for Tony. I belive Jimmie was also big picture racing. I think I would have done the same thing if I had been Jimmie. Not only did Tony win the race, but he won my a cool $75! Thanks Tony!

Before I begin my discussion about the pre-race festivities I have to say the following. I want to say that I know several Dale Earnhardt Jr fans and all of them are wonderfual people. Just like me they are passionate about their driver as well as NASCAR. They respect my right to cheer on Tony and I respect them. However, this little rant is directed at the Junior fans sitting about three rows down from me at the race. Do you really think Jimmie and Jeff can see you flipping them off at 180 mph? You may be decent people, but you made watching this race unbearable. You were loud and obnoxious to all the other fans who paid hundreds of dollars to come see their drivers race. You blocked the view of several of your fellow race fans because you were being stupid. No wonder Postman cheered when Dale Jr. got loose and crashed. I know all drivers’ have fans who do this.

Speaking of Junior, TMS was celebrating their 10 year anniversary this year. As part of the “10 Years Strong” celebration, they had the fans vote on the top 10 moments at TMS. Congratulations to Junior for topping the list. His first victory at TMS topped the list.

My favorite part of Sunday was the pre-race festivities. TMS gave Terry a Texas size goodbye. Along with several goodies including a new Texas Silverado, he given a wonderful tribute. Justin Labonte was driving his father’s 1980 Monte Carlo. The same car Terry drove to his first Cup win at the Darlington Raceway. It was pretty cool to see them drive side by side as they lead the field around the track. (Sorry for the blurrines). I was touching when Terry’s daughter, Kristy, gave her father his final “Gentleman Start Your Engines” command. I think what touched me the most…Mr. Hendrick giving Terry the car he used for his final race. I’m not much of Hendrick fan, but that was pretty cool of him. Terry Labonte will be missed by this NASCAR fan. Thank you Terry!

Of course, NASCAR wouldn’t be NASCAR without a little controversy. Kevin Harvick got Scott Riggs loose which resulted in a late race crash. Apparently there was a scuffle in the pits resulting in Kevin and Delana as well as NASCAR official being knocked down. This was caused by a crew member of Scott Riggs. I know tempers get hot, but come on dude. It’s racing, plain and simple. What did it cost you? You were basically fired. Can I just say DUMBASS? You should have taken a lesson from Dale Jr. The same thing pretty much happened to him and he handled it like a professional. He knew it was a racing deal nothing more.

Well, that’s about it in a nutshell. I Saw lots of people who define the word redneck. I came home with lots of free stuff which I still don’t know what to do with, lots of souvenirs including a car tire, and sore feet and back. But I will do it all again come April.

That’s it from The Park…

Trixie radioed…

I will have another post to recap the festivities from Texas, but I wanted to share with all my Elliott fans out there my new desktop picture.

I headed out to Bass Pro Shop to try and get Elliott’s autograph. My husband missed the turn and we ended up in some horrible traffic. I didn’t think we would make it in time, but we thought let’s try. Glad I did. He was going to be there from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm and we got there at 6:30…we were up to the table about 7:30 or so.

Postman took this picture while he was signing something for him. Let me tell you something TV does not do him justice. He looks much hotter in person. THANK YOU POSTMAN!!!

Well..here you guys go. You are more than welcome to save the picture to your desktop as well.

One more note…thanks to Mr. Lug Nut for driving all that way through some traffic yourself to meet us at Bass Pro. I know HOW much you love NASCAR…(for those who are daily readers to The Park–he doesn’t care for NASCAR).

Trixie radioed…

Just got back from my weekend at TMS. I am very tired.

Just a few things…

TONY WON!!! I picked him in the side pot with some friends of ours and he won me $75!!! Thanks Tony!!! We both walked away a winner this weekend.

The tribute to Terry Labonte was AWESOME. The folks at TMS did things up right. Thanks for the memories!

Spent lots of money on more NASCAR items, saw people who well…define the word REDNECK and a great time with all my fellow NASCAR fanatics.

I will share lots of pictures and tales once I get some rest.

That’s all from The Park….

Trixie radioed…
Before I begin I would like to wish all my readers a very Happy Halloween. Hope you got lots of treats and no tricks!

Postman and I went into one of the local McDonalds this evening to grab a bite to eat before heading home from doing our laundry. We decided to go in and eat, but all that changed when I saw the two hellions having a spit wad fight. WTF!!! I didn’t get the memo about the spit wad fight. If I had known I wouldn’t have come armed.

That’s right my fellow bloggers, these two little male hellions were having a spit wad fight in McDonalds. They were running all over the place. When the nice lady who took our order asked, “Will this be for here or to go, I quickly answered “To Go”. I scanned the place for the parentals hoping they would tell their boys to stop what they were doing, but no such luck. I thought it might have been the lady with the daugther dressed as princess. Nope. And I definitely knew it wasn’t the nice looking family sitting quietly with their 3 children who were behaving how children should behave in public. As they were getting to leave the two hellions nearly took out the oldest daughter dressed in her 50s attire. And that’s when one of the adults that were escorting the two hellions spoke up and I quote, “You two need to slow down or you will run into somebody.”

That’s right. Not stop what you are doing or you will get it. Or stop, sit down, and behave. Nope the father like person, said, “you two need to slow down or you will run into somebody.”

Now my parents did a pretty decent job in raising me. I knew my boundaries and what would happen if I crossed those boundaries. If I had been doing what the two hellions were doing, well…let’s just say there would have been some serious hand to butt communication going on in that McDonalds.

