9/30/06 Busch Race Day

Mom and I arrived at the track around 9:30 am and headed for the garage/pit area. Dad was going to join us later, because with his terrible back problems he wouldn't be able to stand all day. John was suppose to be there with us too - but he's been off work for several weeks already with severe back problems, and wouldn't have been able to do all the standing and walking so he opted to stay home. (Note: In case you are wondering, besides the pit boxes, there is no place to sit in the garage/pit area.)

When we got there the Cup guys were getting in their final practice before Sunday, and the Busch drivers were awaiting qualifying.

Here are some of my favorite pics from Saturday:


I love this picture. Ashton's #25 car awaiting qualifying while Tony zooms by in the background practicing.


Here comes TTTTTTTTony!!!!


Now I know I'm one to be talking, but this picture just cracks me up. Tony's belt is pooching a bit, and looks as though it may be a tad snug. ROFL!!! I did hear he's got a personal trainer now though - so good on him. Wish I could have one of those!!! :)


Reed Sorenson with a dude that has a Tom Cruise profile. Now I don't throw that comparison around lightly (cause you know I love my Tommy) but he does have a T.C. profile. :)


Asthon Lewis Jr.


I just cannot say enough nice things about Ashton. He is an absolute doll and so sweet.

Mom and I were trying to figure out if the guy hanging with Aston was Gary Weisbaum (Co-owner/partner Team Rensi Motorsports) who we were to meet. Mom catches Asthon's eye and starts mouthing, "Is that Gary Weisbaum??" It was so funny. You could tell Ashton had no idea what she was saying....I started laughing....and here he comes. Mom asked him again if the man with him was Gary, and he said, "No - that's my dad." We introduced ourselves to him, and he stayed and talked with us for quite a bit. I have to just reiterate here that he is a doll!!! So nice!!!


Mom and Ashton


Me and Ashton

WOW!!! Do I have nerve. I picked on Tony and then I look at this picture and I make up almost 2 Ashton's!!!! Where's my personal trainer?!?!?!? :)


#35 McDonald's driver Regan Smith (Team Rensi Motorsports)


At last...Gary Weisbaum (dark blue shirt) with Ashton, and Ashton's dad (LOL)

Gary is peeps with my brother, and he is such a nice man. He treated us so well, and I can't thank him enough for his hospitality.


Now those are some gas cans!!!


Pops enjoying some BBQ in front of the McDonald's hauler before we head out for driver introductions


Rob Winchester

I don't know what's up with the look on Rob's face, but now knowing his personality (ornery), I could put a few captions - but I'll refrain. (How about you Doug?!?!?) LOL

Rob is also friends with my brother and was the man responsible for getting us our admission passes. He is a super nice guy (did I mention ornery?) and he also treated us so well. He took us out so we could watch the driver introductions from the track, and hooked us up with scanners during the race.

Gary, Rob and Ashton are 3 definate assets to the racing community. Great guys!!!


Ashton and his dad walking through the garage area


Rob getting us hooked up with scanners


The flaggy guy's stand :)


A view of the stands from the track, and the Mustangs that will take the drivers to their cars after they're introduced.


Mom and Pops


This picture cracks me up because it's like 'Where's Waldo?' In this picture is Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne. I took the picture because of Tony (of course) but didn't notice Kasey was even there until I downloaded the pictures.

DRIVER INTRODUCTIONS


Greg Biffle BIFFLE!!!!


J.J. Yeley


Tony




Belts not wantn' to stay tight on this one either!!! ROFL (what is with me tonight?!?!)


Regan Smith


Asthon




Kasey Kahne




Local favorite Clint Bowyer (I used to watch him race at Lakeside here in KC)


Kevin Harvick


Carl Edwards




Kyle Busch


Reed Sorenson


Denny Hamlin


Jeff Burton


Matt Kenseth


View of the crowd from the infield


Mom and Pops waiting for the race to start (we're in the Marine's pit area here)


Fly over (I always love these!!!)


Ed Rensi (Rensi Motorsports)


View of the start/finish line from the pit area


I like this picture HOORAH!!!


Team Marine ready for Ashton to pit


Mom and I were able to get up on the pit box for most of the race. Pops back started hurting, so he decided to leave. That's Lloyd Wideman with us who does sports management and works with Team Rensi.


The pit box. It was really cool being able to sit up there. The scary part was we were told that if the #25 car crashed (thank GOD it didn't - I was praying) we were to drop everything from our hands and get off the cart pronto. Let's just say that when I first got up there I was figuring out where I could jump. LOL


View of Team Marine from the pit box


Picture of Tony (#33) and Ashton (#25) as they pass by


Asthon coming in for a pit


Ashton tearing out after a pit


Where Harvick takes the lead from Kyle Busch and holds on to win the race


Gotta hate it when pieces of your car just fall off. LOL


And the winning #'s are:

1. Harvick
2. Kenseth
3. Busch (Kyle)
4. Stewart
5. Bowyer
6. Edwards
7. Sorenson
8. Biffle (BIFFLE!!!!)
9. Labonte
10. Menard
11. Yeley
12. Leicht
13. Reutimann
14. Lewis Jr.
15. Jon Wood


Now that's one heck of a souvenier!!! (and yes - that is the actual hood off the wrecked Kingsford car) ROFL!!!


On my way home from dropping off the Momma - I saw the McDonald's hauler getting ready to get on the highway to head out.


And right in front of it was the Marine's hauler.

Well, in case you couldn't tell - I had a wonderful time at the Kansas Speedway (from Wednesday right on thru to Saturday).

My SIL Angee called me Sunday morning and said she could get us in to see the Cup race - but that we wouldn't have a seat - and because my feet were still screaming and John's back being as it is, I passed - but boy did I miss a race. AND MY BOY WON!!!!

I would just like to thank everyone again who made all this possible. You all are all awesome - and you definately helped make some memories that will last forever!!