Sorry for the delay on the second part of my big NASCAR race day adventure. So let’s get started...
11:00 a.m. I made my way from the helipad, and decided to forego the shuttle and walk to my gate to take in the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. (Note to race fans: Wear comfortable walking shoes.)
11:15 a.m. Once my bag had been searched and I reached the top of the entry ramp, I excitedly took in the concessions waiting for me. Oh, how I love eating at sporting events! It’s the best food ever...and this stadium was packed with choices to satisfy every junk food eater’s palate. There were the basic favorites—hot dogs, burgers, nachos and soda. And there was a Lobster Hut and cheesecake on a stick...yummy! Plus, if you like to enjoy a beer or spiked lemonade with your racing action, then you’ll find that your cup will never runneth dry at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
11:45 a.m. I walked by the entrance to the Neon Garage, which was mobbed. I wondered how one goes about getting in there—only to see the nearby ticketing booth waiting for me.
12:15 p.m. While making my way to my seat, I noticed several fans looking skyward. I looked up to see what was attracting so much attention, and I saw the Flying Elvi. It’s been ages since I’ve seen that “Viva Las Vegas”-loving skydiving troupe. Following the Flying Elvi, there was a touching enlistment ceremony that was charged with patriotic spirit.
12:35 p.m. Mayor Oscar Goodman, with a bevy of showgirls in tow, welcomed everyone to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. He acknowledged it was a great day for the city to have a turnout of 150,000 people amid the economic crunch. Next, Gordie Brown the “man of a thousand voices” took the stage and performed a medley of music by Santana, Randy Travis, Kenny Rogers and more.
1:00 p.m. My favorite part of the day so far was without a doubt the fly-by of the Thunderbirds, the air demo squadron based out of Nellis Air Force Base. It was so breathtaking! Following this amazing show the Red Bull helicopter and small plane provided race fans with a stunt show. Through the stands I could hear “oohs” and “aahs” as the helicopter did twists, turns and dives that were beyond anything I would have imagined a helicopter could do!
1:25 p.m. My favorite show on the Strip is the musical “Jersey Boys,” which plays at The Palazzo. So I was overjoyed when they announced the lead stars were coming onstage to sing the National Anthem. Seeing all the crew members lined up along the track while I listened to their four-part harmony was definitely an inspiring sight.
1:30 p.m. The moment everyone had been waiting for had finally arrived. Carroll Shelby came out and delivered the famous phrase, “Gentlemen, start your engines,” and 43 racecars eased onto the track behind the pace car.
1:35 p.m. I won’t offer up many observations about the Shelby 427, as my understanding of motor racing is very limited. Like I said earlier, this was my first NASCAR experience. As someone who’s never seen a motor racing event, the sights and sounds—and even the smells of the exhaust—were incredible. When the pace car pulled off the track and let the drivers loose, my heart picked up a beat and the feeling was one of pure adrenaline. Each time the cars came by there was a thundering sound that could be felt almost as strongly as it was heard.
1:45 p.m. The first yellow caution flag was thrown. I believe it was about six laps into the race and that Matt Kenseth’s car may have been on fire. It was the first of loads of yellow flags that appeared throughout the race—ending in a track record of 14 in all. And, would you believe, at least three drivers encountered major engine problems?
3:10 p.m. Even though the race hadn’t ended, I was sweaty and covered in dirt and exhaust, so it seemed like an early departure from the track would be a good idea. Once I arrived at the Maverick Helicopters tent, the friendly crew greeted me warmly again. It was amazing how simple everything was—all I had to do was show them my wristband. I grabbed a bottle of water and took a seat…but within five minutes I was summoned to board a departing helicopter.
3:25 p.m. It didn’t seem possible, but this helicopter ride was more amazing than the first one because our pilot, John Mandernach, looped up and cruised all the way around the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Seeing the cars speeding at full throttle below us and the spectators packed into the grandstands was incredible. It really gave me a feel for the grandness of this racing facility—and made me proud to be a Las Vegan.
3:42 p.m. Touchdown at Maverick Helicopters’ main terminal. I don’t think this could have been any easier! Actually, maybe it was bad for me to be treated so well, as I was disappointed getting into my car while knowing how much better it is traveling by helicopter. If only I could take one everywhere!
Congratulations go out to Las Vegas native Kyle Busch, who started in last place and worked his way to the front to win the Shelby 427. It was a day both of us will long remember!