I will be leaving for TMS tomorrow evening for fun in the sun and lots and lots of NASCAR! I am going to gry to get Elliott Sadler’s autograph on Thursday as well as some others. I will probably try to hang out at the Speed stage to see Trackside as well as Race Day. I want one of those orange construction hats. I will buy lots of souvenirs and bring home free crap that I don’t need, but hey it’s FREE! I love the smell of racing fuel in the morning. I don’t know if I will be able to post anything to the Park since I won’t have access to the internet, but I may be able to connect to a wireless system or perhaps Ms. H. would let me use her internet. If not I will be back Monday to regale everyone with photos.

Have a great weekend!

Trixie radioed…

Atlanta was very kind to Mr. Stewart this weekend.

First he wins the IROC Championship. So does this mean we will get to see the IROC on dirt at Eldora next year??? As we know Tony said he would give back the cool million he won if they would have an IROC race on dirt at Eldora. Should definitely make for some interesting racing.

Second, Tony won the Bass Pro Shops 500 yesterday in Atlanta, Georgia. I was very excited for him. I am hoping he has that kind of weekend in Texas. Did you get a look at the trophy??? How awesome!!! He definitely took a lot of hardware home this weekend. Hope they had room in the hauler for this trophy!

Debris Gate–What was the deal with the “debris” coming from Robby Gordon’s car? Did Robby throw out the debris to cause a caution? Or did it come from under his car? The replay to me wasn’t conclusive. I did however love the how NBC’s Dave Burns went to find Robby to see where the mysterious roll bar foam padding came from. It felt like one of those investigative pieces you see on 20/20 or 60 minutes. They caught him on the side of his hauler and had the bright light shining in his face. He was definitely sporting that “deer in the headlights” look. How appropriate at the Pro Bass Shops 500. Jeff B. was pissed is all I have to say. That’s the best way to describe it. And you know what, I don’t blame him.

To see Kasey interviewed after his meet and greet with Stremme. Note to Stremme…Kasey was taking responsibility for the crash you bonehead. Just go back to your hauler and have a cold one courtesy of your sponsor.

Congrats to Matty! You are still leading the Chase right now with only 3 races left–Texas, Phoenix, and Homestead. I hate the fact that Princess has managed to race his way back into contention. I have never said the boy couldn’t race, but damn I don’t want him to win.

Now for the “You Got Screwed” portion of my post. Once again Mark Martin got screwed. In ended up in a late race meet and greet. It sucks because I really wanted Mark to win yesterday. I think he would have been in contention for the championship, but I don’t see that happening unless the NASCAR gods look down upon “The Crazy Old Man” and sprinkle him with the fairy dust. But as we have seen lately, stranger things have happened. Go luck in Texas Mr. Martin! I know I will be cheering you on!

One final note…I would like to to say thanks to Snowflake, Mr. Lug Nut, and the fellas in the Peanut Gallery (and you know who you are) for helping me yesterday with my class project. If yesterday was any indication of my directorial debut, I will keep my day job. You know how actors can be and I certainly had a couple of them yesterday–he he. I guess that’s what I get for hiring non-union workers. Wait until I get to the editing room.

That’s it from The Park today…

Trixie radioed…

It’s Saturday in Ocotober and we all know what that means…college football. Later today my RED RAIDERS will battle the #5 Longhorns.

While surfing across the cable channels this morning, I came across one of my favorite sport movies. I would have to say it runs a distant second to my all time favorite Hoosiers, but a great movie in my opinion. What movie you might say? That would be “Rudy”.

How can one not like the story. Here is this guy who wanted to play football for Notre Dame. He found a way to live his dream. We should all be so lucky. My favorite scene??? When his teammates go into Coach Devine’s office and place their jerseys on the desk and asking their coach to let Rudy play in their place. It brings tears to my eyes every time. And of course how can you forget his teammates beginning the chant, “Rudy, Rudy, Rudy” and the next thing you know the whole stadium is chanting his name. Then his teammates assure that Rudy will get to play in the game. And there you have it folks, Rudy gets in the game and makes a tackle! Awesome movie! We should all be so lucky to have people who think that highly of you.

I guess I need to see an inspirational story today. I haven’t seen much inspiration lately so maybe this will get me out of my funk. I am hoping a trip to TMS next weekend will revitalize things. I am in the midst of a personal dilemma and either way I will probably come out looking like the bad person. A friend is in town this weekend and I am hoping just visiting with about my dilemma will help. He sometimes has an insight on things that I just can’t explain.

Have a great weekend…good luck to all my football teams and of course My Boys in Atlanta. Tony is going for the IROC championship today in Atlanta. I am hoping he will pull it off. As a Tony fan, this would help ease the pain of Tony not making the Chase.

UPDATE…Tony won the IROC championship today! I love his sticker “Eldora or Bust”. I would love to see the IROC cars race on dirt. How cool would that be? Mark should have gotten out of his IROC car and beat on Ryan N. Lot of bumping goin’ on and three wide racin’. Congratulations to Martin Truex for winning the race.

Trixie radioed…

Qualifying was rained out today.

Don’t forget the final IROC race will be held tomorrow. I would love to see Tony win the IROC championship. But of course this will all depend on the mood of mother nature. Sometimes she can be such a bitch.

Well, I haven’t wrecked the old SUV. The last two times I was slated to attend the races at TMS, I have managed to wreck the SUV. It usually occurs about 10 days before we leave for the race weekend. Last November some yahoo decides to run a stop sign and t-bone my SUV and he didn’t even stop–bastage. This past April, I side swiped someone. She was in my blind spot so that one unfortunately was my fault. Well…so far so good. We leave on Wednesday so I think I am in the safety zone. I had a close call this morning at the Starbucks, but other than I am ok. Of course those little cows (or UT Longhorns) are in town so here’s hopin’.