NASCAR

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Today's Daytona 500 was the stuff fairy-tales were made of.  A young man who just celebrated his 20th birthday and was racing in only his 2nd Sprint Cup race.  Trevor Bayne was paying his dues, drafting for the most part as the pusher with some of the biggest names in racing. As wreck after wreck thinned the competition, he stayed almost scratch-free. In the end he was in position to cross the finish line first.

People ask why I love NASCAR. I love the diehard fans and listening to prerace concerts with Brad Paisley singing "Country Song". I love the moment of prayer and the displays of the American flag. I love the fact that Martina McBride could belt out the National Anthem without screwing it up.  I love the celebration of God and country at every race.

I love the dedication of the drivers to their craft, sport and community. They form dog charities rather than kill them.  They support a wide range of causes, giving generously.  They take care of their own.  They show up for endless practices rather than threaten strikes.  On occasion they settle differences with fist fights.  They work hard as a team and when a driver crosses the finish line first, it's a team celebration.

It's a sport where Jimmie Johnson has accomplished the incredible by winning 5 Sprint Cup Championships in a row.  It's a sport where 10 years after his death remembering the Intimidator Dale Earnhardt can still bring tears and heartache. 

I don't find NASCAR boring at all.  I celebrate the sport as the heartbeat of our country where fairytales do come true for a parttime racing outfit Woods Brothers with their first Sprint Cup victory since 1976 with the famous David Pearson.

Boogity, boogity.  It's going to be a great season.  :) Carol