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!
The post Wordful Wednesday. Everything You Need to Know About NASCAR. appeared first on dude mom.