Here we go again

Well, as DW says, Boogity, boogity, boogity. . .NASCAR has officially started for 2009, and I’m going to give this blog another shot.

Honestly, some of you have been so snarky toward me personally, and called local drivers really ugly names, I have issues with that. I would throw up my hands and say "nimyh, nimyh, aargh!" Then, I'd swear off this blog thing again.

I'm not the all-knowing great OZ. I have a couple of jobs to work. I have a life. Time is sometimes limited.

I’m not into the particulars of engines, car bodies, camber, toe, (heard those phrases yesterday) tires and all those kinds of technical things I hear on TV or elsewhere. If it has wheels and there is competition involved, I’m happy. I don’t care if it a unicycle, bicycle, tricycle or an 18-wheeler. I like competition. Yeah, that’s pretty shallow, but I guess that’s me.

So here’s a ground rule – and it won’t change in the middle of the season or a race, as NASCAR is prone to do.

Don’t make personal attacks. I’ll just reject the comment. I don't care if it's about me or someone. I still believe in your right to have an opinion, but don’t tell me I’m stupid, call me, or anyone else for that matter, mean names or cast aspersions on my heritage.

My realm of auto knowledge is how to put the pernerndl (PRNDL) in gear, check the oil and air pressure in the tires, how to pump gas, vacuum the carpet and wash the exterior. Other than that, I call the mechanic or AAA. Enterprise Rent A Car is on my cell phone contact list.

I can tell you what’s happening around the area and special events coming up, who wins what races where – when they update their websites regularly - what’s going on with some local racers, and make a few comments, observations and even jokes about things nationally.

Honestly, I have more fun at the local tracks than I do most of the time at NASCAR races. There’s more camaraderie and enjoyment at local NASCAR Members Club viewing parties that live at the track. I don’t know how many autographed photos and limited edition poster prints we gave away yesterday at the Daytona 500 party for guessing lap leaders, who’d cause the first caution and who’d be the first Lucky Dog.

When my friends and I go to NASCAR races, what happens inside the track is usually anticlimactic to the tailgating, friendship, fellowship and food outside in the parking lot and playing the games around the haulers.

The fun inside is generally pre-race on pit road or in the stands meeting new people. Last year at the Coke 600, we met some firefighters from New York City at their first race who were seated beside us. They looked over and asked if we could show them how to use the TrackScan radio. From then on, we were their best buddies for the day. I think they wanted to take my race buddy back to NYC with them.

So see, to me, racing is more about having fun, watching some good (hopefully) competition and taking in the experience. Yes, we have favorites and we are happy when they win and upset when they lose. We proudly wear their colors, patronize their sponsors and immediately bond with others wearing the same colors.

That said… Let’s go racin’! And, BTW, did you EVER think you’d hear this?

“And Elliott Sadler takes the lead in the Daytona 500.”

I thought so. Me neither.