Thank You NASCAR!

Janet and I were lucky enough to be guests of NASCAR at the New Hampshire International Speedway.

Not only did we learn all about stock cars and racing, but every single person we met was unbelievably gracious and kind. Janet couldn't have picked a better job and organization for Metro Girl hero, Sam Hooker.

Below are some pictures I took during the day.

-- Alex Evanovich (Webmaster)

Janet and our faboo NASCAR tour guide, Herbert.
Herbert is also know as The Mayor of NASCAR.
He knows everyone and everything about the organization and sport.

Stop #1
The Garage

First place Herbert took us was the garage. All cars are inspected and weighed before heading out to the track. This was my second favorite part of the day. It's amazing how much work and precision goes into the making of a stock car.

Stop #2
Pit Row

After the garage we headed out to pit row. All the cars were lined up and ready to go, prior to opening ceremonies. Here's a picture of Janet standing at the front of the line with the #24 car, driven by Jeff Gordon.

Had to take a picture with the Caterpillar car. Caterpillar, maker of big machinery and boots for kicking butt.

Opening Ceremonies

You can thank Herbert for all of the great pictures. He made sure I was always in the very front. This is a picture of the top ten in the NEXTEL Race For the Cup. New Hampshire was the first race in the Race For the Cup. The last race will be in Homestead, FL on November 21.

Stop #5
Drivers. Start your engines.

Not only were Janet and I standing on pit row when the cars left for the track, but we were still standing there when the race began. It was, and I try not to use this word very often but I don't know how else to describe it, awesome.

Stop #6
The Flag Tower

Here it is, my favorite part of the day. They let us climb up the flag tower while the race was underway. Yes, the tower waves when cars do 160 MPH underneath it. It's also incredibly hot.

Stop #7
Victory Lane

The winner was the #97 car, driven by Kurt Busch. Janet and I were on victory lane when he pulled in.

Jeff Gordon

Rusty Wallace

Elliot Sadler

Janet with Jim Hunter

Jim is the Vice President/Corporate Communications/Regional Touring/NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series and Plum fan. That's right. People who love stock car racing also love Stephanie Plum. Jim is the one who made our day at NASCAR happen. It was easily one of the best, and most fun, days of my life.